Chair's Corner

Spring 2022 Community Message

The spring semester was an exciting time in the department. After an initial online pivot for the first few weeks, we welcomed students back to campus for the majority of their classes. We also recently were able to celebrate our Spring 2022 graduates in person. It was great to see our students and their families again, and celebrate with so many of our faculty in attendance. The student speaker was our very own Anna Lafontaine, who graduated Magna Cum Laude. She delivered an uplifting speech and certainly represented our department in stellar fashion. We also celebrate Stephanie Wang, who was our American Kinesiology Associate award winner this year. Additionally, we honor our Kinesiology Scholar Award Winners: Ethan Quan (gold), Stephanie Want (silver), and Devin Derecho (bronze); and our Kinesiology Service Award Winner: Noielyn Gier (gold). Congratulations to them all! 

In April we had a surprise visit from a head of state! The Department of Kinesiology was delighted to host a visit from the President of Iceland, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson. The President's father graduated from the Department of Physical Education in 1965, and he was able to see the building and classrooms where his father would have attended classes. Dr. Shirley Reekie, professor and sport historian, was able to share details about the time period when the President's father attended. It was a delight to meet the President, and to be able to share a bit about what his father’s time here would have been like.

In the fall we will be welcoming 3 new faculty, Drs. Matthew Bejar, Yang Hu, and Sherveen Riazati. I am very excited that they will be joining us and contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the department.

To ensure that our department is meeting the needs of our students, we are in the midst of a strategic planning process. We have been seeking input from many stakeholders, and should have a finalized plan at the end of the Fall 2022 semester. Thanks to all who have participated thus far in the process. 

As always, I want to give thanks to all our students, faculty, and staff who make the Department of Kinesiology a vibrant place, where we continue to work to keep us all moving. Your continued generosity helps us to support the academic mission of the department and support our students.