Nine graduating student staffers of the University of Central Florida’s Recreation and Wellness Center have accepted graduate-assistant positions at universities across the country, setting a record for the center.
The seniors worked in several areas at the RWC, including fitness, intramural sports and building management. Graduate assistants play a vital role in helping recreation facilities reach yearly goals and they gain experience operating programs while having a chance to earn their master’s degrees. Institutions waive tuition in exchange for their work.
The seniors who will move to other universities for graduate-assistant work are: Kelsey Edge (University of Texas), Korey Lane (Grand Valley State University), Juilo Perez, Jr. (Nova Southeastern University), Alexandra Prano (University of Florida), Dani Rivera (University of South Florida), Dana Santoro (Ohio University), Brittney Shiller (Southern Illinois University), Richard Shiller (Clemson University), and Leanne Thompson (Purdue University).
Included in the group are brother and sister, Richard and Brittney Shiller, who participated in the RWC 0fficiating program and are both nationally recognized flag football officials.
Richard Shiller, Prano and Thompson were all student leads in intramural sports. Prano is the 2011-2012 Intramural Sports Supervisor of the Year. Santoro is the outgoing personal training lead for the RWC fitness staff and the RWC Wellness Champion of the Year for her commitment of keeping students healthy and fit. Edge is the RWC’s 2010-2011 Facilities Employee of the Year.
The Recreation and Wellness Center is funded by the SGA. Its mission is to enrich campus life through efficient services, comprehensive programs and high-quality programs that foster healthy lifestyles.