FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2003
CONTACT: Carol Anderson
canderson@emich.edu
734.487.4400

Five EMU Students Receive Parks and Recreation Scholarships for 2003-2004

YPSILANTI – Five Eastern Michigan University students were recently awarded scholarships for the 2003-2004 school year from the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA).

The EMU parks and recreation majors received more than $3,000. Awards were made to students attending Michigan colleges and universities with accredited curriculums in parks, recreation, leisure services and/or tourism.

The EMU students and scholarship awards are:
• Nora Curiel, Farmington Hills, $800
• Christos Galatis, Livonia, $800
• Bramwell Roberts, Royal Oak, $800
• Amanda Tikkanen, LaGrange, Ind., $600
• Stacey Puchalsky, Westland, $250

“It is indeed a tribute to the recreation and parks program at Eastern that our students are honored in this way. The MRPA is our state professional body and represents the industry by shaping policy and directing the future of recreation,” said Ian Haslam, head of EMU’s Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Department.

The scholarships, which have been awarded annually for the past 31 years, are based on interviews with MRPA members concerning commitment to the field and job and volunteer experience. This year, among the 27 applicants, 18 students attending various Michigan colleges and universities received $15,000 in scholarships.

In addition to the interview, applicants must be MRPA members and have at least nine credit hours in parks and recreation courses to qualify for the scholarships.

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association is a non-profit, statewide association that represents the public and private sectors of the recreation and park profession and the interests of leisure service professional and citizen advocates throughout Michigan.

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