By: Courtney Z. Voelkel

Once in a while we meet people who remind us that there is still kindness and generosity in the world. Ray Dault is undoubtedly one of those people. For the past 37 years this compassionate man has been suiting up as Santa Claus to spread the spirit of Christmas to children at Riley Hospital. Since 1964, when Dault started this event, he has only missed two Christmas visits, due to his own health problems. This stretch is believed to be the longest running in the history of Riley, which opened in 1924.

In an article that appeared in Michigan State University’s newsletter, Dault modestly explained he goes to Riley because “It gives me a chance to touch other lives and do things without really taking credit for it.” He also added that “the children (at Riley) must endure so much pain. I can bring a little happiness, make them smile and forget the hurt for a time.”

It only takes a short while to recognize Dault’s caring attitude and his irreplaceable qualities. Not only has he personally shared his kindheartedness with the lives of tens of thousands young patients, but he has also accomplished numerous other achievements, in 1987 he retired from full-time teaching and he now holds the eminent title of Professor Emeritus, which he earned from Indiana University’s Department of Restaurant, Hotel, Institutional and Tourism Management. In addition, he is also active in his community and other organizations.

In fact, Dault has truly touched a countless number of lives with a strong belief in his vision. “I really believe I am Santa Claus,” he declares, and for many he is.
(Most of the facts and information in this article were obtained from a Michigan State University newsletter - 1996)

A BUSY YEAR DRAWS TO A CLOSE!
By: Jim Bennett

The Indiana University School of Physical Education Honors Day Convocation was held on Sunday, April 22, at 2:30 p.m., in the auditorium of the University Place Conference Center on the IUPUI campus. Dean Kellum presided over this prestigious event, which served to highlight TCEM and HPER student achievements over the past year. In addition to Dean’s List awards for Spring 2000 and Fall 2000, the convocation recognized the recipients of many departmental awards and scholarships. In addition to family and friends of the award winners, those in attendance included the benefactor of a particular award. Following the formal recognition ceremony, all were invited to a reception celebrating their accomplishments.

We applaud all student award winners for this year!

FACULTY HONORED

Dean Kellum was pleased to announce the School of Physical Education Teaching Awards for the current year. Dr. Sotiris Avgoustis and Dr. Alan Mikesky are recipients of the new Trustees Teaching Award. This award replaces the Teaching Excellence Recognition Awards (TERA) given the past three years. The school also presented their own teaching awards this year for both a full-time and a part-time instructor. Dr. Avgoustis is the honoree for full-time faculty and Dr. Neil Singletary received the award for part-time faculty.

Congratulations to these excellent instructors!

THE HONORS CONTINUE...

On April 6th IUPUI recognized the 100 Most Outstanding Undergraduate Students for their academic performance, involvement in campus activities, and service to the community. Special recognition was given to the top 10 male and female students, with one male and one female student identified as most outstanding. Damon Bell from the TCEM Department was honored as being one of the top 10 male students. Damon is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma Indiana Mu honors society and was named to the Academic All-Conference Team for the Mid-Con Conference in May of 2000. In addition to playing on the Jaguar varsity men’s tennis team, Damon is president of the Tourism and Hospitality Society and a member of the Physical Education Student Academic Affairs Committee. His community involvement includes volunteering for RCA Nike Playground and the Special Olympics. Congratulations to Damon for this prestigious and well-deserved recognition.

A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK...
By: Courtney Z. Voelkel

As most of you know, over the past year the Tourism, Convention, and Event Management team has moved locations. However, you may not know the many new faces you see in the Physical Educations building each day. The following is a brief introduction about some of those new faces...

When walking into the building you will be greeted by Dana QuaIls, who is the Department Secretary for the School of Physical Education. Dana has worked for IUPUI since 1990, when the Maxwell Program was still in place. She is in charge of printing syllabi for the school, sorting mail, and answering the phone for the entire school, as well as guiding lost persons, who may wander by. Dana says that her favorite part of her job is getting to meet the many people who pass through.

As you enter the Dean’s office, you will then see Wendy lskander, who is the Executive Secretary to the Dean. Some of Wendy’s responsibilities are preparing payroll, managing the disbursement of keys, and ordering supplies. In July, Wendy will have worked at the School of Physical Education for two years. Previously to working in our department, she worked in the Physical Education building at IU Bloomington. Wendy declares that her favorite aspect of her work in having the opportunity to learn new things.

And last, but certainly not least, as you walk into the office next to Dean Kellum’s you will meet Rita Milliron. Rita is the Assistant to the Dean, and is accountable for arranging quarterly reports, preparing budgets for the entire school, is the manager for all accounts, and much more. Rita has worked for IUPUI for 22 years. She began at the School of Dentistry in 1974 and joined the School of Physical Education in 1979, where she aspired from a clerical ranking to a professional ranking. Rita articulates that the best part of her job is the great staff with whom she works.

These three people, Dana, Wendy, and Rita, work together to help make the School of Physical Education run smoothly. Each of them contributes essential aspects to the school and do so with a positive and team-oriented attitude. Keep up the good work!

BON VOYAGE!

The School of Physical Education is pleased to announce students scheduled for graduation.

May 2001 graduates from the TCEM Department with their respective degrees include:

Purdue University Associate of Science degree: Elizabeth Bellman, Jennifer Cantu, Amanda Derrick, Jeff Schroeder, and Jennifer Turner.

Indiana University Bachelor of Science degree:
Amanda Fishburn, Lori Gamble, and Geoff Hastings May 2001 graduates form the HPER Department include: Indiana University Bachelor of Science degree: Cory Adams, Ryan Cobb, Brad Coverdale, Matthew Davis, Edward Fierek, Jodie Garrity, Danielle Gross, Amy Knight, Jeremy Lohman, Mike Merritt, Lucas Moscrip, Darrell Osborne, Jamie Shrum, and Christine Yoder

Congratulations to all degree candidates! The school wishes them well in their future endeavors.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the first color television was manufactured in Bloomington, Indiana?

Did you know that a giant turtle is both mascot and legend in Churubusco, Indiana?

Did you know that Indiana has a World War II memorial and Washington D.C. does not?

Did you know that over 1.1 million acres are available in Indiana for outdoor recreation?

Did you know that Indiana is the 10th largest grape producing state in the U.S.
and Indiana is home to 23 wineries?

Did you know that roller stakes were invented in Indiana?
Did you know that the first professional baseball game was played in Fort Wayne, Indiana?

Did you know that Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy were created in Indiana?

Did you know that Purdue University is the largest propagator of apple trees in the world?

Did you know that Attica, Indiana has over 200 structures on the National register?

Did you know that four Vice- Presidents and one President of the U.S. were from Indiana?

Did you know that Purdue University School of Nuclear Engineering is home of Indiana’s first and only nuclear reactor?

Did you know that Indiana is the largest producer of recreational vehicles in the nation?

Did you know that in Metamora, Indiana you can tour aboard a canal boat pulled by draft horses?

Do you want to know more about Indiana?

Visit Indiana at VisitIndiana.net!