Pat May is celebrating her 25th year of hard work and dedication at IUPUI. Before coming to IUPUI, Pat obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and taught elementary school. She started her career at IUPUI working for the Occupational Therapy Department. She worked there for 17 years, where she held the titles of Director’s Secretary and Business Manager. In August of 1993 Pat joined the TCEM Department which was then housed in the School of Engineering and Technology. With TCEM’s relocation to the School of Physical Education in 2000 and the retirement of Mrs. Dottie Ball, Pat May became the School of Physical Education’s Recorder. I asked Miss May what she liked most about her job. She replied, “The things I like about being the Recorder are the interaction with students, the privilege of working with thoughtful and friendly faculty and staff, the variety of tasks, and the opportunities to make decisions and suggestions.”

As the following accolades suggest, the feelings are well reciprocated from faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Linda Brothers recalls receiving Pat’s personnel file for her interview. Dr. Brothers writes, “When I received Pat May’s personnel file for her interview, a statement made by her previous supervisor said, “If I could clone Pat I would. She does it all with professional expertise and a perfect attitude.” Having an opportunity to work with Pat since 1993 has proven that quote to be absolutely true. The TCEM Department has been able to grow and improve due to Pat’s dedication. She is invaluable.” Dr. Sotiris Avgoustis said, “Pat May has been a real asset to the TCEM department over the past few years. Part of the department’s continued success and growth can be directly attributed to her hard work and dedication. I can recall numerous times when students approached me to express their appreciation with Pat’s demeanor and attitude. As far as I am concerned, Pat is the model team player for any organization!” Dr. Frank Achana wrote, “For someone coming into the Department for the first time last year, it was really nice to note that I could rely on Pat for information that I needed. We owe a lot to her in the TCEM Department.” Jim Bennett said, “Pat May sets a model example with her dedication, willingness to help, positive attitude, and attention to detail. If Pat doesn’t know the answer to a question, then the problem doesn’t exist! These attributes have proven to be invaluable to both students and faculty. She truly makes our job easier.”

Pat May has not only graced faculty and staff with her detailed assistance but has also been a great help to students. Toshio Mills remembers a time when he was stationed far away from the ILJPUI campus. He writes, “Pat May helped me immensely while I was in the Navy on active duty out in Pearl Harbor, HI. Her keeping me up to date and setting up an appointment with Jim Bennett was second to none. She is no doubt an asset to TEAM IUPUI, not to mention our department.” As a student myself, I have sought assistance from Pat May. I have found her enthusiasm and willingness to help me outstanding. I am always tickled because assistance of this nature is hard to find.

In honor of all Pat May’s hard work the School of Physical Education faculty, staff, and students threw her a surprise party. It happened during Jim’s Bennett’s TCEM 352 class. Sandwiches, chips, and cake were served along with a summoned speech from Miss May. Remarkably it was a surprise! Congrats Pat, we appreciate all your help!

INDIANAPOLIS HOSTS CONFERENCE
By Ed Schilling

As in previous years, the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) held it’s state conference in Indianapolis at the University Place Conference Center on the IUPUI campus. The conference took place November 8-11.

Leading the student activities was Lisa Picek, the Student Leadership Counsel’s state president and an IUPUI School of Physical Education student. A record 200 students from all over the state attended the conference. Forty attendees were from IUPUI. Due to a mix-up in the meeting time for the official attendance count, IUPUI won the attendance award as they have done consistently over the past 20 years.

Dr. Betty Jones, Professor Ed Schilling, and Professor Katie Stanton made presentations at the conference. The School of Physical Education’s dance instructor, Ms. Paige Craigie, made a presentation when a speaker did not honor their commitment. Ms. Craigie gave a 90-minute presentation on jazz dancing that was very well received.

Many professors provided release-time so that students had the opportunity to attend the conference. The encouragement of professional participation has been a cornerstone of our school’s success.

The 2002 IAHPERD Conference will start on November 13, and be held at the Westin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Students and faculty are encouraged to make plans to attend.

TCEM Certificates Given The Go-Ahead
By Jim Bennett

The Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management department (TCEM) received final approval on all five certificate programs submitted to both Indiana University and Purdue University.

The three Purdue University programs are Beverage Management, Lodging Management, and Food Service Production. Indiana University’s certificate programs include Event Management and Cultural Heritage Tourism.

Those seeking a General Studies degree are particularly attracted to the certificate programs as students are permitted to enroll in a certain number of credit hours from a particular department outside their school.

IUPUI Administration has shown a key interest in developing courses that explore culture to promote the city through ethnic festivals and historic living museums. This has been instrumental in the development of the Cultural Heritage Tourism Certificate. By offering Cultural Heritage Tourism
(TCEM 334) in the 2002 spring semester, the department hopes to The Tourism, merge with both the campus initiative and Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson’s efforts to promote cultural tourism.