IPRA’s Mike Selep and Matt Barber met with students, faculty and alumni last week at Western Illinois University’s Professional Development Conference and Southern Illinois University’s Allen Symposium.

Combined, over 500 individuals gathered to openly discuss a variety of topics in an effort to better prepare students for their experiences entering into the world of parks and recreation. IPRA staff focused their presentations on:

• professionalism,
• the benefits of association membership,
• the national legislative agenda,
• and expectations they should have in regards to employment opportunities within public parks and recreation.

An area that received special attention was the presence that college students are currently making on the Internet. The pros and cons of “self-promotion” via Facebook or Myspace were topics of hot discussion.

Also this past week, a couple IPRA members were selected as Alumni of the Year at SIU and WIU.

• Mike Benard, Executive Director of the Wheaton Park District, was selected as Southern Illinois University’s Alumni of the Year. As well receiving Alumni of the Year, the students presented Mike with the specially created “I Love Park Districts” Award at the annual banquet that evening.
• Corey Atwell, Executive Director of the Glen Ellyn Park District, was selected as Western Illinois University’s Alumni of the Year.

Congrats to Mike and Corey…and we look forward to seeing everyone out and about.