2020 Scholarship Recipients

Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients

Trevor Brown

Department T53 Scholarship

Trevor is the oldest of 7, and grew up in the Newport Beach/ Costa Mesa area in sunny, Southern California! His entire life he knew he loved serving people, and creating fun experiences for others through recreation, so when he found out about the hospitality sector, he knew it was exactly for him! In terms of extracurricular activities, he serves as a middle school leader in YoungLife, attend Antioch SLC church, volunteer at a separate local Presbyterian church on Sundays, and is a RAPS officer! In his free time he loves to play the cajon, rock climb, watch movies, play sports, workout, hike, snowboard, and hangout with his friends!

The Department T53 Scholarship is provided annually by Parks, Recreation and Tourism to undergraduate students pursuing a BS or BA degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Quinn Case

Scholarship in Outdoor Leadership

This scholarship was provided by an anonymous donor who believed in the preservation and conservation of the outdoors. The Scholarship in Outdoor Recreation Leadership awards an outstanding student in Parks, Recreation and Tourism who shows a commitment to the sustainable use of wild lands and waterways with a desire to preserve these resources for other living beings and for future generations of people; respect for the opinions of others and positive approaches to problem solving; and an interest in outdoor education or outdoor recreation as a career field.

Maurane Corbin

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award

The Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award is the highest recognition given by Parks, Recreation and Tourism to an undergraduate student in their final year of study. The recipient will demonstrate exceptional academic achievement as well as outstanding leadership and service to the department, university and larger community. The awardee should be a declared PRT major; have demonstrated contributions to Parks, Recreation and Tourism through involvement in Student Advisory Council (SAC), Recreation and Parks Society (RAPS) leadership and or PRT special projects; demonstrated contribution to the larger university community through leadership in committees or activities of the College of Health or sponsored by the University; and demonstrated leadership qualities through excellence in field work or internship placement and/or involvement and contribution in the community.

Jamie Goetz

Department T53 Scholarship and Joseph and Holly Arave Endowed Scholarship in Outdoor Recreation Ethics

Jamie is a third-year student at the University of Utah. She is double majoring in Outdoor Recreation and Anthropology/Archaeology and has a minor in Ecology, hoping to one day become a future Indiana Jones. When not studying to become a professional camper, you can find her climbing, horseback riding, hiking, canyoneering, swimming, etc., but probably not kiteboarding. She hopes to one day work as a national geographic archeologist explorer, work in the teen travel industry, maybe sail the world, and probably be a crazy animal lady at some point. Though in all likelihood, she will end up on a small island living off the land, painting, and singing to dolphins everyday. The PRT department has impacted her life in so many beautiful ways, she is honored to havereceived this award.

The Department T53 scholarship is provided annually by Parks, Recreation and Tourism to undergraduate students pursuing a BS or BA degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

The Joseph and Holly Arave Endowned Schoarlship in Outdoor Recreation Ethics award honors the memory of Dr. Joseph (Joe) Arave, a graduate of Parks, Recreation and Tourism’s doctoral program, and associate professor, interim department chair and associate department chair from 1996 to 2011. Originally from Virginia, Joe was an avid outdoorsman whose passion for nature and gardening was only outweighed by his love for his family and faith. He left a legacy of being an excellent team player and will be remembered for his commitment to the Department. This award also honors Holly Arave, who supported Joe throughout his career and shared his love for the outdoors and his concern for students.

Julian Headden

Utah Recreation and Parks Association Scholarship

Julian was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He obtained his K-12 schooling in the Granite School District, graduating from Olympus High School in 2018. While attending high school, he was a varsity lacrosse player earning All-State honors in his senior year. Since turning 16, he has held employment when his schooling has allowed him to do so. Some of his responsibilities have included food service, household maintenance, University of Utah event services, and retail. He chose the University of Utah because his family has a long lineage at the school and he has always been a big fan.As for his major, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, he chose this because it closely aligns with his desire to remain close and connected to the sporting world, post-graduation.

Presented by the Utah Recreation and Parks Association, this award recognizes the recipient's contribution to the mission of URPA by actively promoting the growth and development of recreation, leisure, parks and preservation of natural resources in the state of Utah.

Sarah Hunt

Dr. Kelly and Nate Bricker 'Experience the World' Scholarship

Recreation, and Tourism and Environmental and Sustainability Studies.She is from Salt Lake City and loves spending time exploring the mountains and deserts of Utah. Her time as a camp counselor led her to pursue a degree in outdoor recreation and she hopes to share her love for the great outdoors with others. She loves spending her free time hiking, skiing, and backpacking with family and friends and loves exploring new places. Her time as an Urban Ranger and an officer for the Recreation and Park Society at the University of Utah have only deepened her passion for outdoor recreation and education. Upon graduating, she hopes to share her passion for outdoor recreation with others and provide meaningful experiences for others through her work. She plans to continue her education and never stop exploring the world.

The Bricker Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving park, recreation, and tourism student in honor of Kelly and Nate’s contributions to sustainable tourism worldwide, and, in particular, for the extraordinarily positive difference they have made in the island nation of Fiji in the South Pacific. Financial support for the Bricker Scholarship comes from an anonymous donor who appreciates Kelly and Nate’s positive impact on the park, recreation, and tourism program, Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation, the College of Health, and the University of Utah, as well as countless countries across the globe that depend on sustainable tourism for their economic, social, and environmental well-being.

Annabelle Kang

Susan S. Christiansen Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship is made in honor of Susan S. Christiansen. Susan’s contributions to the Department reach back to 1981. She is remembered for her compassion and concern for students.

Abigail Laskey

Gretchen Sue Weber Scholarship

This award is presented in honor of the memory of Gretchen Sue Weber, a Parks, Recreation, and Tourism undergraduate student who perished in a skiing accident on Baldy Shutes at Alta Ski Resort on March 20, 1980. Gretchen was a vibrant, bright and enthusiastic young woman. The award was developed by her family and friends at the University of Utah and is given annually to recognize one student who best exemplifies the characteristics of Gretchen.

Samantha Loertscher

Gayle Richards Lawrence Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1998 by Gayle Richards Lawrence for students in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Gayle served as a secretary, executive secretary, administrative secretary and administrative assistant in Parks, Recreation and Tourism for over fifteen years. She was known for her warmth, professionalism and consideration of others. Her dedication, perseverance and devotion to the students, faculty and staff was given freely and always with a smile.

Landon Lucy

Dr. L. Dale Cruse Endowed Scholarship

Landon was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He fell in love with the outdoors and rock climbing at a young age which eventually inspired him to move out to Utah! Now, he is a junior in the outdoor recreation studies program, with a particular interest in adventure programming. In his free time, he loves to rock climb, snowboard, read, and play music!

The award was endowed in 1992 by Dr. L. Dale Cruse, Professor Emeritus, and Chair of Parks, Recreation and Tourism from 1972 to 1994. The scholarship is given in honor of his late son, Randy Dale Cruse. Over his 22 years at the University of Utah, Dale was an invaluable teacher and administrator.

River Murdock

Harold J. Goodro Endowed Scholarship

This award was established in 1994 by Harold Goodro and continues to serve in his memory. In addition to being a long-time ski instructor and working ski patrol at Alta, Harold taught outdoor adventure programming and environmental awareness education at the University of Utah from 1974 to 1996. His enthusiasm and dedication to quality teaching brought him international acclaim as an outstanding adult instructor in the State of Utah. He pioneered climbing routes in the Wasatch Range, including Goodro’s Wall in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and climbed and skied all over South America, Europe and Africa. The outdoor skills courses that he developed eventually became the U’s Natural Resources Learning Program, now known as the Experiential Learning and Outdoor Recreation Education Program (U-EXPLORE).

Rachel Pearce

Dianne Nelson Binger Memorial Scholarship

Growing up in an adventurous environment Rachel loves all things outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and skiing! When she is not in the great outdoors she loves playing the piano and reading! She is currently pursuing a BS in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism with a focus on Outdoor Recreation Studies and a BA in International Studies with an emphasis of culture and identity. While her experience with the outdoors has mostly been with close family and friends, learning more about the commercial and tourist aspect is in her future endeavors. Currently, she is working at a ski resort in hopes to learn more skills to apply later. She hopes to continue her education well beyond her undergraduate years and gain even more experience, from many different cultures around the world. Showing the next generation her passions and educating about parks, recreation, and tourism is one of her future goals!

This scholarship was established in 2006 by the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau in memory of Dianne Nelson Binger. Dianne served at the Bureau for 18 years, where she progressed from Convention Sales Director to Vice President, to Senior Vice President and, in 2001, President and CEO. She promoted Salt Lake City and Utah as a travel destination and knew the tremendous cultural and economic value that tourism brings. Diane took great efforts to mentor the careers of people around her, and nothing pleased her more than seeing their achievements.

Charles Salmans

Helen D. Goodro Endowed Scholarship

Charles is a second year student at the U of U and a PRT Undergraduate. He was born and raised inLos Angeles California, where he decided to move out to Utah for school to focus on experiencing more of the great outdoors and learn about how to better craft outdoor recreational experiences for others. While in Los Angeles, he was able to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and become a National Hispanic Scholar. he currently works at the Clark Planetarium, where he tries to help people feel connected to the wonders of space. His favorite outdoor activities include backpacking, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and fishing. He is hoping to learn how to skateboard this summer, since snowboarding is seasonal but he loves the feeling of being on a board. He loves to cook, play with dogs, and experience all that this world has to offer.

This award was established in 1996 by Harold Goodro and Helen D. Goodro for deserving undergraduate students who are in need of financial assistance. An artist, Helen taught art for many years and owned the Taylorsville Art Studio. Harold worked for the University of Utah for over 20 years as an instructor in outdoor adventure programming and environmental education. His courses were eventually developed into the U’s Natural Resources Learning Program, now known as the Experiential Learning and Outdoor Recreation Education Program (U-EXPLORE). Harold was an avid explorer of mountains in Utah and around the world. Mr. and Mrs. Goodro are fondly remembered by staff of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Kristin Short

Elliott M. Wolfe Scholarship

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest with an adventurous family, Kristin developed a love for outdoor recreation and sports at an early age. She participated in school sports like soccer, volleyball, tennis and swimming and went hiking/camping with her family every summer. After graduating high school, Kristin moved to Utah for her college education and stayed for the incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. During a hiatus from college, she developed a love for travel (especially international travel) after participating in a yoga retreat in Bali, Indonesia. When she transferred to the University of Utah in the spring of 2019, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism was the only program that made sense, combining Kristin’s love of travel and the outdoors. After completing her degree, Kristin hopes to start her own business offering outdoor wellness retreats in hopes of showing others how great of a healer and teacher the outdoors can be.

The scholarship was established in 1998 by Mrs. Judy Wolfe in recognition of her husband and her family’s involvement in the outdoor recreation retail industry. Elliott loved the out of doors and all that it represented. The Wolfe family owned a chain of successful sporting goods stores in Utah for many years.

Kendall Smith-Williams

Dr. L. Dale Cruse Endowed Scholarship

Kendall’s favorite activities include backpacking, reading, and knitting. She grew up in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and has always been enthralled by National and State parks. She loves exploring Utah and taking advantage of all this state has to offer, from the large amounts of protected BLM land to the “Mighty Five”. She is honored to have been chosen to receive this scholarship, and look forward to many more semesters in our Parks, Recreation, and Tourism field. She absolutely loves what we do and cannot imagine a better place to be doing it.

Hayley Smith

Laurie Allred Christianson Endowed Scholarship and NOLS and PRT Faculty Quasi Scholarship

The Laurie Allred Christianson Endowed Scholarship was established in 1997 in memory of Laurie Allred Christianson. Laurie received her B.S. degree from the University of Utah in 1990 after which she worked as a state park ranger at Great Salt Lake State Park. She later moved to Wasatch State Park where she specialized in teaching first aid, CPR and firearms safety to Utah State park rangers. Laurie organized the first Junior State Parks Ranger Club. She was known for her caring attitude, concern for others and her dedication and courage in the face of many health adversities.

The NOLS and PRT Faculty Quasi Scholarship is made possible through contributions of the faculty and staff of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, and through a fund created by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). As part of our partnership, NOLS and PRT faculty and staff have created a scholarship to recognize a talented graduate or undergraduate student in Parks, Recreation and Tourism within the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation who will use a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) course to enhance their academic experience and advance toward their career goals.

Libby Snethen

Inspirational Student Award

As her undergraduate college career is nearing its end, Libby finds herself feeling incredibly thankful for the people she has met and the experiences she has had during her time at the University of Utah. Coming from Central Missouri, Utah’s beauty was an entirely new source of inspiration. Drawing strength from the outdoor adventure opportunities, she dove into a new chapter of her life. The Wasatch Front Urban Ranger Program was her first interaction with the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism department, and right away, she fell in love with the energy of our community. She has learned and grown more than she could have imagined as a PRT student, and for that she will always be thankful. Whether it’s counting shooting stars in Capitol Reef or filtering water along the Escalante River, sh will carry the lessons and stories from her PRT family with her in her future.

The Inspirational Student Award goes to the undergraduate or graduate student in Parks, Recreation and Tourism who inspires and encourages faculty, staff and fellow students; through academic achievement, overcoming personal adversity, compassion for others, and contribution to Parks, Recreation and Tourism, College of Health and/or the University of Utah.

Ezri Staheli

Fred and Judy Tamagawa Scholarship

Ezri is a junior from Goshen, Utah double majoring in both Communications and Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (with an emphasis in sports management). Currently, he is one of the lead interns for the Utah Athletics Marketing Department and has been working there for almost two years. He loves sports and hope start his career in collegiate sports marketing, maybe one day making the switch to marketing for one of the world-class ski resorts Utah is so lucky to have. In his free time, you can catch him working and snowboarding at Brighton or hiking on any of the crazy cool trails in the valley. He loves the mountains more than most things and is so grateful to call Utah home and the University of Utah the place he goes to school!

This scholarship is presented by Fred and Judy Tamagawa. Fred is a long-time friend of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and a recipient of the Department’s Outstanding Alumnus Award. Fred’s leadership and devotion to the Parks, Recreation and Tourism profession is unparalleled. His career with Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation spanned 31 years and he remains active in community recreation as chairman of the Utah Softball Hall of Fame’s inductee selection committee.

Monique Stark

PRT Faculty and Staff Endowed Scholarship

Monique Stark is currently a senior within the College of Health at The University of Utah. She is pursuing a BS degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism with an emphasis in Outdoor Recreation Studies and Natural/Land Resource Management. Monique plans to attend graduate school and specialize in land/wildlife conservation biology. Monique hopes to one day work for a government agency such as the Forest Service or the Fish and Wildlife Service. She is currently working within multiple departments at the University of Utah's Student Life Center.

Monique was a first-year diversity scholar and continues to work closely with the Office for Equity and Diversity. She also has ties to the TRIO program, Center for Student Wellness, and the Women's Resource Center. Through these programs, Monique has been able to overcome challenging circumstances during her college career and continue towards success. Monique has also worked with countless summer camps through the YMCA and local governments in California. Last summer, she worked temporarily as a Back-Country Bear Patrol team member for Yosemite National Park.

Coming from Big Bear Lake in Southern California, Monique has always considered herself a mountain girl. She enjoys spending time in nature and loves hiking, camping, and backpacking.

Presented by the PRT faculty and staff. This scholarship recognizes a talented student who will use this scholarship to enhance their academic experience and contribute toward their career goals.

Tyler Wardle

Mr. and Mrs. Jagtar Singh Scholarship

The scholarship was donated by Dr. Amrik Singh in honor of his late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jagtar Singh. Dr. Singh obtained his Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure from the University of Utah and has been Assistant Professor at the Daniels College of Business School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management at the University of Denver since 2006.

Graduate Scholarship Recipients

Jessie Dickerson

Inspirational Student Award and Outstanding Master's Student Award

Jessie was born and raised in Southern Illinois. She began attending summer camp when she was 8, worked her way through the camp’s leadership program, and began working at camp during the summer in 2010. Her experiences at camp ultimately influenced her to choose to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management in 2015. She worked in many domains of the outdoor industry all over the country before going back to school, to include: outdoor and adventure education,Leave No Trace, wilderness guiding, summer camp administration, and outdoor retail. During her time in the PRT program at the University of Utah, her passion for working with youth outdoors has taken root in social justice. Alongside school, she is working with the American Camp Association as the Project Manager on a grant supporting program quality in youth programs.

The Inspirational Student Award is offered by Parks, Recreation and Tourism in recognition of students whose character and actions help others to gain a greater appreciation of life and community. Nominations are accepted through faculty and student nominations.

The Outstanding Master’s Student Award is the highest recognition given by Parks, Recreation and Tourism to a master’s student in his/her final year. The award recognizes a master’s student who demonstrates outstanding academic excellence with outstanding merit in thesis or project and/or excellence in field work or practicum placement; demonstrates a contribution to Parks, Recreation and Tourism through involvement in Student Advisory Council (SAC), Recreation and Parks Society (RAPS) leadership and or Department special projects; demonstrates contribution to the larger university community through leadership in committees or activities of the College of Health or sponsored by the University; and demonstrates outstanding leadership and service to the department, university and larger community.

Leah Joyner

Sustainable Tourism & Recreation Experiential Learning Scholarship

Leah Joyner is a PhD student and teaching and research assistant in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism department at the University of Utah. She holds an MS in Sustainable Tourism from East Carolina University and a BA in Sustainable Development and BS inTechnical Photography from Appalachian State University. Her research focuses on food sovereignty and (in)justice, and explores intersections of food systems, farming, and leisure. In Salt Lake City, much of her work examines historic and contemporary factors that shape the foodscape of the city and produce geographies of food.

This scholarship is funded by Dr. Kelly Bricker and Nathan Bricker, with a match from the College of Health and an Anonymous Donor of the University in honor of leaders in sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation and adventure programs who have passed on, yet have left a legacy of providing access to amazing outdoor experiences and protecting biodiversity of our planet.

Qwynne Lackey

Outstanding Doctoral Candidate Award

N. Qwynne Lackey is a PhD candidate studying at the University of Utah in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program. Her current research interests include sustainable tourism, protected area policy, community development and quality of life, and stakeholder engagement. Through her dissertation work, she explored sustainable tourism development in and around national parks and the relationships that exists between stakeholders and gateway community quality of life in this context. Previously, Qwynne has completed research and outreach projects focused on environmental education, interpretation, and ecotour guiding in the United States and South Africa. Her work is motivated by a strong passion for conservation, which she developed primarily during her childhood in rural Michigan.

The Outstanding Doctoral Candidate Award is the highest recognition given by the Parks, Recreation and Tourism to a PhD candidate in his/her final year of study. The recipient will demonstrate exceptional contributions in the areas of scholarship (evidence of ongoing scholarship of discovery, integration, or application as demonstrated through published papers, quality contributions to research projects within the department, presentations at professional conferences and meetings); teaching (accepts and performs teaching duties and receives good teaching evaluations from students and peers); service (active leadership in departmental, college, university, and professional); and departmental engagement and collegiality (when called upon, the student assumes a leadership role; student is recognized for being collegial and a team player).

Matthew Podolinsky

Alta Endowed Scholarship

Growing up in western Montana, Matthew was surrounded by public lands and the recreation opportunities that abound there. This led him to pursue a career in public land recreation and management. He has been fortunate enough to work for the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service. He is a first-year master’s student in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism department. He is currently planning on researching depreciative behaviors around archaeological sites in Utah and developing interpretative interventions to reduce vandalism. His hope is that through his research, his continuing education, and past positions with land-use agencies, he can become an effective recreation manager committed to sustainable use on public lands, willing to collaborate and problem-solve with others, and approach the future with passion and optimism.

The Alta Endowed Scholarship was created in 1998 by Mr. Peter Quinney Lawson in honor of his grandfather, Mr. S. J. (Joe) Quinney, whose philosophy is embodied in the Alta Ski Resort today. Mr. Lawson graduated from the Department in 1980 with an emphasis in Commercial Recreation. Mr. Lawson wore many hats at Alta: He drove snow cats, worked ski patrol, accumulated and preserved 40 years of avalanche research, worked in marketing and served as Assistant General Manager. Mr. Lawson has served on the Alta City Council, on the Advisory Council for the College of Natural Resources at Utah State University and on the National Native American Seed Board. He continues to serve the cause of conservation through philanthropic work in Utah.

Victoria Povilaitis

Dianne Nelson Binger Memorial Scholarship

Victoria Povilaitis is a third year PhD student. She works under the supervision of Dr. Jim Sibthorp and focuses on positive youth and emerging adult development experiences, primarily in the area of the out-of-school time recreational experience, summer camp. She is a research assistant with the American Camp Association and is part of the team who works on the Youth Impact Study, Staff Impact Study, and now, the Program Quality Project. In addition, she serves as a Research Committee Member for the Canadian Camping Association. Victoria has also worked for many years in the summer camp industry in a variety of roles including coach, Athletic Director, Staffing Coordinator, and Program Director. Through her academic work, she aims to bridge research and practice and hopes to develop tools that camp professionals can use when working with campers and staff to facilitate positive developmental experiences for everyone who engages with camping.

Meagan Ricks

Elliott M. Wolfe Scholarship

Mike Riley

Dr. Gary D. Ellis Scholarship

Mike Riley is a 4th year PhD candidate in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism department where he studies the growth occurring in out-of-school learning programs. Mike is particularly interested in outdoor education and the processes that promote participant learning and development in these contexts. Next fall, Mike will begin working as an assistant professor of outdoor education at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. In addition to his academic endeavors, Mike works professionally in the outdoor industry as both an instructor and a guide. When not working or studying, Mike enjoys exploring outdoor environments and recreating outdoors with his spouse and 21-month old daughter.

The scholarship was established in 1993 by Dr. Anthony Simone and Myrtle Simone. Anthony’s many years as a valued member of the faculty in Health, Physical Education and Recreation gave him first-hand knowledge of the needs of university students.

Mandy Schenkemeyer

Dr. Anthony Simone Scholarship

Mandy Schenkemeyer is a first-year PhD student researching the relationship between outdoor recreation and mental health. Her previous career pursuits have included campus recreation, outdoor education and guiding, and wilderness therapy. In her free time, Mandy enjoys climbing, yoga, and petting dogs.

Sara Tipler

Don Hutchison Endowed Scholarship

Sara Tipler is a first-year research and teaching assistant working at PEAK Health & Fitness and on the UParkRx project. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and master's degree in therapeutic recreation from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.She has worked as an Instructor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, anEmployee Wellness Coordinator, and as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in a variety of settings.Her research interests include connectedness to nature, living deliberately, and subjective well-being. She enjoys being a mom to a toddler and a lab, as well as, adventuring around Utah with her family.

This scholarship was established in 2007 in the name of Donald B. Hutchison. The scholarship fund awards one student per year in each of the College of Health’s departments/divisions.

Rob Warner

Rebecca E. Barry Endowed Scholarship and Dr. Lin R. Rockwood Endowed Scholarship

Rob Warner is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in the University of Utah Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, program and a Research Assistant for the American Camp Association. He received his M.S. degree in Recreation Studies from Ohio University where he studied Outward Bound instructors’ inclusive praxis. He earned his B.S. degree in Outdoor Education with a concentration in Equity and Inclusion from Northland College. Rob has worked in the human service and education fields for over ten years, serving a diversity of participants in a variety of out-of-school time settings, including summer camps, after-school programs, outdoor adventure education, as well as higher education. His current research interests include understanding the role of seasonal employment in emerging adult development, social justice issues in out-of-school-time contexts, and experiential learning in higher education. Rob enjoys recreating outdoors with his family, dining on refined cuisine, distance running, and extended wilderness expeditions.

Dr. Rebecca E. Barry earned her doctorate from the University of Utah’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism in 2000. Dr. Barry is currently a Senior Lecturer at the School of Community Resources and Development at Arizona State University. She teaches the history of wilderness, environmental interpretation, history and philosophy of leisure, and research and evaluation. Her research has focused on outdoor recreation visitor management: specifically, getting people to clean up after their dogs. She speaks Russian and French.

The scholarship was established in 1994 by Dr. Linn R. Rockwood, Professor Emeritus in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Linn earned a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Utah in 1967. His involvement in the field of parks and recreation spanned four decades. He was Superintendent of Recreation and Director of Parks and Recreation for Provo City, a popular sports broadcaster and Chair of the Recreation Division (now Parks, Recreation and Tourism) of the University of Utah from 1968 to 1972. A sterling example of the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle, Linn was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame in 1974 and the Utah Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010 for his achievements in tennis.

Taylor (Ty) Wycoff

Utah Recreation and Parks Association Scholarship

Ty Wycoff is a first year Masters student in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism.After years of personal investment in outdoor and adventure recreation, she decided to return to academia to make a career of studying her passions, with the hope of advocating for the unique health benefits of time spent in nature.Her research interests center around the interface between the environment and human health. Presently, her thesis aims to investigate the relationships between nature-based leisure time physical activity, self-esteem, motivation, and body appreciation in adult men and women.Hailing from San Diego, CA, when Ty isn’t busy reading and researching all of the things, she enjoys hiking and paddling around SoCal’s desert playground, and sending it to the top of the nearest indoor climbing wall where plenty of crash-pads await. Many thanks to her friends, family, and the amazing PRT faculty for all of their support!

This scholarship is presented by the Utah Recreation and Parks Association. The recipients contribute to the mission of URPA by actively promoting the growth and development of recreation, leisure, parks and preservation of natural resources in the state of Utah. The students demonstrate financial need and support membership of URPA.