KinDay attracts students, alumni

Kinesiology classes were canceled yesterday so students and faculty could take part in KinDay '98 - a morning filled with speakers and presentations that explored a variety of topics relating to kinesiology

A relatively new division at the University, Kinesiology currently enrolls about 700 undergraduate and 50 graduate students.

Yesterday's events gave Kinesiology students, as well as those not affiliated with the division, an opportunity to learn more about the field of movement science.

The day "is a way to make ourselves better known to the people of the community of the University," said Kinesiology assistant Prof. Ann Garcia, chair of KinDay.

Oral presentations related to kinesiology comprised a major part of the day. Speeches exploring themes ranging from the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of heart failure to motor performance in children were accompanied by illustrati

NATHAN RUFFER/Daily Brad Brady, a Kinesiology counselor, talks to Kinesiology sophomore Meagan Haley during an event in the Michigan Union honoring the young division.

ve slides and graphs.

In the day's keynote speech, titled "Life Task Participation: The Ups and Downs of Dressing for the Game," Provost Nancy Cantor addressed the importance of participating in athletic activities to achieve personal happiness and well-being.

"People need to be a part of the community they are in," Cantor said. "Participating in social activities leads to a path to well-being."

Students and faculty presented research on topics relating to kinesiology in an informal poster presentation.

"Graduate students get a chance to showcase their projects," Garcia said.

The event gave students an opportunity to see their instructors' work.

"It lets us get to know our professor outside of the classroom and to see what kind of research they're doing," said Kinesiology junior Stefani Wiener.

For some students, the posters related to material that is being taught in their Kinesiology courses.

The posters "are pertinent to what we're studying right now in class," said Kinesiology junior Don Stenger.

KinDay was not only an attraction for current University students, but it also drew University alumni to the campus.

"The division has taken some big steps since I was a student here," said Kinesiology alumnus Mike Jhung. "I'm envious of the opportunities that students have now."

03-13-98