people and news

Dr. Allen V. Sapora, Head of the Department of Recreation and Park Administration, University of Illinois, announced that Robert D. Espeseth has been appointed to the position of Outdoor Recreation Specialist in the Office of Recreation and Park Resources.

Mr. Espeseth received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in landscape architecture from the University of Wisconsin with additional work in regional planning. He served as Chief of Park Planning for the Bureau of State Parks and Recreation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for over twelve years and, subsequently, was Chief of Planning and Development for the new Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, Flint, Michigan. Most recently, Mr. Espeseth was associated with the consulting firm of Ellis, Arndt, and Truesdell, Inc., Flint, Michigan, as Chief of Park and Recreation Resources Planning.

The Sterling Park District has announced the hiring of Mr. Thomas McCormick as full time Superintendent of Recreation.

Mr. McCormick is a 1969 graduate of Rock Falls High School after which he attended Sauk Valley College and transferred to Northeast Missouri State University at Kirksville, Missouri. Mr. McCormick received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education in May of 1973.

One of the first major tasks of the new Superintendent of Recreation will be that of administering the vast Sterling Park District Summer Recreation Program. His office will be located at the Sterling Park District Recreation Center, 211 E. St. Mary's Road, Sterling, Ill.

George J. Strnad has been appointed manager of Skokie Park Districts new artificial indoor ice rink complex and par 3 golf course. He attended the University of Illinois and De Paul University where he received a B.S. in physical education and history and an M.A. in psychology of counselling and guidance. He was with the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle Campus for 15 years where he served as wrestling and football coach.

Miss Jan E. Bergman is the first appointment to the newly created position of coordinator of community relations for the Skokie Park District, Skokie, Illinois. Miss Bergman is a 1973 graduate of the department of recreation and park administration at the University of Illinois. She has served in several student internship positions with other park districts and has been active in the student branch of the Illinois Park and Recreation Society. She was a participant in the NRPA Code of Ethics Position Paper Committee.

Craig D. Hubert was appointed the first Director of Parks and Recreation for the new West Chicago Park District, West Chicago, Illinois, on April 1, 1973. Mr. Hubert received his Bachelors degree in Recreation and Park Administration from the University of Illinois in 1971 and is currently enrolled in the Extension Masters Program with the University of Illinois. Prior to his appointment with West Chicago, he served as Superintendent of Parks for the Freeport Park District, Freeport, Illinois, and also with the Champaign Park District, Champaign, Illinois. Presently Mr. Hubert resides in West Chicago with his wife, Kay, and their daughter, Alicia.

Doug Moody has been named assistant manager of the new artificial ice rink and par 3 golf course complex for the Skokie Park District. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Doug has been with Skokie since June, 1972. Prior to this new position he was assistant supervisor at Devonshire Center in Skokie. At present he is working on his master's degree at George Williams College.

Mrs. Elena Ruane has recently been appointed Recreation Supervisor of the Palatine Park District. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Outdoor Education. Mrs. Ruane was previously with Worldwide Sportsmen's Club in Lincolnwood, Illinois as Director of Activities. She completed her professional fieldwork experience with Homewood-Flossmoor Park District in the winter of 1972.

Mr. Steve Whittier has recently been appointed supervisor of Sports and Athletics for the Palatine Park District. Mr. Whittier is a 1972 graduate of Western Illinois University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Park Administration. He is also a graduate of Culver Military Academy where he received a certificate from the Department of the Navy. Steve was previously employed by the Lake Forest Recreation Department as their Recreation Program Supervisor and Teen Center Director.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 32 September/October, 1973