Program FAQ/News

Housed within the Division of Applied Sciences and Recreation, the Natural Resource Recreation and Sports Program, was originally established at SUNY Delhi in the fall of 1971. The program (originally referred to as the Park and Recreation Management Program) has most recently seen a tremendous amount of change. In the fall of 2000, the program began offering a Physical Education Studies degree. While the program had offered a similar program prior to 2000, this new degree emphasizes the specialization that these students are seeking both at Delhi, as well as to other four year programs. This program was strengthened further during the 2005-06 academic year when program faculty entered into extensive discussions with SUNY Cortland faculty to produce a true 2+2 articulation agreement between the two schools. Starting with the freshman class of 2006, 25 SUNY Delhi students will be guaranteed admission to SUNY Cortland's B.S.E degree program in Physical Education. For more information on this agreement please contact Michael Branigan.

In effort to meet the diversifying needs of students, industry, and society the original Park and Recreation Management program was renamed the Natural Resource Recreation and Sports program in the Fall of 2001. This change was much more than just in name. The program expanded its program offerings as well. The old Park and Recreation Management option in essence became three new program options: Adventure Recreation , Park and Outdoor Recreation Management , and Sports and Recreational Management . Each of these options welcomed their first official class in the Fall of 2002.

In addition to the aforementioned program options, the Natural Resource Recreation and Sports Program also offers options in Environmental Science and Forestry and Forest Technology .

The A.A.S. concentrations in the the Natural Resource Recreation and Sports program are designed to assist students in preparing for immediate post-graduate careers or for transfer to a four year college or university. The A.S. degree in Physical Education Studies is designed primarily to provide students with the opportunity to complete many of the liberal arts requirements typically scheduled within the first two years of most physical education programs. The option is most often utilized for transfer to a four year college or university following the completion of the A.S. degree at SUNY Delhi. Over the course of a five year period, 96% of our program graduates have either found full-time employment in the field or have transferred to a related bachelors degree program offered at a four year institution (Oct. 1999, Delhi College Park and Recreation Program Review).

But what's the program all about?

It's about...

small, intimate class sizes. The majority of our classes are limited to 24 students. Lab classes are usually limited to 12 students. Both of these lend themselves to more teacher/student interaction and a better learning environment.

practical, hands-on experience. Each of the courses within the major stress practical experience. Our students learn by doing.

new experiences. Through the use of the hands-on experiences as well as field trips, guest lecturers, and club outings our students are exposed to a great deal on many levels.

working with people. Each program option stresses the need to be able to not only communicate with others but to help and be helped.

knowing our environment. Whether it be the natural or the social environment our students learn how they impact and are impacted by these environments.

the COEC. The Catskill Outdoor Education Corps is not just important to the program, its also important to the college, the Delhi Community and the entire Catskill region. Through their volunteer efforts our program is afforded tremendous experiences and opportunities, as are the community and the region.

the use of our facilities. Thurston Hall, Farrell Hall, the Bubble, Kunsela Hall, COEC Park, John Lennox Demonstration Forest, Delhi College Golf Course, miles of hiking trails, and the beauty that is the Catskill mountains. Many of these facilities can be viewed in our Photo Gallery .

Program News

Athletic & Sports Complex Construction Underway
(July 2003)

Construction began on SUNY Delhi's new Athletic and Sports Complex early this summer. In addition to an new, 2,000 seat gymnasium, the complex will introduce a state of the art fitness center with a breathtaking view of the valley below. The complex will become the new home of the Bronco Athletic staff, who will be relocating from Farrell Hall. Besides staff offices the complex will also include a new training room, a conference room, four locker rooms and a laundry. Perhaps the greatest appeal of the new facility will be its operation in conjunction with Bubble. The new complex will be connected to the Bubble making access to it much more accommodating to all its users. With the recent growth of both athletic and academic programs this new Athletic & Sports Complex couldn't come at a better time. Construction is slated to be completed sometime during the spring, with the facility slated to open in time for the start of the Fall 2004 semester. To view this new facility please visit our Facilities page.

Ceresna to tackle professional football with Syracuse Sting
(May 2003)

Angela Ceresna, a 2002 Physical Education Studies graduate, will be playing professional football this fall with the Syracuse Sting. The Sting are part of the Women's Professional Football League (WPFL), a professional women's football league consisting of ten teams from all over the country including Hawaii. That game has Ceresna excited. "I love to play football and I'm going to be able to travel as well. The Hawaiian team is flying us there for our game because they can't get many teams to play them at home. I can't wait." The Sting ended last year with a 7-3 record and a playoff berth following their 1 win inaugural season in 2001. Angela says that the team looks better than last year and that they are optimistic about a return trip to the playoffs. "We really like our chances this year" states Ceresna who will play a variety of positions, including linebacker, fullback, and special teams. "The coaches say they like the way I hit. I guess its because I like it so much." Thank goodness she left that attitude on the field and didn't let it carry over to the classroom. For more information about the Sting please visit http://www.syracusesting.com/Index.html . The best of luck to Angela!

Current NRRS student Peterson featured on ESPN.com Outdoors
(April 2003)

Dan Peterson, an Adventure Recreation student within the Natural Resource Recreation and Sports program, was recently featured in an article published in the outdoor section of ESPN.com. Dan, who is a licensed fishing guide in New York State, was provided the opportunity to plug himself and his passion for fly fishing on the highly recognized website. (Two articles related to this topic can be found at the following links, the first of which is his feature story:
http ://espn.go.com/outdoors/flyfishing/s/ff_fea_Burkhead_east_drake.html
http://espn.go.com/outdoors/flyfishing/s/ff_fea_Burkhead_east_drake_tech.html
"It was really kind of cool that ESPN came to me to ask about fishing the Delaware. I was a little shocked to tell you the truth" Peterson states. In all his modesty he is a young gentleman who has already made his mark in the fly fishing industry and he is well on his way to a very successful career doing the thing he loves most. During the summer Dan will be taking his new business to one of the most recognizable fly fishing shows in the world. This show will allow Dan the opportunity to exhibit his business and talents to an incredible number of industry enthusiasts. To contact Dan about his business or to schedule a float with him he can be reached at Orvisman7@hotmail.com .

Rain can't wash out Adventure Recreation Fair
(April 2003)

Although the rain kept many potential visitors from SUNY Delhi's Spring Open House, it could not dampen the spirits of faculty and students of the NRRS. Spearheaded by Tom Ostrom, with the assistance of Michael Branigan and his Adventure Recreation Program Planning and Leadership class, as well as the COEC, the April 26th showing was quite impressive. "It is something that we believe truly illustrates what our programs are all about" stated Ostrom. The group put together eight different interactive stations from kayaking to fly fishing to outdoor cooking. "We had to implement some changes that we had been working on during the week to deal with the weather. Although we had to move indoors the alternative plan that was in place worked fairly well" says Branigan. It was an event that drew many of the Open House visitors to the gym. While this was the first Adventure Recreation Fair put on by the program, it is not intended to be the last. It is a program that could become a traveling show. Time constraints kept many of the great ideas for the fair at bay. But all those associated with the program hope it expands well beyond just an Open House venue.

Ostrom strolls into "life of leisure"
(Sept. 2002)

Professor Thomas Ostrom, the lifeblood of the Park and Recreation Program for nearly 30 years, has decided to retire from teaching. Although Mr. Ostrom has spent the majority of the last 5 years as Director of the Catskill Outdoor Education Corps, he has continued to keep his hand in curriculum. The growth and diversification of the Natural Resource Recreation and Sports program is most attributed to his tireless efforts. We won't have to say our true goodbyes just yet. He needs to ease into this retirement thing so he has graciously accepted a part time teaching role within the program for one more year. To wish him the best you can still reach him here at the college. ( Tom Ostrom )

Gasparini named Associate's Degree Student of the Year
(Sept. 2002)

Janay Gasparini, a Park and Recreation Management student, was named the SUNY Delhi Associate's Degree Student of the Year during commencement exercises on Saturday, May 18, 2002. Janay, who is from New Paltz, New York, graduated with an overall GPA of 3.53 and a major GPA of 3.91. But it was more than grades that made Janay stand out from the rest of the candidates. She was actively involved in many clubs, organizations, and activities. Most notably she was the Park and Recreation Club President during the 2001/2002 school year, a role that must have seemed very daunting at times. Janay will be attending SUNY New Paltz in the Fall of 2002 to study International Relations. We wish her all the best!

Natural Resource Recreation and Sports seeks BBA degree
(Sept. 2002)

The Natural Resource Recreation and Sports Program faculty are currently putting the finishing touches on a new Bachelor of Business Administration degree proposal. The new Recreation and Sports Facility Area Management degree is intended to fill a void in current industry by preparing students in the specifics facility area management. Proposed courses will provide insight into operational principles of all park, recreation, and sports facilities. A major component of this proposed program will be the inclusion of a 400 hour, capstone internship. Check back to inquire about this proposals progress.

SUNY Delhi navigation

Navigation

Content

Program FAQ/News