It is now tradition that the Hawkeye Sport Business Association (HSBA) provides a day of education, networking, and professional development to all University of Iowa Students each fall semester. Monday, September 19 marked the 7th UISRM Symposium and featured the most robust programming to date.
The day began with a celebration of women in athletics through a panel discussion moderated by Sasha Schmid, Head Women’s Tennis Coach, Hawkeye Athletics. Joined by Jean Berger (Executive Director, IGHSAU), Lisa Cellucci (Head Women’s Field Hockey Coach, Hawkeye Athletics), and Lorenda Holston (Assistant Athletics Director, Hawkeye Athletics) the conversation first celebrated the accomplishments of Dr. Christine Grant and highlighted her contributions to women’s athletics. The discussion then shifted to the growing opportunities for female athletes and women who aspire to work in the sport and recreation industry.
UISRM Symposium attendees then had the opportunity to learn from a range of industry professionals through breakout panel discussions. Each conversation, moderated by a current UISRM MA student, provided students an opportunity to hear the perspectives of numerous professionals working within a sector of sport and recreation. Breakout panel discussion topics included revenue generation, marketing and social media, wellness in sport and recreation, and event management.
Next, panelists and other professionals congregated in the IMU Second Floor Ballroom for a 45-minute networking session with students. This allowed students to make personal connections with professionals in their area of interest and learn of upcoming internship and full-time job opportunities. The time also allowed UISRM students to create messages of gratitude for the many program partners and supporters.
Following a lunch break, the HSBA offered a new event component: Lightning Interviews. This allowed students to participate in a 10-minute, one-on-one conversation with local professionals for consideration for employment or with a UISRM Advisory Board Member for consideration for participation in the UISRM Mentoring Program. Following Lightning Interviews, the symposium program concluded with four current students (Amy Knoebl, Kate Nelson, Alli Bookin-Nosbisch, and Cameron Bottum) discussing the field experiences they have used to meet their degree requirements. This session provides students beginning their field experience journey ideas for the mix of experiences that will best position them for success after graduation.
The UISRM Symposium is not possible without the contributions of many people. First, thank you to the sport and recreation professionals who provide their time, expertise, and learning opportunities for students. A complete list of the UISRM Symposium contributors is found on the event website:
Secondly, thank you to the UISRM Advisory Board. This collection of dedicated alumni, friends, and supporters of UISRM contribute to the symposium in many ways. In addition to providing recommendations on event programming, many make substantial efforts to attend the event in person, serve as panelists, and participate in networking. Thank you to Cole Benson, Jordan Loperena, Michael Ropp, and Scott Schneider for being in Iowa City for the 2022 event. Also, thank you to Jazmine Constantino, Stephanie Rogers, Tony Price, and Jody Henton who contributed virtually in 2022.
Finally, thank you to the HSBA’s Event Management Special Interest Group, in particular Ryleigh Collum and Jenae Marshall. Your leadership throughout planning and execution of the symposium is outstanding. Also, a special thank you to Aubrey Roberts who joined the planning team at the beginning of the fall 2022 semester and will assume the role of event coordinator for the 2023 event.
We hope you enjoy the 2022 UISRM Symposium highlight video and invite you to attend the 8th annual UISRM Symposium on Monday, September 18, 2023.