75th Recreation Conference marks diamond jubilee

10/15/2025

The 75th annual SUNY Cortland Recreation Conference will mark its jubilee milestone with presentations that honor the past while looking toward the future of recreation, parks and leisure studies.

The two-day event, from Thursday, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov. 7, in Corey Union, represents the nation’s oldest continuous student-run recreation conference. It will bring together an estimated 150 college students and recreation professionals from across New York state, the greater New England area and beyond to share their knowledge and network with one another.

Additionally, the conference will feature numerous presentations in the fields of recreation management, outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation and tourism and events.

Tickets cost $60 for college students and $140 for professionals or $110 for one-day attendance. Attendance limited to the Internship Fair costs $25 for attendees and $30 for vendors. For more information and advance registration through Sunday, Nov. 2, visit the conference website or contact 607-753-4972 or recconf@cortland.edu.

“Our diamond year honors the legacy of those who paved the way and inspires us to create even greater possibilities for tomorrow,” said Cassie Williams, a senior from Middletown, N.Y., and the conference’s marketing and outreach director. “Seventy-five years is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to the strength, resilience and unity that has defined our Cortland recreation community across generations.”

The event will open with a plenary session featuring recreation, parks and leisure studies scholars examining how society has changed over the past 75 years and exploring how those transformations have shaped the recreation profession.

“This interactive session serves as a space for professionals and students to reflect on their personal and professional experiences within this dynamic field while envisioning its future,” Williams said.

“Given the celebratory nature of this anniversary year, several sessions will focus on how the past impacts current practice and the future of the field.”

The first day will conclude with the popular Metcalf Reception, providing attendees an opportunity to network and share their experiences.

Metcalf Address

Wade Norwood, the co-CEO of Common Ground Health/Rochester Regional Health Information Organization, which champions health equity across the Finger Lakes region, will deliver this year’s Metcalf Keynote Address on Friday.

Norwood will discuss the important role recreation and tourism can play in addressing health inequity and improving quality of life, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room. The presentation is free and open to the public.

With over 30 years in public service, the Rochester native serves on the New York State Board of Regents and previously chaired the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force.

Norwood spearheaded the creation of the African American Health Coalition, the Latino Health Coalition and the Partnership for Access to Healthcare.

A former Rochester City Council member, Norwood serves on the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, guiding funding for economic development and anti-poverty efforts. His work focuses on improving health outcomes and advancing community engagement for underserved populations.

Student leadership drives conference success

Presented by the university’s Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department and students in the Corporate Events class, the conference receives additional support from the Metcalf Endowment Fund.

The event is traditionally organized and run by recreation students, and this year’s Conference Planning Committee joins a long line of peers and alumni who helped plan the annual gathering.

Besides Williams, the committee includes senior Carlene Palmer of Bainbridge, N.Y., programming director; sophomore Olivia Wallick of Wallingford, Connecticut, budget and finance director; junior Ashley Schappi of Trumansburg, N.Y., sponsorship and development director; junior Kaitlyn Hartson of Rochester, N.Y., hospitality director; and senior Zackary Kreiley of Dansville, N.Y., registration and tech director.

This year’s alumni presenters will include SUNY Cortland Alumni Volunteer Award recipient John Silsby ’69, M.S.Ed. ’70, Jack Samuels ’73, Jack Fass ’77, Stephanie Grosso ’06, Jennifer Page ’06, M ’12, Steven Schaap ’06, M ’15, Jacqueline Dyke M ’08, assistant professor of recreation, parks and leisure studies, Jason Page ’08, M ’12, assistant professor of recreation, parks and leisure studies, Jennifer Wells ’08, M ’12, Caralie Fennessey ’15 and Evan Nolan ’19, M ’23.

“The Cortland Recreation Conference has polished its vision for 75 years,” Williams said. “Now we shine brighter than ever, ready to inspire the next generation.”

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