11/05/2024
Rob Tortorella was a former athlete and recent graduate of Holy Cross College in 1983 when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident that dealt him a devastating cervical spinal injury affecting all four limbs.
Since then, he’s relied on a wheelchair to get around. He understands moving forward with a disability isn’t always easy, but from his terrible setback he’s reached out to help countless others in his condition.
“I was fortunate in that growing up I played sports and was always involved in athletic training so that had a huge impact on my rehabilitation and my attitude,” Tortorella said.
Today he is the founder and CEO of Endless Highway, Inc., a Rochester, N.Y.,-based foundation that provides recreation and arts opportunities to children and young adults with limited mobility.
Tortorella explains, “Our mission is to provide resources and equipment for disabled children and young adults to allow them to participate in inclusive recreational activities, athletic competition and exposure to the arts.”
On Friday, Nov. 8, Tortorella will share his compelling journey of establishing and leading his nonprofit while maintaining an active recreational lifestyle when he delivers the prestigious Metcalf Endowment Lecture at the 74th annual SUNY Cortland Recreation Conference.
The conference, set for Thursday, Nov. 7, and Friday, Nov. 8, on campus, is the nation’s longest running student-organized professional recreation education conference. The two-day event will feature numerous presentations in the field of recreation, parks and leisure studies. The event annually hosts 300 to 400 students and professionals from all over New York state, the greater New England area and beyond.
This year’s conference will champion inclusive recreation and professional development, according to Jason Page ’08, M ’12, assistant professor in the university’s Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department. Page leads students in the Special Events Planning class planning the event. This year’s student co-chairs are Alex Cantone and Marybeth Ortlieb.
The conference also features an internship fair connecting students with recreation professionals, plus diverse educational sessions on topics including traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in sports and recreation, outdoor programming and effective board membership. Recreation therapists can earn 1.0 CEUs while participating.
“This conference represents our ongoing commitment to advancing inclusive recreation and professional excellence,” Page said. “From students to seasoned professionals, participants will find valuable opportunities for growth and networking.”
Tortorella’s keynote lecture will take place from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Corey Union Function Room. The event is free and open to the public.
“His work exemplifies how grassroots advocacy can expand recreation access for all community members,” Page said.
Conference registration is open. A conference overview is available on YouTube. The full conference registration costs $60 for students and $125 for professionals. One day registration is $90 for professionals and $45 for students. A ticket to the internship fair only is $25. For additional information and to register online for the conference, visit the SUNY Annual Recreation Conference website or call 607-753-4972 or email recconf@cortland.edu.
This year’s alumni presenters will include SUNY Cortland Alumni Volunteer Award recipient John Silsby ’69, M.S.Ed. ’70, Charles Yaple M ’72, professor of recreation, parks and leisure studies, Jack Fass ’77, Steven Woodard ’90, M ’96, C.A.S. ’01, Hailey Dick Ruoff ’91, M ’04, Daniel Martuscello III ’96, Anna O’Shea O'Brien ’00, M ’03, Patrick Mercer M ’03, Courtney Carroll ’04, Steven Schaap ’06, M ’15, Amy Smith Kochem M ’08, Jacqueline Johnston Dyke M ’08, assistant professor of recreation, parks and leisure studies, Page, Craig Ross ’10, Kelsey Persons ’13, Anthony Maggio ’14, Caralie Fennessey ’15, Esther VanGorder M ’15, lecturer I in recreation, parks and leisure studies and Evan Nolan ’19, M ’23.
“The conference is an amazing opportunity to build community and recognize all the important elements within the field of recreation,” Page said.
The event receives additional support for the Metcalf Keynote Address from the Metcalf Endowment Fund.