Events

The Allen V. Sapora Symposium is an academic/professional development speaker series held during the spring semester that provides students with insider access to the industry. Industry-leading professionals and scholars from recreation, sport and tourism professions share their knowledge and experiences that spur thoughtful and engaging conversations.    

Students with an interest in event industries can work directly with RST faculty and race staff to gain hands-on experience managing, designing, implementing and evaluating multiple aspects of one of the largest annual Champaign, Urbana and Savoy community (recreational, sporting and tourist) events. This includes involvement in discussions, planning, site visits, brainstorming, etc., throughout the year leading up to the weekend.

Organized by RST students, the annual pickleball tournament provides high-impact experiential learning opportunities for students while also raising thousands of dollars each year for the children of Cunningham Home. From event planning, marketing, and securing sponsors to the implementation and evaluation of this multi-day event, students are engaged in every aspect of the tournament and its overall success.  

RST students along with students from the Department of Speech and Hearing Science manage the logistics and administration of hearing and vision exams at the Wintrust Sports Complex in the Village of Bedford Park. Through this work, more than 400 health certifications are earned and 50+ pairs of prescription glasses are distributed annually to Special Olympics athletes from the south side of Chicago.