ESU Backup Insider

The 35^th anniversary celebration of the East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) Department of Recreation Services Management was held earlier this month. The event was planned by a group of students in an event planning class taught by Bradford Seid Ed.D., professor of recreation services management.

Many of Dr. Seid’s students are entering the fast growing field of event planning. For Tuesday’s event, his students organized the entire event from the entertainment, food and donations, as well as inviting ESU President Marcia G. Welsh Ph.D.

“Placement has been very strong for the students pursuing event planning,” said Seid. “It is a field that has really come into its own.” He said it is important for students to obtain practical experience before graduation. “Letting the students organize an event is a great learning experience,” he said.

Seid’s students have been involved with other events this semester including the Design Your Future fashion show, which featured student and faculty models wearing business clothing to teach students how to prepare for an interview or job environment. Muddy Madness was a mud race at Stony Acres that included a creek crawl, hill climb, tractor tire flip and a log carry. The event planning class provides real world experience to his students. Seid currently has students working in New York City, Philadelphia, and Orlando organizing events such as product launches, fashion shows, weddings and corporate events.

The Department of Recreation Services Management prepares students for a variety of career paths in recreation settings. They can work for community agencies as such as environmental centers, rehabilitation facilities as well as resorts, ski areas and theme parks.

ESU established this program in 1978. National accreditation was received in 1983 from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and has been maintained since that time. The program provides students options that are determined by their interest and goals. An advisory board, comprised of expert practitioners in the Pocono region, offers input to the faculty.

For more information about ESU’s Department of Recreation Services Management visit www.esu.edu or contact Dr. Seid at bseid@esu.edu.