PIRSA 2012
Making it Matter Panel!
Joe Santorine, Bucknell University
Karen Perry, Slippery Rock University
Steve Young, Temple University
Steve Gambino, West Chester University
Greg Sferra, Slippery Rock University
Joe Santorine
Assistant Director of Athletics/Recreation
Bucknell University
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Experiences = Education Outside of the classroom.
Ask questions…..only bad question is the one that was not asked!
Volunteer!
Take credit for what you do…praise your team when it is a team effort!
File things away…either in a file on your computer or in your brain. Remember what worked and what
changes you would make.
Know your limitations.
Review your program, re-evaluate your procedures and IMPROVE!
Take Time out to do things for yourself and family!
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone!
Karen Perry
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation
Slippery Rock University
 VOLUNTEER in as many related areas as you can! Experience and resources are invaluable!
 RECOGNIZE and THANK the people who really make it happen for you – clerical, custodial, and maintenance staff
 LEAD BY EXAMPLE - Trash, toilets, and time put in!
 BE A ROLE MODEL - IF not you, then who? Maintain a healthy lifestyle!
 “WHO’S YOUR DADDY?” network!! Develop contacts and resources in related areas community, campus, PIRSA/NIRSA,
related association memberships
 OPTIONS! Be Flexible and open-minded , don’t “pigeon-hole” yourself into one career path
 CHANGE IS GOOD! Welcome change as an opportunity NOT an obstacle!
 GET INVOLVED! Professionally and personally
 ENJOY Yourself - when your job becomes a “JOB” - it is time to move-on!!
 LEARN from your mistakes!
 KEEP ACTIVE - family, friends, hobbies, interests!
Steve Young
Director of Campus Recreation
Temple University
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Seek WIN-WIN solutions, competition is overrated
DO AS YOU WOULD BE DONE BY
Put yourself in other people's shoes on a regular basis
Base decisions on solid data and documentation - mixed with common sense
Honesty, trust, responsibility, role-modeling, professionalism, punctuality > all rolled up
together equals INTEGRITY
 Portray what you do as WE, it is easier on the ears, and is much wider heard
Steve Gambino
Director of Campus Recreation
West Chester University
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In order to truly lead and make a difference in the world, you must start with yourself.
You don’t need a title to be a LEADER!
If it ain’t broke, break it – take a risk and question conventional wisdom!
The true measure of leadership is influence!
Practice makes permanent.
Information is knowledge and knowledge empowers.
Passion = Vision, Vision = Direction, Direction & Vision = Achievement,
Consistent Achievement = a successful team.
People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Strive for excellence, not perfection. Excellence is a process rather than an end goal.
Cooperation is working together agreeably. Collaboration is working together aggressively. It adds synergy to
the team.
Greg Sferra
Director of Campus Recreation
Slippery Rock University
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Pride in the profession and belief in the value of recreation and wellness
Health is the first wealth
Profession focuses on people and relationships
Be able to agree to disagree and still be friends
Empower others, have trust and humility
Be good conduit enabling your team to be successful
Take calculated risks taking on new challenges and experiences
Continue to learn and grow, don’t let your education grow stale
Engage in professional networking, interaction and leadership
Accountability, admit when you commit an error, you will gain respect
Worry about what's right, not who’s right
Lead by example, talk is cheap!
Plan for the future, create landmarks & enjoy your career because in the blink of an eye, you will go from
your youthful self to one of these old farts in front of you!