KinReflects on Gratitude

The School of Kinesiology advances research and knowledge about physical activity and human movement to help individuals, families and communities achieve greater health and well-being. To celebrate National Gratitude Month, this November we asked leadership, students and staff to reflect on what they’re grateful for.

Why are you grateful for your kinesiology colleagues/classmates/peers?

My kinesiology peers and professors are constantly working to make the School of Kinesiology an open and engaging place, where we are all supported and challenged to be our best selves, to grow, and to learn. -Maxine Simons

Our faculty have done a tremendous job providing high-quality instruction despite COVID’s challenges. They have found innovative ways to encourage high attendance, navigated challenges related to student absences, and continued high-quality research despite COVID. I am also grateful to our staff, who have done a great job working hybrid this semester and being creative regarding how to bridge working remotely and in the office. -Beth Lewis

I am grateful to be a part of a student body that is dedicated and has a passion for health and wellness. I am surrounded by individuals who I can always go-to for new ideas. -Tony Harris

Between Kinesiology students, we all have a close relationship. Ever since freshman year, we have all been in the same classes together. The professors also make a good effort for students to get to know each other. -Keegan Kuhn

How does kinesiology make a positive impact on people/families/communities?

Sport is a microcosm in society and understanding how it can make a powerful impact on people and communities is so important. The research being conducted in the School of Kinesiology, within the area of gender equity in sports and community engagement in sport, is creating a real impact within the Twin Cities communities and beyond. When the School of Kinesiology conducts research about physical activity experiences of East African girls or the extent universities are hiring women coaches for women’s sports, they are able to enact meaningful change and cultivate important conversations. -Maxine Simons

Our goal of “helping people live longer, healthier lives” is one of the most honorable efforts that I could imagine. The work done here is quite impressive. -Bob Janoski

There are numerous research projects that reach the community and have an impact on the health and well-being of both children and adults. We also send well-trained students on to be successful in many different industries including both sport and allied health fields. -Beth Lewis

With kinesiology, I can use my passion for physical activity, health, and wellness to improve the quality of life for whomever I serve. This could be patients within a rehab setting like in my previous occupation as an Exercise Physiologist or in the community-based research I have recently been working on which focuses on using kinesiology to help identify and communicate health concerns and come up with solutions to real-world problems. This work also addresses health disparities with the goal of making health more equitable. -Tony Harris

Why are you grateful to be part of the School of Kinesiology?

It has allowed me to explore my interests in a way I never thought I’d be able to before. I’ve always had a deep interest in both sport management and gender equity. The School of Kinesiology and the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport have helped me find a community of people who are working towards the same goals as me and want to accelerate change in sport. -Maxine Simons

I retired in 2014 after serving in a variety of leadership roles for over 30 years with Public Safety. Returning to the university in 2017 and having an opportunity to more directly support an academic mission, has been a rewarding experience. -Bob Janoski

I am grateful because of the wonderful group of people I get to work with every day. As a kid, I used to watch the Gophers basketball team on TV with my dad and wonder what it might someday be like to work at the University of Minnesota. Little did I know that not only would I have a chance to work at the UMN, but I would walk past Williams Arena on my way to work each day! -Beth Lewis

I think compared to most of the other Schools at the U, the professors at the School of Kinesiology are super down-to-earth and are incredibly open to talking to you and answering your questions. Professors are also really understanding of their student’s workload, which helps our stress levels. -Keegan Kuhn

I am being introduced to groundbreaking research within this field that will truly make a difference in society. I never would have thought I would be able to study and work here in one of the best kinesiology schools in the country. Getting the opportunity to build my foundation in this field and learn about who I am and who I can become, expands the possibilities ahead of me and the limited perspective I started with. -Tony Harris