Diorka looks to future of U. recreation

Longer hours at Hutchinson and Gimbel gymnasiums, a wider variety of aerobics classes and an increased array of special events are among the initiatives Recreation Director Mike Diorka has sparked during his short tenure at the University. And Diorka, who came to the University last year after eight years at Tulane, is not stopping there. "We're trying to put a new spin on things, with more general enthusiasm," he said, citing programs designed at teaching students to instruct aerobic classes. "[The Recreation Department] really wants to bring everyone together [in one recreation facility] so everyone can see the many great sides of faculty and students in a social setting," Diorka said. But he expressed concern that the creation of new, decentralized workout facilities --Esuch as the High Rise South exercise room scheduled to open in 1998 -- may reduce the likelihood of constructing a new, centralized facility. Although Diorka advised on equipment for the new weight room, it is primarily a project of the Department of Housing and Residence Life. Diorka's arrival at the Department of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics, along with an evaluation of the department by the consulting firm of Brailsford & Dunlavey, have led to a variety of changes, ranging from facility renovations to the reorganization of instructional classes. In an attempt to answer frequent student complaints, the department expanded the hours of operation at both Gimbel and Hutchinson gymnasiums. Hutchinson, for example, opens at 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, instead of just three days a week. Diorka has also re-organized the staffing of his department, and recently hired two top aides. Paula King came to Penn from Temple University earlier this year to help revitalize the instructional programs and improve the department's marketing, while Mike Quindlin--a former Philadelphia Department of Recreation employee -- is assisting in the physical maintenance of the recreational facilities. "Recreation is an out-of-class room experience that's important to any university's campus," Diorka said. "We want to be a service to the University to help improve relations among community members, as well as improve the quality of life." Increasing the amount of instructional classes, as well as the hours in which they were offered, became Diorka's top priority after the department received feedback from student e-mail surveys and focus groups showing they were dissatisfied with the strict time schedule of the instructional classes. "Aerobics was one of those areas that we saw needed immediate attention," said Diorka. This year, students who register for aerobics can attend any of the 28 classes scheduled weekly--which range from classic step-aerobics to slightly more daring cardio-jam -- at a variety of times. In previous years, students signed up for one class which met three times a week and did not have the option of attending other classes. College junior Rachael Hartman, who has taken aerobics every semester she's been at the University, said she was excited to see the changes. "I used to miss a lot of classes, but this will be much more convenient," she explained. The department has also hired new instructors for the classes, but Diorka said he hopes to eventually train University students to teach the classes. "We want to have certification courses right on campus so students can try the other side [of classes]," he said. Diorka said he was also working to improve and increase the number of special events on campus. The second annual Locust Walk Mile is planned for November 8, the morning of the Homecoming football game. The race will run in reverse from last year -- going from the Van Pelt Library to Superblock, and back. Like last year, long sleeve T-shirts will be given to participants, and food will be served at a small awards ceremony following the race.

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