Education

Chalk up another successful Aquatic Institute

The 2005 National Aquatic Institute, wrapped up on October 1, in Atlanta, Georgia, after a three-day run!

Attendance numbers held steady with 69 attendees at this Institute, (past Institutes have had 72 (2003) and 74 (2001) respectively), however over 40% of the evaluation respondents were members of NIRSA for less than three years, so we know there were new folks in the crowd!

Highlights of the Institute were the tours of aquatic facilities in the Atlanta area, the Mock Trial presented by Gary Pogharian, with active involvement from the attendees, the Red Cross update session, and as always, the networking opportunities.

Evaluation comments included:

"The Aquatic Institute was the most valuable conference I have attended in my 18 year aquatic career. The educational sessions were outstanding, but most of all, the sense of community amongst the conference participants was warm and welcoming. I highly recommend this Institute to any aquatic professional, there is something for everyone." – Jodi Jensen, Hampton University

"I found the Institute a valuable learning experience. As a Professional Member who has little aquatics experience, the Institute was a perfect starting point for my learning curve. The Institute provided added value for my professional development and helped provide a starting point for the development of an aquatics program at my university." – Bill Crockett, University of Maryland, Baltimore

"As a Student Member, I believe it is important to attend institutes of your specific profession. It helps you grow professionally and personally. There are so many opportunities to network with great individuals on your level." – Dana Dickerson, North Carolina State University

The Institute Planning Committee of Linda McKee (chair), Debbie Dorsey (host), Chris Denison, Gary Pogharian, Duane Proell, Sarah Daugherty, Jennifer Gudaz, and Michelle Thompson, did a fantastic job with the Institute and program. Debbie Dorsey also enlisted the help of a local committee to plan the tours, and our thanks go out to the staffs of Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Emory University and Kennesaw State University.

The next Institute will take place in the fall of 2007, site to be determined.