Give Now in honor of Rita LaValley’s service and the future of Campus Recreation

Your gift to the Rita LaValley Campus Recreation Student Support Fund allows dedicated Campus Recreation student employees to be recognized for their hard work.

Student employment may not always be glamorous, but Campus Recreation’s student staff continuously aims for the best. 

On average, the department employs 550 students each academic year, to manage and run recreational facilities and programs. To not only recognize student employees who go above and beyond but provide continual engagement in the overall improvement of the department, and an understanding, passion, and appreciation for the learning objectives and opportunities provided by OHIO Campus Recreation, the Rita LaValley Campus Recreation Student Support Fund was created to honor the 30 years of service Mrs. LaValley gave to OHIO’s Campus Recreation.

Campus Recreation's Executive Director Mark Ferguson helped to kick-off this campaign with a $200 gift and then pledged another $300 when the balance hit $500. Now, Mark has committed another $250 when the campaign gets 25 donations! Give now to help this Rita LaValley fund benefit from Mark's additional support!

Give Now in honor of Mrs. LaValley’s service and the future of Campus Recreation.

Gracie Beha '20 was awarded the Rita LaValley award in 2019 for her dedication to Campus Recreation and passion for recreation, co-workers and patrons. Gracie shared, “I think of Campus Recreation as more than just a student employer; I believe years down the road when I look back at my time with Ohio University Campus Recreation, I will think of it as the place where I truly discovered my potential as a person within the workplace and as a leader.”

The Rita LaValley Campus Recreation Student Support Fund is annually awarded to a student employee who exemplified exceptional service and dedication to the Department of Campus Recreation, as well as provided genuine care and support of others while serving as a mentor to peers. Campus Recreation student employees have an opportunity to be publicly honored for their dedicated service to the university’s well-being and incentivized to carry forward Mrs. LaValley’s legacy of passion and care to all.

Rita LaValley dedicated 30 years of service to Ohio University and served as a trusted colleague, mentor and friend to students, staff and faculty throughout her tenure. She began her career at OHIO on May 26, 1987 and left a lasting impact on the Department of Campus Recreation. Her dedication to and passion for OHIO Campus Recreation was evident through her work helping students, training employees, and supporting the department’s mission. Mrs. LaValley retired from OHIO on August 25, 2017 and has been enjoying retirement since.

About Campus Recreation

Mission Statement 

The Department of Campus Recreation provides quality, inclusive recreation experiences designed to positively impact the intellectual and personal development of OHIO students and the vitality of the OHIO community. 

Vision Statement

To deliver a fully integrated recreation experience that elevates the transformative impact of Ohio University.

Currently, the department is able to give one $500 award each year in Rita LaValley's honor. Because of this crowdfunding campaign and related future efforts, the department hopes to recognize multiple students with awards in the coming years.

Give Now and encourage our Recreation employees to be our leaders for tomorrow.