Michelle Hernández/THE RIDER
The University Recreation Center aims to make an impact by expanding creative programming, boosting student retention, and building a stronger sense of belonging across the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses, according to a new department official.
Calvin Diggs, University Recreation director, started as the director of the department on July 20.
“Within my first 100 days, what I want to do is make sure that I make an impact, being dependable and assisting with the recruitment and the retention of the students.”
He said the University Recreation made an impact through creative programming, where they develop and implement what they believe students need while also communicating with them.
According to Vanessa Diaz, engagement coordinator for the University Recreation, the new director has made implementations such as “question of the day” for students to voice their opinions to daily questions.
Half of the recreation center’s fitness floor was replaced with elliptical machines, according to Diggs.
“We’re currently in the process of getting approval for the second phase of that, which would be the heavy lifting equipment,” he said.
Diggs said the University Recreation’s primary goal is to give students a shared space.
“We want something for all students to have a sense of belonging,” he said. “If a student wants to come over … and have their lunch here at the REC center without working out … they’re welcome to do that … [and] if a student wants to come over and play basketball for three hours, we also have a place for that.”
The director said he envisions the recreation center reaching a broader audience through community-based programs such as their previous, “Postcards for Parents,” where 146 postcards were sent to parents to reassure them their children attending the university are doing well.
Michelle Hernández/THE RIDER
Diggs said upcoming community-based events or programs are a toy drive called “Dolls for Dolls”, a campus cleanup in the fall and spring semesters and a boot drive.
“Those community service projects fall into the pillars of the institution from values and goals,” he said.
After implementing his ideas and possibly expanding them to the community, the new director said he hopes to see increased participation.
“I’m always looking for max participation, and numbers do not always quantify that,” Diggs said. “Sometimes that’s quantified by the place of belonging.”
Diaz said the direction the new director is taking the University Recreation “it’s very special” since they seek to grow and reach more students.
Angel Reyna, a music education junior, said the new implementations, such as the machines, have been a good addition for students like him who often visit the recreation center.
“I feel like everyone should be involved with the space. Even if you’re not working out… I think it’s a good thing.” Reyna replied regarding the new director’s vision for the recreation center. “They’re just trying to get everyone included in the space.”
The University Recreation Center’s new director wants students to know the Recreation Center is creating a space for everyone.
“I’m open to ideas,” Diggs said. “And that’s what I want the faculty, staff, and the students to know. If it is [an] idea… definitely put it on my palette because I’m going to introduce it to my team and we’ll move forward full speed ahead if we think it can impact students while I’m here at UTRGV.”
