Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of articles recognizing alumni receiving distinguished service awards in September 2018.
Graff award recipient is leader for adapted physical activity
Joonkoo Yun not only is an advocate and proponent for those with disabilities, he’s mentoring others to follow his lead.
Yun, professor and Endowed IMPACT for Life Faculty Scholar at Oregon State University, is known for his “student first” approach and the welcoming learning environment he provides. His students praise his conscientious teaching approach, noting that he’s willing to evaluate his own work to adapt and improve.
Yun has published over 40 papers, with nearly all of them written with a current or former student. His work has appeared in “Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly” and “Research Quarterly for Exercise & Sport,” leading journals in the adapted physical activity field.
Yun also has been successful in securing extramural funding for movement studies in disability. He has written over 40 extramural and two internal grants and contracts. Among those, 24 have been funded. He has procured over $7.5 million in grants and contracts including nearly $5 million as a principal investigator from the U. S. Department of Education. The training grants help develop leadership in adapted physical education among his master’s and doctoral students.
“Dr. Yun has been a tireless scholar and productive contributor to the field of kinesiology and to adapted physical activity,” notes Ulrich
Beverly Ulrich, professor and Dean Emerita of the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology, says Yun is well known for his mentoring.
“Dr. Yun has been a tireless scholar and productive contributor to the field of kinesiology and to adapted physical activity,” notes Ulrich, a former colleague of Yun at Indiana University. “He has gone above and beyond the requisite as a faculty member to support graduate students’ development, as well as the development of programs to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities.”
The Joonkoo Yun file
• Scholar, teacher, productive contributor and mentor in the fields of kinesiology and adapted physical activity.
• Professor, Endowed IMPACT for Life Faculty Scholar at Oregon State University.
• Recipient of numerous national awards for his contributions to physical education and recreation for individuals with disabilities.
• Author of over 40 scholarly publications.
• Bachelor’s of Physical Education, Sung Kyun Kwan University, 1987; Master’s of Science in
Special Physical Education from UWL, 1992; Doctor of Philosophy in Human Performance, Indiana University, 1998.
Seven to receive distinguished alumni awards
Alumni who graduated during the past four decades will receive the top awards bestowed by the UWL Alumni Association this fall. They’re being honored for distinguished service and successful careers. They’ll return to campus to speak with students and participate in a panel at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, in the Great Hall, Cleary Alumni & Friends Center. An Alumni Awards Brunch and Ceremony is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in The Bluffs Room, UWL Student Union. Tickets are $25 per person and can be ordered through the
Alumni Association at 608.785.8489.
Awards and honorees include:
The Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumnus Award
Recognizes outstanding achievement of alumni who have brought honor and distinction to the university. Long-time administrator Maurice O. Graff instituted the honor in 1977.
• Joonkoo Yun, ’92
• Jon Erickson, ’76
Rada Distinguished Alumnus Award
Recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years, achieved professional distinction and taken part in humanitarian activities. Professor emeritus Ron Rada and his wife, Jane, created the award in 2002.
• Matt Brantner, ’05
• Marc Gall, ’03
Parker Distinguished Multicultural Alumni Award
Recognizes outstanding alumni who have contributed greatly to improve multiracial culture and understanding on campus and in their careers. History Professor Emeritus James Parker initiated the award in 1997.
• Thomas Harris, ’11
• Houa Xiong, ’98 & ’00
Burt and Norma Altman Teacher Education Award
Honors and recognizes outstanding educators and the significant contributions they make to children and communities. Professor Emeritus Burt Altman and his wife, Norma, long-time supporters of teacher education, created the award in 2015.
• Phil Ertl, ’88
