Former KU professor and department chair receives national, state recognition

LAWRENCE -- A retired University of Kansas professor and department chair has received the highest honor given by a national organization supporting his field of study, and the state chapter has renamed its highest award in his honor.

Wayne Osness, School of Education professor emeritus and former chair of health, sport and exercise sciences at KU, received the Luther Halsey Gulick Award by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD) April 3 in Philadelphia. The Kansas chapter of the alliance also honored Osness at the event for contributions to his field.

The Luther Halsey Gulick Award is the highest honor the AAHPERD bestows in recognition of long and distinguished service to the alliance. Osness' unique background in science, physical education, chemistry and physiology was noted during the award presentation.

"Wayne Osness is a caring, compassionate professional who has dedicated his life to the mission of health and well-being to all -- regardless of age, ability or gender," said John Frappier, CEO of Frappier Acceleration, at the presentation. "There are events, places and people that have had major impact on our lives. For me the event was pursuing my graduate degree. The place was the University of Kansas in Lawrence, and the person was Wayne Osness.

"When I asked one of the busiest professionals in the world to chair my master's thesis, he demonstrated his sincere generosity and guided me through the process. Dr. Osness' professionalism, knowledge and influence have played a major role in my personal and professional life."

The Kansas chapter of the AAHPERD dedicated its highest award to Osness at the ceremony, renaming it the Wayne Osness Award.

During the dedication of the newly named award, Osness was cited for his prominence in state, national and international arenas; the longevity of his career; his leadership; and his volunteer and professional work.

In his retirement, Osness has continued his professional activities and service, including serving as interim chair of the HSES department at KU's School of Education during the 2001-02 term. He also served as a reviewer for state teacher education programs.

He leads PATH (Personal Action Through Health), which is a semester-long fitness activity and information course for older adults, based at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence.

Osness, a member of the HSES faculty since 1966 and chair of the department for 25 years, specializes in exercise physiology and the biological aging process, especially as it is affected by exercise.

In addition, Osness has served as a courtesy professor of physiology and cell biology and as a senior scientist for the Center on Aging at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.

His professional activities have included presentations and consulting work on national and international levels, numerous publications -- most recently on physical functioning in older adults -- and editorships on 11 scholarly journals. Osness also served on the executive board and as chair of the Education Committee of the U.S. Olympic Committee for eight years.