30 at 30: Mary Patay

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Name | Years at Miami | City, State 

Mary Patay, Ph.D., CPRE | 1988-1992 | Mackinac Island, MI

Job Title | Current Employer

Recreation Director | City of Mackinac Island

Education

1992, BA, Psychology

Learn About Mary

As the recreation director for the City of Mackinac Island and varsity soccer, basketball and golf coach I feel that it is important to teach all that are willing to learn the importance of health and wellness especially in the recreation field. I have seen how recreation and physical activity has enhanced the lives of many members of my community’s physical and mental health.

What do you do to recreate, live well, and have fun?

I tend to spend my time outside hiking, biking and cross-country skiing with my husky.  In addition to those activities, I enjoy reading and crafting.

What does health, wellness and recreation mean to you and why is it important in your life?

Health, wellness and recreation are a lifestyle for me. I enjoy being active-especially outside. I live in a beautiful area and there is nothing like going for a walk in the woods to help reduce my stress and reboot. I feel that it is my duty to not only teach about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle but to live as an example.

How did your role in Miami Recreation help you get to where you are today?

My role in Miami Recreation was to vote to increase my activity fees even though the campus recreation center would be completed after I graduated.

Advice that you would give a first-year college student at Miami today.

Find your place, explore new activities, do what makes you happy. If you have a chance to travel, find a way to make it happen, you never know when you will get another chance.

Favorite Miami Recreation Memory

I loved playing intramural sports ranging from soccer to flag football, broomball to water polo. It was a great way to meet new people and hang out with friends.

Awards / Recognitions / Personal or Career Accomplishments

Writer for the Michigan Fitness Foundation- EPEC Play (physical education curriculum)

Chairperson on The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

Finalist for the Governor’s Fitness Awards Director’s Champion of Health

Member of mParks (Michigan Parks and Recreation) professional development committee

Chair of the 2026 mParks Conference Committee

Council on Accreditation: Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions Public Representative Council Member

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