Jerry Hitzhusen, Professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at the University of Missouri, became the first North American honored with the Enrique Romero Brest Award during the PanAmerican Congress on Physical Education and Recreation in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 20, 2001.

Jerry Hitzhusen, Professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at the University of Missouri, became the first North American honored with the Enrique Romero Brest Award during the PanAmerican Congress on Physical Education and Recreation in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 20, 2001. This award was named for Senor Brest, who was the pioneer in physical education and recreation in Argentina and an innovator throughout South and Central America. Hitzhusen received this honor for his long-time professional work in developing The International Symposium on Therapeutic Recreation, editing global therapeutic publications, and his pioneering work in therapeutic recreation around the world. Jerry co-chairs the National Therapeutic Recreation International Affairs Committee. He is also a member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association Student Scholarship Committee.