Rho Phi Lambda
Recreational Leaders of Tomorrow and Rho Phi Lambda (RLT-RPL)
Recreational Leaders for Tomorrow-Rho Phi Lambda shall be a professional and honorary student organization committed to building connections and fostering a strong sense of community among Recreation Management majors. Our purpose is to promote student engagement, leadership, and service, while recognizing individuals who demonstrate a dedication to improving parks and recreation for all communities.
The organization also serves as Alpha Tau chapter of Rho Phi Lambda, the national honor fraternity for Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies and seeks to honor students who exhibit academic excellence, integrity, and a passion for making a positive impact in the field.
Membership in Recreational Leaders for Tomorrow is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at George Mason University who declare Recreation Management as their major. The organization is committed to fostering leadership, service, and professional development among students in the field.
Membership Categories
General Members: General members are those actively engaged in the organization’s meetings, events, and service opportunities. All general members are eligible to vote, serve on committees, and hold office.
Honorary Members: Eligibility for Rho Phi Lambda is reserved for students who meet the academic and leadership criteria set by the national Rho Phi Lambda Honor Society. These members are recognized for their excellence in scholarship, service, and professional promise.
- Undergraduate students must meet all of the following criteria:
- Rank in the top 15% of students within the Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, or Individualized concentrations or have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
- Rank in the top 15% of all Recreation Management concentration students in professional coursework or have a 3.2 GPA in professional courses.
- Have completed at least 45 semester hours, including 9 semester hours of professional Recreation Management coursework.
- Demonstrate substantial evidence of outstanding leadership.
- Demonstrate substantial evidence of service to the campus and/or community.
- Graduate students must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and have completed at least 9 semester hours of graduate coursework.
- Demonstrate substantial evidence of outstanding leadership.
- Demonstrate substantial evidence of service to the campus and/or community.
Recreational Leaders of Tomorrow and Rho Phi Lambda 2024-2025
Student leadership team

President: Joe Eitzel
My name is Joe Eitzel, and I am a member of Rho Phi Lambda. I am currently pursuing a dual Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Recreation Management at George Mason University, with a focus on therapeutic and outdoor recreation. My goal is to enhance inclusivity in outdoor spaces, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can experience the therapeutic and recreational benefits of nature. I am passionate about accessibility, adaptive recreation, and the role of natural environments in promoting mental and physical well-being.

Treasurer: John Thomas
Hi! I’m John Thomas, I am currently working for the NPS at Manassas National Battlefield Park in maintenance along with part time school in RMGT at GMU. I am focused on battlefield preservation and education about America’s hallowed grounds.

Event Coordinator: Joey Davis
Hello, I am Joseph Davis, Sophomore Recreation Management Major, Parks and Outdoors Recreation Focus. I am passionate about educating everyone on the value of recreation and how it is involved in each other's lives, no matter how different they are. As well, I aspire to inspire others to join and help grow our organization.
Alpha Tau Chapter President: 2023-2024

Bella Trimner, Reservoir Park Specialist, Ashburn, VA
Pictured here with Executive Director of NOVA Parks, Paul Gilbert
Alpha Tau Chapter Officers: 2022-2023

Hi! My name is Michael Lynch, and I am the President of Rho Phi Lambda. I am a senior completing my Recreation Management degree with a concentration in Parks and Outdoor Recreation. My goal is to work for the National Park Service to help provide enjoyment and education to visitors and to preserve the parks for future generations. I am particularly interested in wildlife conservation and planet sustainability.
Fun Fact: I enjoy volunteering with a local rescue group to help match homeless dogs with their forever families.

Selam Aleykum! My name is Hina, Vice President of Rho Phi Lambda. I am a senior at Mason majoring in Recreation Management with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. I enjoy fitness, exploring a variety of things, and learning about alternative medicine/health therapies.
I'd like to have a personal chef one day.
Alpha Tau Chapter Officers: 2021-2022

Hello! My name is Garrett Harrison, President of Rho Phi Lambda. I am a senior here at Mason with a concentration in Parks and Outdoor Recreation Management. I spend most of my free time either reading, playing video games, or cooking!
Fun fact about me, I play for the Varsity Overwatch team here at Mason as the Off Tank!

Hi! My name is Michael Lynch and I am the Vice President of Rho Phi Lambda. I am a senior studying Outdoor Parks and Recreation. I hope someday to work at one of the National Parks helping to preserve the parks for future generations.
Fun Fact: I volunteer with a local rescue group to help match homeless dogs with their forever families.

Hi! I’m Ryan Caram. I am the Treasurer for Rho Phi Lambda. I am a senior at Mason with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. I enjoy spending my free time watching movies (I’m a movie buff), having fun with my Yorkshire Terrier puppy, “Aries,” and exercising. At some stage in life, I would like to travel more.
Fun Fact: I love to live, laugh, learn, and find new ways to implement therapy strategies into my lifestyle. So, I decided to create my fitness brand and therapeutic style of training.
Alpha Tau Chapter Officers: 2020-2021

Hi! I’m Emma Werthmann, President of Rho Phi Lambda. I am a senior at George Mason with a concentration in Recreation Management. I like to spend my free time hiking, camping, kayaking and playing guitar.
Fun Fact: I am Amusements Manager at Burke Lake Park and enjoy working everyday outside.

Hi! My name is Maggie Morgan, and I am the vice president of Rho Phi Lambda. I am studying therapeutic recreation, severe disabilities, and American Sign Language.
Fun Fact: I have a fraternal twin brother.

Hi! My name is Corey Payne. I am the secretary of Rho Phi Lambda. I'm a senior in the Parks and Outdoor Recreation program.
Fun Fact: I play rugby and hockey.

Hi! I’m Kaleb Cole; I also go by KJ. I am the Treasurer for Rho Phi Lambda. I am a graduate student at Mason with a concentration in Recreation Administration. I enjoy being with friends, playing with my German shepherd puppy, and going on crazy adventures.
Fun Fact: One thing on my bucket list is Skydiving.
Rho Phi Lambda-Alpha Tau Chapter Inductees
2024-2025
Meg WolfeNatalie Yellowitz
2023-2024
Joe EitzelAndrew O’Dell
Brenden Powers
Bella Trimner
2021-2022
Suzie ButterfieldHina Choudhary
Julia Cooper
Michael Heredia
Henry Ware
Liz Wilson
Jessica Winkler
2020-2021
Elizabeth AdamsonRyan Caram
Garrett Harrison
Michael Lynch
2019-2020
Preston CampbellKaleb Cole
Emily Giordano Ferguson
James Finnegan
Tiffany Gelak
Matthew Mast
Margaret Morgan
Corey Payne
Maya Prestipino
Zachary Stevens
Maura Taaffe
Emma Werthmann
Riley Wilkerson
2017-2018
Paul AdamSydney Aulffo
Katelyn Johnston
Katie McCarty
Sara Miron
Courtney Sadler
Lauren Welch
Amelia Winnard
2016-2017
Raina AideRebecca Bolin
Alexis Harman
Tenia Mitchell
Camille Paladino
Kevin Rogers
Ian Stewart
Rachael Wray
2015-2016
Deborah CheccoElizabeth Coberly
Rebecca Flaherty
Jeffrey Hill
Richard Holt
Victoria Hopchas
Janelle Marshall
Rebecca Meese
Amber Stramel
Victoria Velesz
Denzel White
Virginia Wine
Dustin Yates
2011-2012
Ryan BarnettKristine Brunsman
Beenish Butt
Samuel King
Aubrey Krukles
Nicole Woodward
2010-2011
Robert KingAlice Millikin
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Alethea Summers
2009-2010
Emily FinkWilla Whitacre
Patricia Wood
Jevon Wright
2008-2009
Michelle BurchettRyan Corder
Samantha Davidson
Surender Raut
Brittany Scott
Andrew Shaw
Michael Stanbridge
Brittney Taylor
Amber Walker
2007-2008
Natalie Teluk HaynesKaren Hernandez
Jason Montecalvo
John Matt Woods
Faculty and Professional Inductees
Nancy ChamberlainPaul Gilbert
Christopher Goldbecker
Ivan Levin
Tiffany Sandstrom
Dr. Laurlyn Harmon (now University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse)
Dr. Stella Liu
Dr. Ellen Drogin Rodgers
Dr. Brenda Wiggins

2018-2019 Induction

Yard Fest 2018

2016-2017 Initiation

Pop-Up Park 2016

2015-2016 Induction

Welcome Week 2015
