By Juliette Moore

Now is the time to honor the significant contributions of a seasoned and accomplished leader by nominating them for the 2014 NIRSA Honor Award.

The NIRSA Honor Award is among our Association’s highest recognitions for members demonstrating outstanding achievements in the profession and exemplary service to the Association.

This prestigious distinction is celebrated on the last day of the NIRSA Annual Conference at the Honor Award Banquet, our association’s gala event. The recipient is also celebrated on the NIRSA website and featured in an issue of the NIRSA Know.

Nominations are due November 1: don’t miss this opportunity to honor the leadership and service provided by an inspirational NIRSA colleague.

Read what past Honor Award recipients have to say about receiving the award

Kathryn George Bayless, CRSS, Director of Campus Recreational Sports at Indiana University, 2011 Honor Award recipient:


Kathryn George Bayless, 2011 recipient

“The honor award isn’t something you set out seeking, but, as the name indicates, it’s a true honor to be recognized by your peers for things they view as contributions that help our field. I also received it as a collective tribute for all the contributions made by our IU Alumni and current team members. NIRSA colleagues are warm, generous, affirming, and take delight in celebrating positive outcomes for others!”

Thomas Kirch, CRSS, Director of Recreational Sports, Oregon State University, 2013 Honor Award recipient:


Thomas Kirch, 2013 recipient

”As every other recipient of this prestigious award has said, there is no greater honor than to be recognized by one’s peers. And there has been no greater moment of pride in my professional career then being the recipient of the NIRSA Honor Award. Being recognized by my peers is an overwhelming experience, but it also provided the opportunity to acknowledge all those that have contributed to and have been a part of past successes. Therefore I was most excited to be able to accept this award on behalf of the collective contributions of so many others.”

As the 2012 recipient of this Award, I can tell you what an incredible blessing in my life to be recognized by my friends, colleagues and members of my NIRSA family for the Honor Award. I didn’t achieve this award alone, as I had the delight of working with many incredible people (many whom are also great friends) on numerous worthwhile projects, committees, and boards for NIRSA. It is the journey that we made together that really brings this honor home for me. I will cherish it and all the people that were part of my journey for a lifetime.


Juliette Moore, 2012 recipient

Need tips to assist you in nominating one of your deserving colleagues?

  • Remember to show how this individual was involved in volunteer leadership. Give concrete examples: i.e. “Served as an active member of three national committees, and served as chair of two.
  • As a result of their leadership, describe what was accomplished: i.e. “Worked on the “blank” (sub-committee and/or committee) and was instrumental in hosting the “blank” (symposium/workshop).”
  • Solid, well-described examples are critical to all of the selection criteria. Don’t just say how wonderful this person is; give examples of how they meet or exceed the criteria.
  • List ways the person has provided support to students and professionals.
  • Note significant contributions they’ve made to their workplace. This is an opportunity to share how the individual has contributed on a campus level. It also provides an opportunity to showcase how campus involvement has supported NIRSA goals as well as professional and student development.
  • Give honest information about the nominee while being more specific and less vague. Include items from their resume, but expand on them and provide examples.
  • Include examples of specific contributions the nominee made while in service, as well as any “outcomes” and “impact” resulting from their contributions.