Giving thanks during this special time of year…

By Stan Shingles, 2015-2016 NIRSA President, Assistant Vice President at Central Michigan University

The calendar will soon turn to 2016; and while the New Year offers us the occasion to set new challenges, goals, and directions, now is the time of year to share our appreciation and gratitude with the people and organizations who make our lives special.

Recently, the NIRSA Board of Directors held its annual mid-year meetings in Atlanta, GA, and the opportunity to experience this wonderful city—and the cultural splendor that defines it—was a real treat. For the third consecutive year, the NIRSA Board has also used the mid-year meeting platform to host a town-hall-style meeting that is open to NIRSA members.

On behalf of the NIRSA Board, I would like to especially thank NIRSA member schools Georgia Tech University and Spelman College. Michael Edwards, Director of Campus Recreation at Georgia Tech, and his staff were exceptional hosts for these meetings, and Chavonne Shorter, Assistant Director of Spelman College Wellness, for her instrumental role in helping the Board put on a town hall meeting for NIRSA members. We also sincerely appreciate the NIRSA members from the Atlanta area who took time out of their day to join and engage with us during this meeting.

The NIRSA Board developed an ambitious agenda for these meetings, and a focused effort allowed for very positive outcomes. These meetings allowed the Board to examine next steps in the Association’s Strategic Plan, review the action items that support the future direction of the Association, and invest in training that increases our knowledge-base and helps us become more informed, as we conduct the business of NIRSA.

While these NIRSA Board meetings help to advance the mission and vision of the Association, it is the work of all our volunteers that allows this association to prosper and grow, and helps to position our members to advance the profession. I also would like to take the opportunity to commend the NIRSA Headquarters Team for their support in helping us to advance the mission, vision, and values of the Association; their efforts allow members to engage in the many Association activities with great purpose and tremendous results.

As I reflect on our Association’s accomplishments in 2015, there is much to be thankful for:

Over 4,000 individual members who comprise the majority of our Association, and whose membership in NIRSA demonstrates their commitment and dedication to their development as professionals
These NIRSA members served some 8.1 million students who engaged in the pursuit of healthy lifestyles and took advantage of leadership development through participation in our programs or co-curricular activity, and by using our facilities
Nearly 1,850 opportunities to serve the Association were taken up by members who serve in volunteer leadership roles to make the good work of the Association possible—the individuals who volunteer on boards, networks, commissions, committees, and task forces serve with selfless service and unyielding commitment
More than 650 institutional member schools have invested in the Association for the betterment of the profession
The many organizations in higher education that partner with NIRSA to develop students into tomorrow’s leaders, produce great citizens, and strengthen the total person

The many leadership groups of NIRSA have continued to grow the profession, move the initiatives and strategies forward, and allow for meaningful member engagement. The NIRSA Foundation Board, Services Corporation Board, and Member Network, and Assembly continue to align, to the benefit of NIRSA and the collegiate recreation profession.

As I reflect on the many things that I have to be thankful for on a personal level, I would like to share a handful and why I value them:

Good health. I appreciate the opportunity to build a great quality of life that allows for healthy lifestyles and continues good health.
Good friends. Often, it’s the quality of friendships, not the quantity, that best defines friendship.
Learning from mistakes. If we never made mistakes, we wouldn’t learn much; so, failing is one of those important things we should be thankful for.
Laughter. Without laughter, the world would be a pretty sad place.
Home. Whether you live in an apartment, a mansion, or a tent, having a place to call home is something to be thankful for.
Safety and security. Although the world is not perfect, being able to wake up without immense fear frees us up to really live life.
Sunshine. The sun’s warmth can brighten any day.
Time. Although we often don’t think there’s enough of it, time is something we shouldn’t take for granted.
Love. The world sure would be a different place if we lacked the ability to love.
Pain. Without pain, it would be difficult to appreciate life’s joys.
Holidays. Any reason to celebrate is something we should be thankful for.
Freedom of speech. Being able to express your thoughts and feelings freely should never be taken for granted.
The wisdom that comes with age. Thankfully, we grow smarter over time.
Sunsets. Sunsets are a reminder that we should enjoy the simple things in life.
Entertainment. Entertainment gives us a way to relax and enjoy life.
My mind. Being able to think, remember, and solve problems sure makes life easier.
Diversity. The world would be a boring place without diversity.
An ability to learn. The ability to learn new things means we have endless potential.
Challenges. Without challenges in life, we wouldn’t be the people we are now.

Finally, I would also like to thank my fellow members who make up your NIRSA Board of Directors. Their leadership, vision, and support of the Association’s mission and strategic plan underscores the purpose and direction of NIRSA. Their dedication facilitates great outcomes in our collective NIRSA efforts, and creates an environment of excellence that members can value and appreciate. Now is the time to apply to serve in many of the professional development opportunities of NIRSA; I encourage you to pursue the many experiences that the Association offers.

“A Strong Core, A Bright Future” is the theme for the 2016 Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Exposition, April 3-6. Registration for our association’s signature event is now open! I encourage you to join us in Kissimmee, FL, as we discuss the core of our profession, and explore some exciting changes and advancements.