What’s going on with the NIRSA Foundation at NIRSA 2017?

Unlocking our potential

As you explore the international treasure of collegiate recreation at the 2017 NIRSA Annual Conference & Campus Rec and Wellness Expo taking place from February 21–24 in National Harbor, MD, consider joining the NIRSA Foundation in unlocking our potential! Help us support research in the collegiate recreation field, provide students and professionals with scholarships so they can engage in professional development opportunities, and direct funds to vital NIRSA programs.

This year’s Annual Giving Campaign goal is $80,000. Gifts can be made at the NIRSA Foundation Table as well as on the NIRSA Foundation page of the NIRSA website. Giving has never been easier—make a one-time gift or spread your gift out monthly. Be sure to drop by the NIRSA Foundation Table and be a part of filling our treasure chest!

In addition to its Annual Giving Campaign, the NIRSA Foundation will have numerous activities at the NIRSA 2017, including some new events. All NIRSA members are invited to participate in this amazing line-up of activities. You will not want to miss two new events from the Foundation this year!

Exciting new events

The Mark Fletcher Potomac Plunge

Named for the NIRSA Foundation’s famous Mark Fletcher Fun Run, the Mark Fletcher Potomac Plunge promises to be a very “cool” event! Presented by Cannon Design on Friday, February 24—the last day of the 2017 Annual Conference—NIRSA members will take the plunge into the icy waters of the Potomac River! The cost for professionals to participate is $25 while students pay only $15. Register early and you will be guaranteed a commemorative towel by Texon Towel!

If you don’t want to take the plunge or won’t be attending NIRSA 2017, consider supporting one of the brave plungers by making a donation in his or her name at the NIRSA Foundation Table or online. For more information, visit the Mark Fletcher Potomac Plunge webpage. Don’t forget to add this event to your conference registration!

The NIRSA Foundation Corporate Auction

New to this year’s Annual Conference is the exciting NIRSA Foundation Corporate Auction. Beginning on Monday, February 6, we will have a live site filled with incredible items donated by our amazing partners. Whether you attend NIRSA 2017 or not, you will have an opportunity to bid on equipment, certifications, consulting packages, hospitality items, and more. Our auction site will accept your purchasing or personal credit card—so whether you’re purchasing for your university or yourself, you can be a part of this exciting new event.

Live bidding will close at the end of the Closing General Session on February 24. Watch the NIRSA Foundation Corporate Auction page of the NIRSA website for updated auction information and a link to bidding. A link to the auction site will also be present in the NIRSA 2017 Guidebook® app.

Beloved traditions

And don’t forget to stop by the NIRSA Foundation Table! Enter your program or department’s T-shirts for entry into the historic NIRSA Foundation T-shirt Competition. Shirts will be accepted at the NIRSA Foundation Table on the night of Monday, February 20; on Tuesday, February 21 from 8:00am-4:15pm; and on Wednesday, February 22 from 8:00am-1:00pm. The Foundation is also accepting donations of jackets, sweatshirts, golf and polo shirts, and other swag for sale at our onsite NIRSA Foundation Store. We truly appreciate your donations! For more information about the T-Shirt Competition & Apparel Sale, as well as to download the entry form, visit the NIRSA website.

We would be delighted to see you at the NIRSA Foundation Table at NIRSA 2017! Stop by to speak to a Foundation Board Member and learn how you can get involved in our committees and programs or make a donation. You can also sneak a peek at the NIRSA Foundation Quilt and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win it. Register for NIRSA 2017 today if you haven’t already—we’re looking forward to seeing you in National Harbor!