NIRSA and the entire field of collegiate recreation are made great by the passion, drive, and dedication of some truly amazing individuals and institutions. Each year, NIRSA is proud to recognize some of its extraordinary members with a variety of awards.
The Association would like to congratulate all of our inspiring award recipients for their contributions to NIRSA and the profession!
Honor Award
The highest honor awarded by the Association, the NIRSA Honor Award is presented each year to a member for outstanding achievement in the profession. The Honor Award is presented during the Honor Award Banquet.
Award recipient
Vicki Highstreet, RCRSP, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
NIRSA Annual Service Awards
Professional Awards
Awarded in appreciation of the considerable volunteer efforts various NIRSA professional members have made to further NIRSA and the collegiate recreation field this past year. The NIRSA Annual Service Awards are presented to recipients during the Honor Award Banquet.
Award recipients
Andy Lemons, RCRSP, St. Edward’s University
For his outstanding leadership in Region IV and instrumental role in the creation of new regional scholarships.
Brooke Turner, The University of Alabama
For her exemplary leadership and dedication as chair of the NIRSA Championship Series Executive Committee.
Dave DeAngelo, CRSS, The Ohio State University
For his dedication and passion serving as advisor of the NIRSA Region III Student Lead On.
David Peters, RCRSP, Florida State University
For his vision and leadership as Chair of the NIRSA Member Network and his outstanding passion and dedication to NIRSA Championship Series.
Student Awards
Awarded in appreciation of the considerable volunteer efforts various NIRSA student members have made to further NIRSA and the collegiate recreation field this past year.
Award recipients
Marjorie Wallington, Central Michigan University
For her outstanding leadership as the Region III Student Leader and her service to the students of NIRSA.
Will Trent, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
For his exemplary leadership and service to the students of NIRSA as the 2016-2017 NIRSA Student Leader.
Group Awards
Awarded in appreciation of the considerable volunteer efforts various NIRSA groups have made to further NIRSA and the collegiate recreation field this past year.
2017 NIRSA Sport Club Institute Committee
For their exceptional dedication and event execution of the 2017 NIRSA Sport Club Institute.
2016-2017 NIRSA Leadership Commission
For their significant contributions to develop the student leadership resources within the association.
William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards
These awards recognize outstanding students who are actively involved with the Department of Recreational Sports on their university or college campus. Award recipients are presented their awards during the Student Member Connection Meeting.
Region I
Mia Stewart, Cornell University
Region II
Amy Ross, James Madison University
Courtney McAdams, Western Kentucky University
Janna Jordan, Georgia Southern University
Malik Holmes, James Madison University
Nora Osei, James Madison University
Derrick Applewhite, Jr., North Carolina State University
Region III
Courtney Styfurak, The University of Akron
Eric Hildebrandt, University of Cincinnati
Erin Hoffert, Kent State University
Justine Morneau, Western Michigan University
Region IV
Brandi Abercrombie, Oklahoma State University
Madison Brown, Sam Houston State University
Region V
Ashley Zugschwert, The University of Iowa
Berkley Fierro, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Hannah Brown, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kaitlyn McCracken, South Dakota State University
Nick Remmes, University of Iowa
Taylor Sidore, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Region VI
Kennedy Dresh, Seattle University
Logan Cochran, Seattle University
Zoe Schrader, Seattle University
Horace Moody Awards
These awards recognize an outstanding commitment to student development. Award recipients are presented their awards during the Student Member Connection Meeting.
Region I
Jodi Galucci, Cornell University
Region II
Jeffrey Feldhaus, Virginia Tech
Region III
Arianne Judy, University of Notre Dame
Region IV
Anthony R. Kreitzer, Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Region V
Brit Heiring, Colorado State University
Region VI
Timothy “TC” Collins, California State University – Monterey Bay
Canadian Region
Peter Mumford, RCRSP, York University
Outstanding Sports Facilities Awards sponsored by AACER
These awards recognize excellence in newly-constructed, renovated, or expanded recreational sports facilities at NIRSA member institutions. Award recipients are recognized during the Opening General Session.
University Recreation
Louisiana State University
Architect: HOK
North Recreation Center
The Ohio State University
Architect: Acock Associates Architects
Hamel Student Recreation Center and Outdoor Pool
University of New Hampshire
Architect: HG Architects
Student Recreation Center Expansion & Renovation
Texas A&M University
Architect: Marmon Mok Architecture
Gary M. Sumers Recreation Center
Washington University in St. Louis
Architect: Hastings+Chivetta Architects
Recreation Center
Grand Valley State University
Architects: Hastings+Chivetta Architects
Integrated Architecture
Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center
University of Wyoming
Architects: Tobin & Associates, PC
Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative
Intramural Recreation Building
Pennsylvania State University
Architect: Moody Nolan, Inc.
Mashouf Wellness Center
San Francisco State University
Architect: WRNS Studio
Creative Excellence Awards
These awards focus on outstanding marketing and advertising materials published by NIRSA membership. Award recipients are recognized during the Opening General Session.
Audiovisual Promotion
First Place
Swoop Camp!
University of Utah
Second Place
Bound for Rio
Portland State University
Third Place
“Find Your Balance” Video
Washington University in St. Louis
Comprehensive Brochure & Facility Publication
First Place
Campus Rec Guidebook
Colorado State University
Second Place
2016 Rec Sports Annual Report
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Third Place
Playbook
Illinois State University
Integrated Marketing Campaign
First Place
ASUW Shell House: The Next 100 Years
University of Washington – Seattle
Second Place
Let’s Go Campaign
Washington University in St. Louis
Third Place
RECFEST at Foster Recreation Center
Missouri State University
Large Scale Signage
First Place
Wolf Experience Artwork
University of West Georgia
Second Place
The Dark Room
Washington University in St. Louis
Third Place
Vision Mural
Portland State University
Programming Publication
First Place
Adventure WV
West Virginia University
Second Place
Intramural Sports Marketing
Georgia Southern University
Third Place
WellFest
Virginia Tech
Student Digital Presentation
First Place
Everyday Champions Video
Florida State University
Second Place
Try It Out Videos
Illinois State University
Third Place
Fall 2016 Intramural Sign Ups
Texas State University
Student Publication
First Place
Campus Rec Guidebook
Colorado State University
Second Place
Campus Recreation
West Virginia University
Third Place
Campus Rec Poster Series
Colorado State University
Website
First Place
WashU Rec Website
Washington University in St. Louis
Second Place
Recreation Services Website
Iowa State University
Third Place
Student Recreation & Wellness Services Website
The University of Akron
NIRSA/USTA Tennis Ace Awards
Professional
Gary Cahen, University of Central Florida
Institutional
University of Florida
President’s Award for the Article of Distinction
This award recognizes excellence in writing from contributing authors to the NIRSA Recreational Sports Journal. These award recipients are recognized during the Opening General Session.
Award recipients
Primary Author: Christopher L. Stankowski, MS, The University of Texas at Arlington
Secondary Authors: Nate Trauntvein, PhD, University of New Hampshire
Stacey Hall, PhD, RCRSP, CRSS, University of New Hampshire
For their April 2017 article titled “I use the Student Recreation Center, but I would use it more if…: Understanding Male and Female Constraints to Student Recreation Center Use.”
Research and Assessment Award
This award recognizes a NIRSA member who has made extraordinary contributions toward advancing research and assessment initiatives on their campus and/or for NIRSA. These award recipients are recognized during the Opening General Session.
Award recipients
April Flint, PhD, RCRSP Emory University
Dan Hazlett, Georgia Institute of Technology
Jacob Tingle, EdD, CRSS, Trinity University
Award recipients still to be named
Four important award distinctions will be unveiled during the NIRSA Annual Conference. The following awards will be conferred at the 2018 NIRSA Annual Conference.
Foundation Leadership Award
This award recipient will be recognized during the Opening General Session.
Juliette Moore People of Color Distinguished Leadership Award
This award is presented during the Lee Wasson People of Color Social.
Regional Awards of Merit
These awards are presented during Regional Member Network Connection Meetings, on Tuesday, March 6 from 5:00pm-6:30 pm.
Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award
This award recipient will be recognized during the Opening General Session.
Again, congratulations to this year’s NIRSA Award recipients, true leaders in collegiate recreation!
For more information about NIRSA Awards, please contact NIRSA Leadership Programs Coordinator Lani Beavers.
Lani Sherman was the Leadership Programs Coordinator at NIRSA.