Charles Dickens stated, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” There isn’t a time when giving back hasn’t brought a smile to my face. The opportunity to make even a small difference in someone else’s life, career, and future is one I do not take for granted. Giving to the NIRSA Foundation brings me a lot of joy because I know it’s supporting the students and professionals that enhance this organization and institutions all over North America.
As I look back at my career, I see key moments, forks in the road where I know I would not be where I am today without the support, influence, and resources provided by the NIRSA family. Even the use of the word family speaks so loudly about the community we are blessed to be a part of. It’s one of the main reasons we love collegiate recreation!
One of the best opportunities I’ve ever had was to attend the NIRSA School of Collegiate Recreation in 2014. I was going through so much personally and professionally. In less than a week my professional growth was substantial. I found lifelong mentors and friends, and I left inspired to do and be more. It’s a time I will never forget and it still influences the professional I am today. It is experiences like this that encourage me to give more so that others in our family can grow and succeed.
So many of us have a story, experience, and/or individual who has made an impact on us personally and professionally. I want to encourage you to think about what that has meant to you and share that with a colleague, friend, and the NIRSA community. Please join me and the NIRSA Foundation on November 27 as we give back to the NIRSA family for #GivingTuesday. Just like ripples from dropping a pebble in a pond, all it takes is a single action to create a lasting impact on our organization.
Winston S. Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish together on #GivingTuesday and throughout the year.
Fuel your network on #GivingTuesday
On #GivingTuesday, you can help the NIRSA Foundation meet its goals and $2,500 match from Hughes Group Architects by making a gift in support of the NIRSA family. Our goals are to:
- Inspire 105 donors to support their NIRSA family through a one-time gift
- Enroll five new Cornerstone Society monthly donors
- Raise $9,800 to ensure a thriving future for campus rec
Donors who make at least a $25 gift during the #GivingTuesday appeal, which will last from November 26–28, will receive a special #GivingTuesday donor ribbon at the 2019 NIRSA Annual Conference & Campus Rec and Wellness Expo.
Fuel your network to pay it forward to future generations of campus rec leaders by participating in our #GivingTuesday photo contest for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Details about the contest can be found at our #GivingTuesday webpage.
Be sure to keep an eye on our social media to learn more about the impact your gifts have on your NIRSA family and to hear from members who have benefited from your generosity.
- For more information, please contact NIRSA Director of Philanthropy Kim Holmes or a NIRSA Foundation Board member.
Liz Henry is currently Associate Director of Recreation, Engagement at the University of California-San Diego. She currently serves on the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors and as Board Representative to the NIRSA Foundation Golf Tournament Committee.
