We all get our start as students in collegiate recreation somewhere; many of us have been fortunate enough to have the path to student success clearly defined by an exceptional NIRSA mentor. Their encouragement, support, and commitment to excellence have made our educational pursuits exciting and rewarding. The NIRSA Horace Moody Awards recognize one NIRSA professional member from each of the seven NIRSA regions for their contributions to student development.
Why submit a nomination?
Greg Durham, RCRSP, Director at Creighton University, nominated Tyler Burroughs, Intramural Sports Program Associate at Kansas State University, for a Horace Moody Award in 2020. Greg says, “Nominating Tyler was important to me because his work with students is unmatched. Tyler built an incredible program at Kansas State and has worked hard to develop students at other institutions through his many years in the NIRSA Championship Series. Having seen and been impacted by Tyler’s work over our careers, I felt it was well past time for him to be recognized.”
Mallory Valentine Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives at the University of Iowa, chose to nominate Michelle Harder, Senior Associate Director at the University of Iowa, for a 2021 Horace Moody Award. Mallory says, “It was an honor to work with my coworkers and student staff to write letters highlighting all the great things Michelle has done for our department and the students at the University of Iowa.”
Nominations for the 2022 Awards are being accepted now. For 2022 awards, nominees should have contributed to student mentorship during the past year. NIRSA members are encouraged to nominate their outstanding mentors for consideration as an award recipient!
Michelle was truly touched to receive her Horace Moody Award. “This award was very special to me,” she says. “I cried when I heard I had been nominated and was receiving the award! I have been in the recreation field for over 35 years and can’t think of another profession that I would have chosen! Working with college students and young professional recreation staff on a daily basis has been an awesome career. I am truly excited and extremely grateful to all the students and staff that have worked with me and have continued their careers in recreation.”
Flip the script, and give something back to your mentor
Scott Flickinger, Director, Intramural Sports and Noyes Community Rec Center at Cornell University, received his Horace Moody Award in 2020. He says, “When I found out I had been nominated and received this award, I couldn’t believe it. While it is an honor to be considered for the Horace Moody Award, it’s something that doesn’t cross your mind when delivering the care and guidance students want for their development—nor should it ever. It was a humbling experience to be recognized, and it reinforced that what I am doing to help students find their best path does matter.”
Greg insists that “taking the time the time to nominate someone for a Horace Moody Award is one of the best things you can do. We, as student affairs professionals, don’t develop students for the recognition or accolades, but our colleagues are deserving of the award nonetheless. The time and effort required to submit an application is nominal relative to the amount of time the professional you’re considering has invested in students.”
Mallory adds, “It is worth it to submit a nomination. Professionals go into this field to invest in students. Taking the time to recognize someone who has had a great impact on you is a small but mighty gesture that can mean the world!”
Nominate by November 16
Applications for the 2022 Horace Moody Awards are being accepted now and the nomination period will remain open through November 16, 2021. Consider submitting a nomination today!
Every year, the Association seeks to honor and highlight members who have made an impact by recognizing their outstanding service and achievements. NIRSA members are encouraged to nominate their outstanding colleagues and stellar programs for consideration as an award recipient or apply to have their facility or marketing endeavors recognized. Nominations and applications are open now for NIRSA awards, with many sharing the same November 16 deadline.
- For more information about NIRSA Awards, contact NIRSA Leadership Programs Coordinator, Chelsea Hansson.
