“I would say that those of us who had been exposed to intramural programs at these larger universities realized the importance of intramural programs in the lives of students. There was the possibility of sharing what we knew with the individuals who didn’t know things for the benefit of those students who would be involved.” – Dr. Ross Townes in 1985

In 1985, Dr. Ross Townes, and Dr. William Wasson, along with Embra C. Bowie, participated in a series of interviews conducted by Roy Yarbrough of Liberty University about the formative years of NIRSA. Transcripts of the interviews, archived in the Recreational Sports Journal, offer readers the unique perspectives of three Black leaders whose influence shaped NIRSA’s early history.

The exchanges cover not just the early history of this organization, but also foreshadow an optimism for the future of the profession and the Association. Just a few years later, Dr. Ross Townes and Dr. William Wasson—two charter members of the National Intramural Association—would pass away inside of three-weeks of each other, in the summer of 1991. Dr. Townes “missed only one conference in thirty,” and helped to shape the organization and the profession for more than three decades. Thanks to outreach efforts of members like Juliette Moore, Dr. Wasson had recently returned to active engagement in the organization after a career of teaching kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, and the physiology of exercise.

In the interviews, Townes and Wasson prefigure the growth and professionalization that would become synonymous with recreation on campus and a hallmark of the organization.

“I think the future [of the Association] is bright. I’m impressed with the growth, professionalism, and…the dedication of the rank-and-file intramural directors. These young people who are coming up are the men and women who are very enthusiastic. When you meet them at meetings you can just see the enthusiasm. I think that speaks to the future of the Organization.” – Dr. William Wasson in 1985

They could see the emerging generation of leaders who embraced a spirit of service and generosity and would come into their own in the nineties and into the aughts. Many of the leaders of recreation programs on college campuses across geographical regions have etched their names on the NIRSA Foundation Honor Roll. Those donors, anonymous contributors, and countless other volunteers also gave of their time and talents to help the philanthropic arm of NIRSA contribute so singularly and so significantly to the future generation of professionals.

Sowing seeds

In the final Association newsletter of 1991, NIRSA President Jeff Vessely introduces the NIRSA Foundation in his message to members, saying: “The NIRSA Foundation has been established by virtue of the approval of the Foundation Articles of Incorporation. Tax-exempt status is currently being applied for and a board of directors will be appointed as a next step.”

Mick Deluca, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Campus Life at UCLA, Barbara Brimi of the University of Texas at Austin (1946-2015), Michael Stevenson, retired Director of Recreational Sports at University of Michigan, Janet Gong, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor at the University of California-Davis, and Will Holsberry, retired Executive Secretary of NIRSA Headquarters are recorded in the annals of NIRSA history as serving on the first of thirty iterations of the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors. But they are just the first of hundreds of volunteers who have stewarded the initial $25,000 startup contribution—funded out of Association reserves—and the more than 18,000 gifts that have been made to the NIRSA Foundation after it was approved for 501(c)3 status in March of 1993.

Bearing fruit

Since the first class of NIRSA Foundation scholarship recipients was named in 1994, more than 1,100 professional development opportunities have been supported through NIRSA Foundation scholarships and travel grants. In addition to providing opportunities to support their fellow colleagues and emerging professionals solve the here and now challenges of the day to day, leaders and volunteers also had eyes on the tools and resources that would support the sustainable, long-term growth of the profession. Support for research, publications, sports officials’ development, and other emerging initiatives that are core to the values of the profession have grown under NIRSA Foundation leadership and been provided for by the generosity of individual and corporate donors like Matrix, Cybex, Sports Imports, Woodway, and Life Fitness to name just a few.

By 2000, Foundation leaders would set an ambitious goal for supporters to pursue a one-million-dollar campaign goal. The profession and a number of corporate sponsors stepped up and the goal was met inside a decade.

Fundraising experiences became a fixture at each year’s conference. From golf tournaments to fun runs, apparel sales to silent auctions, community service to conference attendees could always look forward to the NIRSA Foundation bringing some fun to its fundraising.

Member needs change and so has the NIRSA Foundation

Each year, dozens of beneficiaries are impacted by the opportunities and experiences delivered by the NIRSA Foundation.

“Providing individuals with opportunities they may not be afforded otherwise can truly be a life changer. Giving back is a way to literally alter another person’s future for the better. Attending the Annual Conference allowed me to expand my network and my perspectives outside of my own limited experiences. It solidified the decisions that I had made to explore campus recreation as a career path. Receiving a NIRSA Foundation scholarship was a steppingstone to where I am today.” – Zac Brost, Associate Director for Campus Recreation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

“As a student who received a NIRSA Foundation scholarship, I know my life was forever changed by the efforts of NIRSA foundation donors. There are students across NIRSA that would not be able to explore their passion for this field without the contributions of NIRSA donors. Your gift matters, no matter the size – and it is wholeheartedly appreciated.” – Jennifer De La Rosa, Assistant Director of Marketing at George Mason University

And they are not just scholarship recipients, either. Since 2014, new programs have been initiated that helped expand the overall impact of the NIRSA Foundation.

“As a member for 25+ years, I understand the value of NIRSA. I have been involved in volunteer leadership roles for the Association over the years, including 10 years I spent with the Foundation Golf Tournament Committee. It was important to me that the Association be able to financially support its outreach to students and young professionals. It never occurred to me that one day I would be a beneficiary. Financial instability caused by COVID-19 meant I was facing a lapse in my membership. But I learned that the Foundation had created a fund to help our members during this time of hardship. I sincerely thank donors for this opportunity to stay connected to my profession, colleagues, and friends.” – Travis Beetley, PAC Operations Director at Sinclair Community College

“The NIRSA Foundation has given so much to me. I received a scholarship that allowed me to attend Level II of the NIRSA School, and years later, I received a research grant which helped me finish my dissertation research. These experiences helped shape me as the professional I am today and giving back allows me to be part of the circle.”- Yvette Kell, Director of Campus Recreation at CENTERS, LLC at University of Missouri-St. Louis

Industry benchmarking projects, research grants, annual stipends for the Recreational Sports Journal Editor, student officials’ development programs, health and wellbeing initiatives, membership waivers, and projects pursuing social justice have all blossomed from the seeds that were first planted in 1992.

Champions of philanthropy in collegiate recreation

Since its incorporation, the NIRSA Foundation has thrived through the service of countless volunteers who have given from their time and talents every bit as generously as they have given from their pocketbooks. Over the last decade, the NIRSA Foundation has aimed to elevate one volunteer donor each year to hall of fame status through the NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award.

Below are the individuals who led the way in sharing their time, talent, and treasure with NIRSA’s philanthropic arm:

Many other champions of the NIRSA Foundation are worthy of the distinction conferred on award recipients. But all of them would attest that their support hasn’t been rooted in a hope for recognition. Instead, they take pride that their contributions are forging new and strengthening preexisting pathways into the profession. They are part of and descendants to that emerging crop of leaders who were praised by NIRSA’s founding generation of leaders for their competence, enthusiasm, and generosity.

Pay it forward

Whether you are just starting your career in campus recreation and wellbeing, or you’ve got your eyes on retiring from a fulfilling tenure filled with friends and stories, whether you are a program coordinator, a program director, or somewhere in between, if you work in campus recreation and wellbeing, you probably know how privileged you are. Professionals in this line of work can transform lives and influence students to become the best versions of themselves by virtue of the opportunities and experiences we create and deliver.

“Your donations have allowed me to grow as a professional and a person. Through your donations I have been able to meet people across the country, learn from them, and better myself and my program.” – Kelly Sorge, Assistant Director of Fitness at Colorado School of Mines

Don’t let that impact begin and end on your campus. Join the host of NIRSA Foundation donors and volunteers who ensure that the next generation of collegiate recreation professionals is supported and well resourced. Become a recurring donor to the NIRSA Foundation Mission Advancement Fund or volunteer your time in support of the many emerging needs facing the profession. When you do, you’ll experience the joys that go hand-in-hand with charitable giving and volunteer service—and you’ll be contributing to amazing experiences for current and future members of the NIRSA family.

  • For more information about the NIRSA Foundation, its mission, or its history and legacy, please contact NIRSA Director of Philanthropy Kim Holmes.