NIRSA awards recognize excellence in campus rec: new category this year

NIRSA members bring tremendous value to the field of collegiate recreation. 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 for consideration as an award recipient or apply to have their facility, marketing endeavors, or—new this year—stellar programs and innovative services recognized.

The deadline is November 16 for nominations and applications. The various awards committees will then take time to carefully consider applications and select deserving recipients.

A brief description of each award is below. To learn more about selection criteria, eligibility, and application or nomination requirements, follow the links below to each awards page.

Recognition for schools

NEW: Campus Rec Innovative Programming Awards

This award recognizes the work happening in our recreation centers that is instrumental to student success, building community, and sharing the important message of health and wellbeing.

Creative Excellence Awards

Recognizing outstanding marketing and advertising materials published by the NIRSA membership.

Outstanding Facilities Awards

Recognizing excellence in newly constructed, renovated, or expanded recreation facilities at NIRSA member institutions.

Recognition for individuals

NIRSA Honor Award

The highest honor awarded by our Association is presented each year to a member for their outstanding achievements in the profession.

NIRSA Annual Service Awards

Acknowledging exceptional volunteer service in leadership and development of NIRSA programs, policies, events, special projects, or committees during the previous leadership year (May 1, 2021–April 30, 2022).

NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award

Recognizing an individual or group that has demonstrated phenomenal dedication to the NIRSA Foundation and its mission.

Horace Moody Awards

A way for students to recognize professional members who have made significant contributions to student development by their encouragement, support, and performance.

Regional Awards of Merit

Recognizing a professional from each NIRSA region who demonstrates remarkable performance or dedication on a state, provincial wide, or regional basis.

NIRSA Research and Assessment Award

Recognizing a NIRSA member who has made extraordinary contributions toward advancing research and assessment initiatives on their campus and/or for NIRSA.

The Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award

Celebrating the dedication of a NIRSA Championship Series volunteer.

William N. Wasson Student Leadership and Academic Awards

Recognizing exceptional students actively involved with the department of recreational sports on university and college campuses.

Applications and nomination materials are currently open and available. The deadline for all awards is November 16. Please consider nominating a deserving NIRSA member or applying for a NIRSA Award today!