Each year, NIRSA members—through award committees— recognize their peers for outstanding work and significant impacts on campus recreation. NIRSA bestows awards upon individuals, facilities, and programs that exemplify the best that the field has to offer.
On Saturday, April 26 at 8:30am Eastern, many of our Association’s award recipients will be recognized during the all-new Awards Reception at the 2025 NIRSA Conference in Orlando, Florida. Some awards will be presented in other forums as indicated.
NIRSA extends our heartfelt gratitude to all award recipients, nominees, and selection committees for their dedication and service to the Association. Your commitment strengthens not only NIRSA but also the entire campus recreation community. Thank you for all that you do!
Honor Award
The NIRSA Honor Award, sponsored by Mondo represents the highest distinction bestowed by the Association. Each year since 1963, this prestigious award is presented to a member who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of campus recreation and exemplary service to NIRSA. Their dedication, leadership, and impact continue to shape and elevate our profession.
Award recipient
Suzette Smith, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award
The NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award honors an individual or group that has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the NIRSA Foundation and its mission. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who have made a lasting impact through their commitment, leadership, and support, helping to advance the Foundation’s initiatives and the future of campus recreation.
Award Recipient
Mick Deluca, UCLA
William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards
Named in honor of NIRSA’s founder, the William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards recognize outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the field of campus recreation. These awards celebrate students who are actively involved in their university or college’s recreational sports department, showcasing their dedication to the field. The awards will be presented during the NIRSA Conference Regional Meetups on Friday, April 25 at 4:45pm Eastern.
Region I
Bella Costello, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hunter Crabbs, Millersville University
Jacob Robinson, Millersville University
Owen Schneider, University of Delaware
Aaron White, Millersville University
Region II
Virginia “Jennie” Conant, James Madison University
Walker Franklin, James Madison University
Ella Mitchell, James Madison University
Alivia Palmer, James Madison University
Erika Shaffer, James Madison University
Shay Steinkirchner, James Madison University
Region III
Sela Mary Tian Chamberlin, University of Notre Dame
Teah Haag, University of Dayton
Allie Huller, University of Notre Dame
Region IV
Benjamin Bernardino, The University of Texas at Arlington
Isaac Kim, The University of Texas at Arlington
Kayla Polanco, Oklahoma State University
Jon Thibeault, Oklahoma State University
Region V
Kevin Bowe, University of North Dakota
Aiden Butler, Drake University
Madie Ewing, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Caitlin Hoh, University of Minnesota – Duluth
Andrean Maier, University of Minnesota – Duluth
Ethan Trout, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Region VI
Sophie Bareiss, University of California, Davis
Rhea-Jane Dignadice, University of California, Davis
Audrey Sheehan, University of California, Davis
Joy Yang, University of California, Davis
Canadian Region
Abdullah Naseer Ud Din, UBC Okanagan
Jack Parry, Brock University
Horace Moody Awards
The Horace Moody Awards honor professional members who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to student development, mentoring, and leadership within campus recreation. These awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to support and inspire the next generation of leaders. Awards will be presented during the NIRSA Conference Regional Meetups on Friday, April 25 at 4:45pm Eastern.
Region I
Kelly K. Shorter, Penn State University
Region II
Kari DiDonato, Florida State University
Region III
Kyle A. Osburn, University of Notre Dame
Region IV
John Merryman, Sam Houston State University
Region V
TJ Hill, St. Colorado State University – Fort Collins
Region VI
Zachary Wallace, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Canadian Region
Marc Iturriaga, Mohawk College
Creative Excellence Awards
The Creative Excellence Awards focus on outstanding marketing and advertising materials published by NIRSA membership.
Audiovisual Promotion
First Place
Drone Preview Video of UMDRecWell
University of Maryland, College Park
Second Place
Helmet Safety Awareness Reel
University of Virginia
Comprehensive Brochure & Facility Publication
First Place
2022-23 Impact Report – Expanding Our Horizons
University of Wisconsin-Madison Recreation & Wellbeing
Second Place
UMD Print Piece
University of Maryland, College Park
Integrated Marketing Campaign
First Place
We Root for Every Body Campaign
University of Wisconsin-Madison Recreation & Wellbeing
Second Place
De-Stress Olympics
University of North Dakota
Large Scale Signage
First Place
Alienware Purdue Gaming Lounge: A Giant Leap in Student Engagement and Innovation
Purdue University
Second Place
War Memorial Hall
Virginia Tech
Programming Publication
First Place
Youth Programs 2024 – Spread Your Wings
University of Minnesota
Second Place
Step Up Challenge
SCAD
Social Media Campaign
First Place
RecSports Registration Social Media
University of North Dakota
Second Place
Brains & Brawn Instagram Post
University of Virginia
Student Digital Presentation
First Place
Recreational Sports 101
The Ohio State University
Second Place
We Are Campus Rec – Student Employee Video
Florida State University
Student Publication
First Place
Hiring Campaign Summer 2024
University of Florida
Second Place
URecWell Stickers
Florida Gulf Coast University
Campus Rec Innovative Programming Awards
The Campus Rec Innovative Programming Awards celebrate the outstanding work happening in recreation centers that enhances student success, fosters community, and promotes health and well-being. These awards recognize programs that push boundaries, create meaningful experiences, and inspire positive change. Organizations applied in one of two divisions: the Open Division or the Special Division for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, showcasing initiatives that champion innovation and inclusivity in campus recreation.
Special Division: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
First Place
Free Swim Lessons for Black Youth
University of Arizona
African American Museum of Southern Arizona & Campus Recreation
Runner Up
Virginia Department of Wildlife & Hoos First Collaboration
University of Virginia
Open Division
GVSU Adaptive Intramural Sports
Grand Valley State University
R.E.C Pre-Orientation Program
Wake Forest University
Nature Prescription Program
University of Virginia
Game Changers
Grand Valley State University
Beep Baseball
George Mason University
Big Meadows Wellness Overnight
University of Virginia
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities: Small World Coffee Hour
University Recreation and Wellness & International Student and Scholar Services
NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Awards
Sponsored by Mondo, the Outstanding Facilities Awards celebrate excellence in the innovative design of new, renovated, and expanded collegiate recreation and wellness facilities at NIRSA member institutions. These awards honor spaces that enhance the student experience, promote well-being, and set new standards for excellence in campus recreation.
UMass Ascend Climbing Facility
University of Massachusetts Amherst
EP Climbing with DiMella Shaffer & Levy Dykema
MizzouRec Outdoor Fitness Space
University of Missouri – Columbia
International Architects Atelier
Alienware Purdue Gaming Lounge
Purdue University
Synthesis Incorporated with Pinnacle
McMaster University Student Activity Building (The Hub) & PULSE Fitness Centre Expansion
McMaster University
MJMA Architecture & Design
President’s Award for the Article of Distinction
This award celebrates outstanding writing from the previous year’s Recreational Sports Journal, recognizing impactful contributions that help shape and inspire the field of campus recreation.
Award recipients
Eric Knee, Adelphi University
Austin Anderson, Indiana University School of Medicine
Alison Miller, Indiana University – Bloomington
William Ramos, Indiana University – Bloomington
For their article titled “Perception Matters: Attitudes Towards Transgender Inclusion in Campus Recreational Sports,” which appeared in Volume: 48, Issue 2 of the RSJ.
NIRSA Annual Service Awards
NIRSA’s Annual Service Awards recognize the incredible volunteer efforts of members who go above and beyond to support NIRSA and the collegiate recreation field. These awards celebrate the dedication and contributions that help shape the future of campus recreation.
Professional Awards
Lindsay Brookey, North Carolina State University: for outstanding contributions in developing and delivering NIRSA’s inaugural Recreation for Wellbeing course
Mark A. Ferguson, Ohio University: for outstanding contributions in developing and delivering NIRSA’s inaugural Recreation for Wellbeing course
Lamont Mayer Jr., Jacksonville State University: for outstanding contributions demonstrated by developing and serving in the position of NIRSA 2024 @NIRSAlive host
Chad McKenzie, Round Rock Multipurpose Complex: for exceptional leadership demonstrated as Chair of the NIRSA Championship Series Standards of Competition Work Team
Maxwell Miller, Swarthmore College: for exceptional leadership demonstrated as Chair of the NIRSA Championship Series Soccer Work Team
Group Awards
The NIRSA History & Legacy Committee Outstanding Contributors are those who have made exceptional contributions to the committee’s efforts in preserving and sharing NIRSA’s rich history. This award recognizes those who have played a key role in developing a framework for creating and curating engaging historical content, ensuring the legacy of campus recreation continues to inspire future generations.
Silvia Chan, University of Connecticut
Lexi Chaput, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Maria L. Lauron-Ramos, CPACC, Princeton University
Veronica Ballinger, M.S., University of Notre Dame
Regional Awards of Merit
The Regional Award of Merit recipients will be announced at the NIRSA Conference Regional Meetups at NIRSA 2025 on Friday, April 25 at 4:45pm Eastern.
Juliette Moore People of Color Distinguished Leadership Award
The Juliette Moore Distinguished Leadership Award recipient will be announced and recognized during The Founders People of Color Social, sponsored by PLAE and Life Fitness, on Thursday, April 24.
Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award
The recipient of the Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in-person at the NIRSA Championship Series Social on Friday, April 25.
An additional article recognizing recipients revealed during the conference week will be published post-conference. Award webpages will be updated with 2025 recipients in May.
Once again, congratulations to all the NIRSA Award recipients—true leaders and champions of campus recreation! Your dedication and impact continue to inspire our community!
Natasha Fischer
Natasha Fischer is currently the Member Engagement Manager at NIRSA.
