Honor our past, engage the moment, lead to the future: Celebrate 75 years of NIRSA in 2025

In 1950, Dr. William Wasson and his colleagues gathered at Dillard University to discuss his research on the positive impacts of campus recreation. This group of 20 individuals from 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) launched the National Intramural Association, which would later become NIRSA.

We’re excited to celebrate 75 years of NIRSA, with a kickoff next year in-person at the 2025 Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference, just ahead of Rec Day/Founders Day festivities!

Celebrations will start online in January and continue throughout the year. In-person celebrations will pick up again in-person at the 2025 NIRSA Conference in Orlando and at regional and state/provincial events in the fall.

Honor our past

The NIRSA History and Legacy Committee will continue their work unearthing important milestones for the profession of campus recreation and their work highlighting some of the key contributors to NIRSA’s growth and successes. Be sure to follow @NIRSAlive on Instagram and bookmark this page of the NIRSA website to stay up to date with their latest spotlight articles.

The Committee continues to invite your suggestions on who should be highlighted in the coming months and years. They hope to amplify diverse perspectives as they honor the individuals and milestones that have positively impacted our NIRSA experiences.

Take a few minutes this week to list up to 10 individuals, from your perspective, who have had the most significant impact on NIRSA, on the profession of campus recreation, and on your NIRSA experience. Don’t worry about listing them in any order.

Engage the moment

As part of the 2024-2025 NIRSA leadership cycle, NIRSA constituted two new special committees to advance the anniversary celebrations and philanthropic goals for the Association.

The 75^th Anniversary Celebration Committee—Co-chaired by Lexi Chaput, Senior Assistant Director – Programs at the University of Michigan and Stefani Plummer, Business Operations Manager at Arizona State University—is working to help members Engage the Moment throughout the activities they are planning. Be on the lookout for the 75^th Anniversary Logo on everything from ribbons at conferences, to awards presented in 2025, to a presence on the NIRSA website. Other plans being developed are honoring Humans of NIRSA with a social media campaign.

The big celebration will occur at the 2025 NIRSA Conference & Campus Rec Expo in Orlando, FL April 23-25. There will be a kick-off at the opening general session, with a birthday party-style celebration!

Lead to the future

As part of the 75th Anniversary, the NIRSA Foundation is announcing a special fundraising campaign. In celebration of this significant milestone, the NIRSA Foundation announces the “Honor the Past. Engage the Moment. Lead to the Future.” campaign, aimed at securing funds to support key strategic priorities for NIRSA. The campaign calls on members, corporate partners, and supporters of campus recreation and wellbeing to contribute to the future of profession through a monetary donation.

With your support, the NIRSA Foundation hopes to continue the critical work outlined in the Association’s strategic priorities.

“As we approach NIRSA’s 75th anniversary, the NIRSA Foundation is committed to advancing our mission through targeted investments in health and wellbeing, advocacy through research, and strengthening the professional pipeline,” says Seneca Wilson, Director of Campus Recreation, University of Alabama, Birmingham and President of the NIRSA Foundation. “These areas are vital to ensuring that we continue to lead the way in collegiate recreation, by providing resources that not only support the physical and mental health of our communities but also champion the research and professional development that will shape the future of our field,” he adds.

“The Foundation’s work is about more than just funding initiatives,” Seneca says. “It’s about creating a legacy that will empower the next generation of leaders in collegiate recreation.”

Funding priorities

See how the NIRSA Foundation intends to use funds that are raised as part of our “Honor the Past. Engage the Moment. Lead to the Future.” 75^th Anniversary campaign.

Health & Wellbeing

Mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, are a growing concern on college campuses. This priority focuses on educating campus recreation professionals and their communities about the positive impacts of physical activity on mental health. The Foundation aims to fund tools and training to help professionals better recognize and support students in distress.

Advocacy through research

Campus recreation’s impact on student success is undeniable, but the data backing it needs to be refreshed. NIRSA has published reports on this topic before, but it is time for an update. This priority aims to fund a new industry-wide data set that reflects the current landscape of campus recreation, including the unique experiences of smaller schools and HBCUs. This research will not only help professionals advocate for the value of campus rec but also highlight the potential of a career in the field.

Professional pipeline & workforce development

The campus recreation workforce is evolving, with increased turnover and greater diversity. This priority focuses on nurturing talent, from students and early career professionals to mid-level managers. The campaign will fund leadership development opportunities, financial support for professional development, and tailored educational programs for those entering the field from non-traditional backgrounds.

Make a difference

“To launch this campaign, the NIRSA Foundation is excited to announce a $75,000 MATCH provided by Darcy and Bob Bingham,” says Suzi Smith, Director, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Chair of the NIRSA Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Fundraising Committee. “We are asking each NIRSA member to consider a minimum gift of $75 to honor and support this Campaign. Over the coming year, members will have a number of opportunities to contribute.”

The NIRSA Foundation is calling on supporters to choose a funding priority that resonates with them and donate to help make a lasting impact on the future of campus recreation. By contributing to the 75th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign, you’re not only honoring the legacy of NIRSA but also investing in the health, wellbeing, and success of students and professionals for years to come.

So, which priority speaks to you? Your support will help NIRSA continue to lead, inspire, and impact students for the next 75 years.