Suzi Smith is the 2025 NIRSA Honor Award recipient

On behalf of the NIRSA Honor Award Committee, it is my privilege to announce that Suzette “Suzi” Smith has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 NIRSA Honor Award, sponsored by Mondo. First conferred in 1963, the NIRSA Honor Award is presented annually as our Association’s most prestigious honor. Suzi stood out as the most deserving recipient among an impressive field of worthy nominees that were considered for this year’s award.

Suzi began her career as a student staff member in the Recreational Sports department at the institution now known as theUniversity of North Texas while pursuing a degree in Physical Education in Denton Texas. Upon graduating in 1987, she accepted a graduate assistant position at Indiana University- Bloomington and subsequently earned a Master of Science in Recreation Administration in 1989. After a short stint at Paris Junior College, Suzi was hired in 1990 as the Coordinator of Campus Activities for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. In 2001, responsibility and oversight of the newly constructed Bryan Williams, M.D. Student Center—and its 43,000 square feet of facility spaces and more than 150 student staff employees—was added to her portfolio and she became the Director of the Bryan Williams, M.D. Student Center.

During her nearly 35 years of service at the institution, she has supported and inspired countless students, always intent on fostering a sense of community. Her commitment to serving her community is not limited to the campus of UT Southwestern. In addition to serving on a Corporate Advisory Board for the TJ Rusk Middle School in Dallas, TX, she has spent two decades as a member of the Women’s Council of Dallas County. Equally impressive has been her commitment of time and service to the American Heart Association including being a founding member of the Young Professionals for Heart program.

NIRSA’s “engine for change”

Suzi’s contributions to NIRSA’s history and legacy have helped to shift the culture of the organization. While our profession has always been one of caring for the wellness of others, her work has helped us to place even more emphasis on the wellbeing of others. For many of our members, when they think of Suzi, they immediately think of her work with the NIRSA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of our professional Association. Her creative ways of asking us to contribute time and money and subsequently connecting those donations to scholarships, research awards, and other initiatives ignited a new excitement for the potential that NIRSA could reach and helped members to envision an even more significant impact on the profession.

“The one constant between 2003-2020 in the NIRSA Foundation was Suzi Smith. During that time there were multiple Executive Directors, changes in the Association’s governance structure, two recessions, multiple strategic plans or maps. But through it all, Suzi’s leadership and expertise created an environment of stability in challenging and difficult times, as well as during times of success and growth.” – Greg Jordan, University Recreation and Well-Being at Oakland University, Past President of NIRSA, and 2017 NIRSA Honor Award recipient

Her colleagues have always been impressed with Suzi’s tenacity and willingness to do whatever it takes to bring ideas to fruition. She is the kind of person who hears the word NO and thinks it means “next opportunity.” At the same time, she has the kind of personality and people skills that can eventually bring those who may not have initially been in support of a concept into the fold. In some cases, a number of these individuals became the concepts’ most ardent supporters. In short, Suzi is an OG influencer.

“As a new member to the NIRSA Foundation Board, I sensed that the philanthropic arm of NIRSA was not a priority for the organization and was not getting enough support from those leaders in positions of influence. I shared my thoughts with a member of NIRSA’s staff during the meeting by saying, ‘It appears that the NIRSA Foundation is not a priority for the Association.’ The response was direct: ‘It’s not!’ As I observed that first Board meeting for me, I saw the impact that Suzi had on the Foundation Board members and how that influence provided the emphasis going forward for the Foundation to become a priority for what is now one of the three aligned Boards of NIRSA. She did not let anyone tell her or the NIRSA Foundation Board at that time that what they were doing was not a priority. She is tireless in her desire to help NIRSA members see the importance of giving back so that others can reap the benefits of our Association.” – Vicki Highstreet, Associate Director for Recreation Programming at the University of Nebraska, Past President of NIRSA, and 2018 NIRSA Honor Award Recipient

It is not often that you find big dreamers who are also effective doers. While some dreamers are excellent in the “igniting and exciting,” visionary phase of leading a new concept, in some cases they are not as effective with “managing the details,” and “coordinating the sequences,” skills more often associated with managers and coordinators. Suzi has the ability and willingness to share responsibilities for getting a job done with individuals who have varying skill sets and levels of commitment. She knows when to step-in and when to step aside, critical to shepherding tasks through the journey of a project’s completion.

“One of Suzi’s significant contributions is her role in fostering innovation within NIRSA. Several years ago, I was encouraged to join the NIRSA Foundation Board to help spearhead the creation of a research grant program for NIRSA. Initially, I anticipated this project would take a year or more to facilitate such an ambitious initiative. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Suzi’s eagerness to develop a proposal. With her insightful guidance, we were able to draft and approve a proposal in under six months. The grant program has become a cornerstone of NIRSA’s support for research, and it has provided structure and essential financial support for ongoing research. Suzi’s behind-the-scenes efforts were crucial to this program’s success, demonstrating her commitment to advancing our field.” – Stacey Hall, Ph.D., Executive Director of Student Engagement and Development at the University of New Hampshire, Past President of NIRSA, and 2021 NIRSA Honor Award Recipient

Many years ago, Suzi and I worked together for the Rec Sports Department at what was then known as North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas): home to giants in the field of campus recreation like Dr. Don Bailey and Sue Ivey Boling. We were fortunate to work for an outstanding team of professionals that served as both teachers and mentors. One of them in particular—John Campbell, who retired as Executive Director, Campus Recreation and Unions, Divisional Facilities and UC D at University of California-Davis—would frequently remind us that no matter the situation or circumstances, we were always “making memories.” Suzi has embraced that approach, and it seems to permeate whatever she does.

“Suzi brings a rare mix of creativity and joy to everything she touches. Whether it’s working those famous ‘fire sales’ at the NIRSA Conference t-apparel table or diving headfirst into strategic projects, she shows up with passion and purpose. Her ideas are fresh, her energy is contagious, and she’s never afraid to push the boundaries to make something better.” – Caroline Dotts, Clifton Strengths Coach and Facilitator, Strengths on Site

NIRSA mentor, friend, and queen

Members of NIRSA take seriously their responsibilities for contributing to the education, development, and growth of the members who are in their respective networks. We understand that no matter how large the population may be, it is vital to remember that the whole is comprised of individuals, each with specific wants and needs. Suzi’s ability to see each person and assist them in finding their place or part in the greater whole is exemplary, whether it is on her campus, in her home community, or within the NIRSA family.

“She has become a pillar of the UT Southwestern campus, providing not only recreational services but fostering a culture of wellbeing, connection, and inclusion. Her tireless efforts have made her a trusted leader and mentor, and her influence is felt by colleagues, students, and staff alike. Suzi’s ability to inspire and uplift those around her, while consistently championing the values of recreation and wellness, has made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.” – Mike Chadee, Recreation Facilities and Programs Manager at the University of Texas Southwestern

“She sees the potential in people and gives grace. She also coaches in a way that helps those she mentors see opportunities to improve, and not her guidance as critical or insulting. I had no business getting a second chance to work with her, but Suzi took a chance on me because she saw what I could become. What a special gift she has given me.” – Andy Lemons, Director of Programs for UT Rec Sports at the University of Texas at Austin

“Clearly, she has established long-standing, trusted relationships across campus. Similarly, her staff praise her passion to ensure that students are the center of all things. They are quick to acknowledge her ability as a wise mentor who seamlessly comes alongside student leaders to support them as they learn to navigate the challenges of operating student organizations.” – Kathy Bayless, retired Executive Director of Campus Recreational Sports at Indiana University- Bloomington, Past President of NIRSA, and 2011 NIRSA Honor Award Recipient

“She is known affectionately by the student body as the ‘Queen of UT Southwestern’ for all that she does to support students personally, professionally, and in their wellbeing goals.” – Angela P. Mihalic, Dean of Med Students & Associate of Dean Student Affairs at the University of Texas Southwestern

Inclusive servant-leader

Suzi has always been about creating opportunities for others. She truly operates from the perspective that there is no greater way to lead people than to serve people.

“Suzette Smith is one of the best board, committee, and team members you could ever hope for. She is someone who provides creative ideas and insight, can confidently and professionally organize the work, who encourages others to bring forth their best contributions, and someone who can always be counted on to do what needs to be done. In addition to being a truly remarkable organizer, advocate, steward, donor, mentor, manager, and leader, Suzi is also one of the most wonderful, positive, generous, and caring humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.” – Darcy Bingham, retired from the University of California-San Diego

At the same time, she does this without the need to be out front or in the spotlight. She is just as content to work behind the scenes and in support of the needs of whomever is the designated leader of that endeavor.

“Probably the most compelling thing I learned from Suzi as I have gotten to know her is that you do not have to hold a specific position to lead NIRSA. When I look at her influence, very few have made as great an individual impact as Suzi because I don’t believe that any have held a high-level volunteer leader role as long. There is nothing that the Foundation has done that does not directly impact NIRSA; its purpose is to raise money to support and enhance the association, and over its 30 years, it has been very successful in that charge.” – Lexi Chaput, Senior Assistant Director – Programs at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

For Suzi, the most important outcome is one that is successful and meets (and often exceeds) its objectives.

“Suzi exemplifies a commitment to inclusive and forward-thinking leadership, epitomized by her orchestration of maintaining the history of the Foundation Board and helping the NIRSA staff as they transition into their roles to understand the dynamic relationship between the board and staff. As the 75th Celebration of NIRSA draws near, Suzi is spearheading a group of donors to raise $75,000 and has secured a matching donor for this tribute. This initiative fosters collaboration and alignment, setting the stage for the sustained impact of the NIRSA Foundation’s work.” – Deb Johnson, Ph.D., Executive Director Recreation and Well-being at the University of California-Davis

For NIRSA, “giving is a gift.”

While Suzi has been involved in a myriad of initiatives for NIRSA during her phenomenal career, she is most widely known for her work with the NIRSA Foundation. With a length of service spanning more than two decades, she has played an instrumental role in the Foundation’s growth and development into the generous philanthropic entity it has become.

Currently, there are 11 regional endowments benefiting individuals across every part of the country. There are also eleven 11 named endowments including Founders, Frederick R. Braden, William Wasson, and J. Michael Dunn to name just a few. Oh, did I mention that there is even an endowment named after this year’s Honor Award Recipient!

“It is very difficult to describe merely on paper the direct impact that she has had on NIRSA and its members during her professional career and the amount of respect that others have for her. One example that comes to mind is that in 2020, approximately 100 friends, colleagues, Associate Members, and campus co-workers contributed over $27,000 to establish the Friends of Suzi Smith Endowment of Health and Wellbeing endowment for the NIRSA Foundation.” – Mary Ellen Milam, Retired Associate Director at Texas Christian University

Finally, there are currently six funding initiatives to which members can donate including the special 75^th Anniversary Campaign funds! (Hint, hint: making a donation to that initiative would be a great way to honor Suzi!)

Connect with the NIRSA Foundation this year

In addition to online donations, NIRSA members have the opportunity to honor Suzi’s legacy by participating in a number of NIRSA Foundation fundraising events throughout the year, including the Mark Fletcher Fun Run, Foundation VIP Reception, Founders Day celebrations on their home campuses, as well as the T-shirt auction, and Big Dill Pickleball Tournament.

“I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Suzi on the Foundation Board of Directors from 2014-2019. This was a period of great change, as the Foundation broadened its portfolio in giving opportunities, fundraising strategies, financial structure, and funding criteria. Suzi, with her typical low-key but professional demeanor, maintained buy-in and support through involvement and methodical communication that sought to involve many and exclude none who wished to weigh-in on these seminal changes to NIRSA’s Foundation. Her mentoring of new Board members was instrumental in effectively onboarding individuals and supporting their full engagement. Suzi has modeled what it means to give of one’s ‘Talent, Time, and Treasure.’ I cannot think of any other individual who has contributed so much through her philanthropy, volunteerism, and leadership. A majority of our members have benefited from these efforts and in turn they have influenced the growth and development of the Association. It is safe to say, the NIRSA Foundation and NIRSA has forever changed for the better due to Suzi’s efforts and her legacy will continue to influence generations to come.” – Tom Kirch, retired Director of Rec Sports at Oregon State University, Past President of NIRSA, and 2013 NIRSA Honor Award Recipient

“Without a doubt, the success of the NIRSA Foundation’s VIP Reception was solely due to Suzi’s efficiency and guidance. Suzi put copious hours into securing a venue for every event, selecting a menu, developing the program agenda, and sending out ‘save-the-date’ cards and final invitations. Each year she worked to make the activity memorable, while keeping within a defined budget.” – Loretta Capra, Development Specialist at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

“She is and will always be the GOAT of the Foundation.” – Liz Henry, Associate Director Recreation, Engagement at the University of California-San Diego

The variety of purposes and beneficiaries of the many NIRSA Foundation funds and endowments allow the Association to provide scholarship benefits to a comprehensive range of individuals. Over time, the Foundation has become a significant part of the fabric of the NIRSA, and more importantly on the impact it has on every member of our Association. These outcomes are the direct result of Suzi’s involvement with and commitment to the development of the NIRSA Foundation. More importantly, her work for the NIRSA Foundation reflects her love and commitment to the members of our great Association.

Join us in celebrating our newest Honor Award recipient at NIRSA 2025

Suzi’s work within NIRSA has been exceptional and has played a leading role in advancing a culture of compassion that has enhanced our profession. What is most impressive about Suzi is the depth of her contributions, particularly as her generosity manifests in the number of people that have benefitted from her work and the subsequent impact on those individuals.

As a friend, a colleague, and a servant-leader, she created a tremendous model for countless others as they pursue their own development and successes. Her many contributions and accomplishments are what make Suzi an outstanding addition to the prestigious list of recipients of the NIRSA Honor Award.

“I’ve heard many NIRSA members talk about ‘paying it forward.’ By awarding Suzi with the Honor Award, NIRSA will be shining a light on the countless individuals who have been lifted by Suzi’s experience, heart, and commitment to paying it forward.” – Kim Holmes, Major Gifts Officer for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington and former Director of Philanthropy for NIRSA

“Suzi is a great ambassador for NIRSA and as such is a tremendous asset to the Association. She is equally adept at welcoming students and new members, as well as maintaining relationships with long-standing members, vendors, and donors. In addition, she gives the best hugs in NIRSA!” – Stan Campbell, Campus Recreation Director Emeritus at the University of Nebraska, Past President of NIRSA, and 2002 NIRSA Honor Award Recipient

Please join your colleagues in Orlando, FL this April to congratulate Suzi at the 2025 NIRSA Conference & Campus Rec Expo, when the official award presentation will take place during the Awards Reception, happening April 26, beginning at 8:30am.

Thanks to our sponsor

Associate member of NIRSA since 2000 and current Platinum Partner of the Association, Mondo is proud to be a sponsor of the 2025 NIRSA Honor Award.