Recognize a deserving colleague for their service to NIRSA

Service comes as second nature to collegiate recreation professionals who strive daily to serve their campus communities by providing and promoting opportunities for health and wellness. Stephanie McAlpine, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation at University of Texas at Arlington, was recognized as a 2016 NIRSA Annual Service Award winner for her outstanding leadership and dedication as chair of the NIRSA Championship Series Committee.

“I was truly honored to be acknowledged by my colleagues with the NIRSA Service Award,” says Stephanie. “The accomplishments of the Championship Series have been phenomenal in recent years, and I was flattered to receive an award as part of such a tremendous team effort. Our association continues to be a game changer in higher education, and what our amazing NIRSA volunteers continue to accomplish is inspiring and should continue to be recognized.”

NIRSA thrives because of the vital contributions of its members. From strategic planning and our Assembly think tank to renowned NIRSA Championship Series tournaments to Annual Conferences and the plethora of educational materials, institutes, workshops, and Lead Ons, the Association has the passion and dedication of NIRSA volunteer leaders behind it.

So think back on this past academic year and consider nominating a colleague who was instrumental in advancing the work of a committee you served on or was key to planning a NIRSA event you attended. We all know members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their year of NIRSA volunteer service. Please recognize their contributions and nominate them for a NIRSA Annual Service Award by September 15!

The NIRSA Annual Service Award recognizes up to six professional members, up to three student members, and up to three groups for their NIRSA service in the prior year. It is presented to deserving members at the NIRSA Annual Conference.

This is the second year that the Service Award Committee will be offering the option to recognize a group of NIRSA members who have made a significant impact on the Association. Group nominations can consist of up to six current professional and/or student members; up to three awards will be given. Kurt Klier, Assistant Director of University Recreation and Wellness at the University of Maryland, was recognized as a member of the 2016 group Service Award for his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the development of an editorial board for the NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials’ Manual. On his experience winning the award, he says, “As a part of the inaugural group service award it was an amazing feeling to be recognized by my peers for serving an association that I care deeply about.”

Please don’t miss this amazing opportunity to recognize deserving NIRSA colleagues and support their pursuit of professional excellence! Nominations take just a small amount of time, but they make a big impact on those whose time and efforts have affected so many within the NIRSA community. Nominations for a NIRSA Annual Service Award are due by Thursday, September 15!