Elevate your run and more: NIRSA Foundation activities at NIRSA 2018

Support your NIRSA family by participating in the NIRSA Foundation’s fundraising activities at the 2018 NIRSA Annual Conference & Campus Rec and Wellness Expo coming up March 4–7! Whether you’re traveling to Denver or not, there are multiple opportunities to get involved.

Participation in these events is a unique way to give back to the campus recreation profession, which has enriched the lives and careers of so many students and professionals. Proceeds from these activities help the NIRSA Foundation live its mission to enhance the effectiveness of campus recreation by providing meaningful opportunities for NIRSA members through our four fields of interest: scholarship, research, leadership, and student officials development.

Mark Fletcher 5K Fun Run/Walk

“Elevate Your Run” in the Mile-High City by registering for the Mark Fletcher 5K Fun Run/2K Walk! Presented by CannonDesign, this fun, noncompetitive event provides NIRSA members an on-the-move networking experience while living the NIRSA strategic value of health and wellbeing. The Fun Run/Walk takes place the last day of NIRSA, Wednesday, March 7, with check-in at 5:30am and a start time of 6:00am. Registration costs $20 for students and $30 for professionals.

Per city of Denver regulations, there are a limited 100 spots available for this event. Add the Fun Run/Walk to your NIRSA 2018 registration now to guarantee a spot in the race and a T-shirt supplied by supporting sponsor College Promotions, Inc!

Mark Fletcher In My Dreams Virtual Run & Sleep-in Fundraiser

You want to participate in the Mark Fletcher 5K Fun Run/Walk but think, “Wow, that’s a rough 5:30am call time on the last day of Conference!” Prefer the pillow to the pavement, the mattress to the morning, or the rest to the run? Or do you simply want to run or workout on your own for a good cause? You can support the NIRSA Foundation and your NIRSA family by registering for the Mark Fletcher In My Dreams fundraising event, where there’s no time limit, no speed limit, and no dream limit! After registering, you can run your own race, join the Expo’s Early Morning Workout, or just sleep in through it all—all for a great cause.

Even if you aren’t attending NIRSA 2018, you can sign up for this virtual event and show members that the comradery of the “NIRSA family reunion” isn’t just in Denver: we’re all in for NIRSA, Association-wide!

Participate for a flat $20 fee. Register to download your choice of four festive, NIRSA 2018-themed digital running bibs on the NIRSA website.

T-Shirt Competition & Apparel Sale

Promote your institution’s recreation department and programs by entering items that showcase your graphic design and event promotion savvy! Entries will be judged on originality, content, graphic design, and overall visual appeal. This design contest is a philanthropic endeavor that provides friendly competition between NIRSA institutions and serves as an exchange of creative promotion ideas. Ribbons are awarded for first, second, and third places in each category, including “staff,” “humorous,” “sports clubs,” and more! All entries are displayed and sold at the Annual Conference. Entries will be accepted through 1:00pm on Monday, March 5.

We also accept donations of jackets, sweatshirts, hats, and other swag for the Apparel Sale. Donated items will be on sale throughout the Annual Conference at the NIRSA Foundation Table. The sale will continue as long as supplies last through Wednesday, March 7.

Quilt Silent Auction

The winning T-shirts of last year’s design contest have been transformed into a one-of-a-kind quilt by Mama Lee Wasson and Maxine Moore. Bid to win this unique and cozy prize in the NIRSA Foundation Quilt Silent Auction. The quilt will be on display at the NIRSA Foundation Table.

Place a bid or make a donation online at 32auctions. Our goal is to raise $3,000 from the winning bid and donations. Bidding starts at $100. Remember that you can bid whether you’re attending the Annual Conference or not! Bidding opens at midnight on Rec Day, Thursday, February 22, and closes at 2:00pm on Wednesday, March 7. The winning bid will be announced at the Closing General Session on Wednesday, March 7.

NIRSA Foundation Table

Don’t forget to stop by the NIRSA Foundation Table, your go-to resource for information about the NIRSA Foundation! Visit to meet some NIRSA Foundation scholarship and stipend recipients, get a high-five from a NIRSA Foundation Board member, or make a gift benefiting your NIRSA family. Come learn more about our committees, programs, and any of the above activities. If you have questions about the NIRSA Foundation or how you can support the future of campus rec, please visit!

See you in Denver!

We’re looking forward to seeing you in Denver! Register by January 18 for early bird discounts. If you need assistance getting approval from your institution, make sure to check out the Convince Your Boss Toolkit, an excellent resource to help build your case for why you should attend NIRSA 2018.