By Mary Callender

Both NIRSA and the field of collegiate recreation are made great by the passion, drive, and dedication of some truly amazing individuals and institutions. So each year, NIRSA is excited to have the chance to recognize some of its extraordinary members with a variety of well-deserved awards. The Association would like to congratulate all of these inspiring members for their contributions to NIRSA and the field!

The highest honor awarded by the Association, the NIRSA Honor Award is presented each year to a member for outstanding achievement in the profession.

Award recipient: Maureen McGonagle, CRSS, CENTERS LLC at DePaul University

Awarded in appreciation of his contributions of time, talent, and treasure to the NIRSA Foundation.

Award recipient: Dave Koch, CRSS, University of California – San Diego

Professional Awards

Awarded in appreciation of the considerable efforts various NIRSA professional members have made to further the collegiate recreation field this past year.

Award recipients:

Earl Cabellon, RCRSP, University of Maryland-College Park
For his development of, significant contributions to, and leadership with #RecChat.

Leah Hall Dorothy, PhD, CRSS, Oregon State University
For her dedication and involvement with the Canadian Collegiate Recreation Association.

Dr. Todd Misener, Western Kentucky University
For his exceptional service and leadership as Chair of the Research and Assessment Committee.

Jeff Schmitt, The University of West Florida
For his vision and foresight in bringing back a National Football Championship Tournament to NIRSA.

Mike Warren, University of Wisconsin-Madison
For his development of, significant contributions to, and leadership with #RecChat.

John Washo, CENTERS, LLC at DePaul University
For his outstanding leadership and dedication to the NIRSA Championship Series as Basketball Chair and as Co-Tournament Director of the NIRSA National Basketball Championship.

Student Awards

Awarded in appreciation of the considerable efforts various NIRSA student members have made to further the collegiate recreation field this past year.

Award recipients:

Mallory Gohl, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
For her outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication as the 2013-2014 NIRSA Student Leader.

Jenny Larson, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
For her exceptional leadership and dedication as coordinator of the Region III Student Lead On.

Kelsey Whittaker, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
For her exceptional leadership to students and significant contributions to the Region V Lead On.

These awards acknowledge the exception performance or dedication of NIRSA members to their NIRSA regions.

Region I

David Hall, EdD, Springfield College

Region II

Dale Ramsay, University of Louisville

Region III

Brian Cousins, University of Illinois at Chicago

Region IV

Tony Daniels, Prairie View A&M University

Region V

Steve Erickson, RCRSP, Montana State University

Region VI

Laura Hall, University of California, Davis

These awards recognize outstanding students who are actively involved with the Department of Recreational Sports on their university or college campus.

Region I

Colin Allison, University of New Haven
Daniel Dobrosielski, University of Massachusetts Amherst
David Stewart, Towson University
Abigail Van Note, University of New Hampshire
Elizabeth Wanamaker, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Region II

Cody Bailey, James Madison University
Kari Budnik, University of Central Florida
Erica Estes, The University of Southern Mississippi
Ryan Fitzgerald, James Madison University
Andrew Harris, University of Florida
Amanda Stamper, James Madison University

Region III

Sarah DiStefano, Oakland University
Steven Karasewski, Illinois State University
Cherise Mishler, Indiana University
Jaclyn Paul, University of Notre Dame
Jenna Payne, The University of Akron
Shannon Prendergast, Loyola University Chicago

Region IV

Jenny Speer-Wilder, Angelo State University
Brianne Wilburn, Angelo State University

Region V

Mitchell Allen, South Dakota State University
Cameron Binder, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Beth Broderick, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Aaron Dueker, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jenna Grabinski, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Jessica Stodola, Chadron State College

Region VI

Nikolas Hellenthal, Seattle University
Shannon Miller, Seattle University
Ishmael Pluton, University of California, Davis
Christopher Rhode, Northern Arizona University
Yan Zhao, Seattle University

These awards are a means for students to recognize and applaud professional members who have made contributions to student development by their encouragement, support, and performance.

Region I

Kurt Klier, RCRSP, CRSS, University of Maryland-College Park

Region II

​Dan Belcher, CENTERS, LLC at Marshall University

Region III

Megan Marie Morris, Loyola University Chicago

Region IV

Matthew Boyer, RCRSP, CRSS, Louisiana State University

Region VI

Dr. Jamie Hoffman, California State University-Sacramento

These awards recognize excellence in newly-constructed, renovated, or expanded recreational sports facilities at NIRSA member institutions.

Sun Devil Fitness Complex Downtown Phoenix
Arizona State University
Architect: Gabor Lorant Architects, Inc.

Sun Devil Fitness Complex West
Arizona State University
Architect: 360 Architecture + Architekton

Sun Devil Fitness Complex and Wellness Center
Arizona State University Polytechnic
Architect: Architekton + 360 Architecture

Recreation and Wellness Center
Auburn University
Architect: 360 Architecture

Loyola University of Chicago Sports and Recreation Complex
Loyola University of Chicago
Architect: Solomon Cordwell Buenz

Harold E. and Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center
Salem State University
Architect: DiMella Shaffer Architects

Student Recreation Center
University of Louisville
Architect: Cannon Design

University Recreation and Wellness Center Expansion
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Architect: Cannon Design

Outdoor Adventures Center
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Architect: RDG Planning & Design

Donald Julian Reaves Student Activities Center
Winston – Salem State University
Architect: Woolpert Architects

These awards focus on outstanding marketing and advertising materials publishing by NIRSA membership.

Audiovisual Promotion

First Place
2014 STEP High Sierras Leadership Adventure Video
The Ohio State University

Second Place
“What is a Midnight Fun Runner?”
University of Florida

Third Place
“Find Your Moment” Intramural Sports
University of Hawaii at Manoa

Comprehensive Brochure

First Place
ISU Campus Recreation – Playbook
Illinois State University

Second Place
RecSports Magazine, Fall 2013
University of Florida

Third Place
MizzouRec NATION – Annual set of 3 issues
University of Missouri-Columbia

Integrated Marketing Campaign

First Place
Spring Roar: Event Design
University of Missouri-Columbia

Second Place
#LiveInMotion Social Media Photo Challenge
University of Florida

Third Place
Adventure Recreation
CENTERS, LLC At Cleveland State University

Large Scale Signage

First Place
MizzouRec Fitness Showcase
University of Missouri-Columbia

Second Place
Fresh Seasons Cafe and Juice Bar
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Third Place
MizzouRec Honorifics & Culture Installations
University of Missouri-Columbia

Programming Publication

First Place
Wellness Center TNT Booklet
South Dakota State University

Second Place
BGSU Recreation and Wellness Birthday Party Coloring Book
Bowling Green State University

Third Place
Summer Youth Programs Guide
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Student Digital Presentation

First Place
MizzouRec Blog
University of Missouri-Columbia

Second Place
#DatBallRealBig
University of Florida

Third Place
LSU UREC Marketing Street Team
Louisiana State University

Student Publication

First Place
Swamp Bowl
University of Florida

Second Place
Weekend Warrior
University of Florida

Third Place
ISU Campus Recreation – Water Bottle Swap Infographic
Illinois State University

Sustainable Marketing

First Place
Clear Water, Green Heart
Louisiana State University

Second Place
SHSU Earth Week 2014 Campaign
Sam Houston State University

Third Place
ISU Campus Recreation – Reggie Ride
Illinois State University

Website
First Place
Colorado State Campus Recreation’s Website
Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Second Place
ISU Campus Recreation – Website Redesign
Illinois State University

Third Place
Division of Recreational Sports
The University of Texas at Austin

Honor NIRSA institutional, professional, and student members who have implemented NIRSA-endorsed Tennis On Campus programs, and recognize efforts to grow recreational tennis participation.

Professional

National Winner
Stephanie McAlpine, The University of Texas at Arlington

Finalist
Mary O’Mahoney, California State University-Bakersfield

Institutional

National winner
University of Maryland-College Park
Runner-up
University of Iowa

This award recognizes the outstanding leadership of a NIRSA professional member.

Award recipient: Demond Pryor, University of Toledo

This award recognizes excellence in writing from contributing authors to the NIRSA Recreational Sports Journal. The following recipients are recognized for their April, 2014 article titled “Academic Success and Retention: The Role of Recreational Sports Fitness Facilities.”

Award recipients:

Samantha J. Deere, Michigan State University
James M. Pivarnik, PhD, Michigan State University
Richard N. McNeil, PhD, CRSS, Michigan State University
Ira J. Washington, PhD, Michigan State University

This award recognizes a NIRSA member who has made extraordinary contributions toward advancing research and assessment initiatives on their campus and/or for NIRSA. The following recipients are recognized for their outstanding research project “Inclusive Recreation: The State of Collegiate Policies, Facilities, Trainings, and Programs for Transgender Participants.”

Award recipients:

Erin Patchett, RCRSP, CRSS, University of Northern Colorado
Jason Foster, University of Northern Colorado

Mary Callender, NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation

 

For more information about NIRSA awards, please contact NIRSA Leadership Programs Assistant Sarah Leskovec.