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. Jenny Larson, Sport Clubs Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a 2015 NIRSA Annual Service Award winner for her role as Coordinator of the Region III Student Lead On, is one such professional. “I wouldn’t be where I am today and have so many wonderful mentors and friendships within NIRSA without the people who chose to give back through service and being afforded the opportunities to serve as well,” she explains.
Likewise, 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 institutes, workshops, and Lead Ons, the Association has the passion and dedication of NIRSA volunteer leaders behind it. We all know members that have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their 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 and up to three student members. It is presented to deserving members at the NIRSA Annual Conference. Jeff Schmitt—Associate Director-Facilities at the University of West Florida and 2015 award recipient for his vision and foresight in bringing a National Football Championship Tournament back to NIRSA— found it “very humbling to be recognized in front of the entire Honor Banquet at the Annual Conference for work you do for the love of the game.”
New this year is the option to nominate a group of NIRSA members who have made a significant impact on the Association. Group nominations can consist of up to six current members professional and/or student members; up to three awards will be given. Earl Cabellon—Assistant Director, Student Personnel at the University of Maryland, College Park—and Mike Warren—Senior Associate Director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison—were both recognized last year for their significant contributions and leadership with #RecChat.
They were also both very excited to receive their awards together. Earl says, “I was so humbled and honored when I was notified, but even more excited to be receiving this award with Mike.” Mike echoes the sentiment, saying that “Sharing the award with Earl was a great feeling. He cares so much about people and their development. It humbles me to work with such great professionals.”
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 the NIRSA Annual Service Award are due by Tuesday, September 15!
For more information about the 2016 NIRSA Annual Service Awards, please contact NIRSA Leadership Programs Coordinator Sarah Leskovec.
