Celebrating a career of excellence
The NIRSA Honor Award is the highest award given by our Association. It recognizes a member for outstanding achievements in the profession and exemplary service to the Association.
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NIRSA Honor Award
Nomination period is currently CLOSED.
The nomination period happens in the fall of each year.
Nomination Requirements
Other Information
Prepare a letter of nomination indicating how your nominee exhibits outstanding volunteer leadership in the Association and exceptional leadership on their campus by addressing the Eligibility and Selection Criteria:
- Nominee must have at least three letters of support from NIRSA members to be considered
- Encourage others who know the nominee to submit their own letter and provide additional insight (It is a conflict of interest for serving committee members to submit a nomination letter and recommendation for any nominee)
- Nominators must provide accurate data relating to dates and accomplishment for cited contributions
- Submit your nomination materials via the nomination form (available in the fall)
Tips for writing letters of support for Honor Award nominees
- Don’t just say how wonderful your nominee is; give solid, well described examples of how your nominee meets or exceeds the selection criteria, and provide honest, specific information by expanding on examples from their resume
- Show how your nominee was involved in volunteer leadership and give concrete examples as to what was accomplished as a result of their leadership
- Example: “as an active member of three national committees, and the chair of two, (nominee) worked on (committee, sub-committee, leadership group) and was instrumental in hosting the (symposium/workshop, etc.)”
- List ways your nominee has provided support to students and young professionals
- Share your nominee’s significant contributions to their campus, showcasing any involvement in the support of NIRSA goals and professional and student development
Eligibility
To be eligible for nomination, the individual should meet all of the following criteria:
Selection Criteria
Your letter of nomination should address your nominee’s qualifications within as many of the following areas as possible: Additional characteristics/achievements that will be considered:
Award Recipients
2019-2010
2019: Stan L. Shingles, Central Michigan University 2018: Vicki Highstreet, RCRSP, University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2017: Greg Jordan, Oakland University 2015: Moe McGonagle, DePaul University 2014: Mark Fletcher, University of Virginia 2013: Thomas G. Kirch, RCRSP, Oregon State University 2012: Juliette R. Moore, CRSS, The University of Arizona 2011: Kathryn George Bayless, CRSS, Indiana University 2010: Patricia “Patti” Bostic, University of Connecticut
2009-2000
2009: Sue Ivie Boling, CRSS, Virginia Commonwealth University 2008: Sid Gonsoulin, CRSS, University of Southern Mississippi 2007: Tom Dison, The University of Texas at Austin 2006: John T. Meyer, CRSS, University of Colorado 2005: Pat Besner, University of Toledo 2004: Samuel Hirt, CRSS, Vanderbilt University 2003: Natalie Kovac, CRSS, NIRSA National Center 2002: Stan Campbell, CRSS, University of Nebraska – Lincoln 2001: Hazel Varner, CRSS, Keene State College 2000: Lawrence Preo, Purdue University, West Lafayette
1999-1990
1999: J. Michael Dunn, Ohio State University 1998: Jeff Vessely, Indiana University – Purdue University, Indianapolis 1997: Janet C. Gong, University of California, Davis 1996: Jesse A. “Tony” Clements, CRSS, University of Illinois 1995: Horace Moody, Southern University 1994: Judith Bryant, Georgia State University 1993: Charles E. Fisher, CRSS, Oregon State University 1992: Patti Holmes, CRSS, Holmes Training & Development 1991: Mary A. Daniels, CRSS, The Ohio State University 1990: Bill Vendl, CRSS, California State University, Long Beach
1989-1980
1989: Gene Lamke, CRSS, San Diego State University 1988: Don C. Bailey, CRSS, University of North Texas 1987: Tom R. Jones, CRSS, Central Michigan University 1986: Richard F. Mull, CRSS, Indiana University 1985: Dennis A. Corrington, CRSS, Texas A&M University 1984: William G. Manning, University of California, Berkeley 1983: Louis Marciani, CRSS, University of Southern Mississippi 1982: Chuck Schelsky, CRSS, Oklahoma State University 1981: William A. Thompson, CRSS, Long Beach City College 1980: Will M. Holsberry, CRSS, Oregon State University
1979-1970
1979: Ellis J. Mendelsohn, CRSS, University of Louisville 1978: C.E. “Pat” Mueller, University of Minnesota 1977: David O. Matthews, CRSS, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 1976: A.A. “Sonny” Rooker, CRSS, Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness, Texas 1975: Ned A. Linta, Delaware Valley College 1974: H. Edsel Buchanan, CRSS, University of Nebraska, Omaha 1973: Paul H. Gunsten, CRSS, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University 1972: J. Clinton Hollinger, The Cooper Union 1971: Ross E. Townes, North Carolina Central University 1970: Al C. Zuaro, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
1969-1963
1969: William N. Wasson, CRSS, Wayne State University 1968: Albert E. Lumley, Amherst College 1967: Embra C. Bowie, Morgan State College 1966: Earl Riskey, University of Michigan 1965: John Heffernan, Brown University 1964: Paul V. Keen, University of Oklahoma 1963: George Haniford, CRSS, Purdue University
Entry Fee & Payment Information
Nomination is free