Each year, NIRSA members—through the 2026 NIRSA Award Review team—recognize their peers for outstanding work and significant impacts on campus recreation. NIRSA bestows awards upon individuals, facilities, and programs that exemplify the best that the field has to offer.
On Friday, April 10, at 8:30am Eastern, many of our association’s award recipients will be recognized during the Awards Reception at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference and Expo in National Harbor, Maryland. Some awards will be presented in other forums as noted below.
NIRSA extends our heartfelt gratitude to all award recipients, nominees, and selection committees for their dedication and service to the association. Your commitment strengthens both NIRSA and the entire campus recreation community. Thank you for all that you do!
Honor Award
The NIRSA Honor Award represents the highest distinction bestowed by the association. Each year since 1963, this prestigious award has been presented to a member who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of campus recreation and exemplary service to NIRSA. Their dedication, leadership, and impact continue to shape and elevate our profession.
2026 recipient
Laurie Braden, Louisiana State University
NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award
The NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award honors an individual or group that has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the NIRSA Foundation and its mission. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who have made a lasting impact through their commitment, leadership, and support, helping advance the Foundation’s initiatives and the future of campus recreation.
2026 recipient
Deb Johnson, University of California-Davis
William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards
Named in honor of NIRSA’s founder, the William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards recognize outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the field of campus recreation. These awards celebrate students who are actively involved in their university or college’s recreational sports department, showcasing their dedication to the field. The awards will be presented during the NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference Regional Meetups on Thursday, April 9, at 5:15pm Eastern.
Region I
Andrew Curry, Millersville University
Nicholas Liu, Rowan University
Adrianna Wood, Towson University
Region II
Fauz Adeyinka, Clemson University
Aimee FitzPatrick, James Madison University
Dorsey Howarth, Georgia Southern University
Sabrina Leistikow, James Madison University
Savannah Talley, James Madison University
Megan Thomas, James Madison University
Region III
Sarah Messing, Bowling Green State University
Lauren Young, Western Michigan University
Region IV
Parker Callegari, Sam Houston State University
Dylan Linn, Oklahoma State University
Region V
Tom Dey, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dax Duncan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Collin Kollasch, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Region VI
Zéa Abreu, Portland State University
Bailey Crone, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Ella Riccomini, UC Davis
Alysse Tessier, UC Davis
Canadian Region
No nominations were submitted for the Canadian Region for the 2026 William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards. We know Canadian students continue to make meaningful contributions to campus recreation, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements in the coming years.
Horace Moody Awards
The Horace Moody Awards honor professional members who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to student development, mentoring, and leadership within campus recreation. These awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to support and inspire the next generation of leaders. Awards will be presented during the NIRSA Conference Regional Meet Ups on Thursday, April 9, at 5:15pm Eastern.
Region I
Anna R. Champion, MAcc, MS, Penn State University
Region II
Stephanie Calhoun, Georgia Southern University
Region III
Scott Vandermoon, DePaul University
Region IV
Brandon Bermea, Oklahoma State University
Region V
Chad Vossekuil, South Dakota State University
Region VI
Blaine P Spencer, University of Utah
Canadian Region
Alison Fisher, University of Regina
Creative Excellence Awards
The Creative Excellence Awards focus on outstanding marketing and advertising materials produced by NIRSA members.
Brand Identity & Visual Design
Student Recreational Sports Centers Rebranding for Student Engagement
Indiana University Bloomington
Digital Content & Storytelling
Heart of RecSports Employee Appreciation
University of Florida
Fitness Neighborhood Video Series
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Experiential & Pop-up Activations
JMU UREC On-Campus Activations
James Madison University
Dr. John Carlos Marks Black History Month at TMU
Toronto Metropolitan University
Integrated Marketing Campaign
JMU UREC Student Hiring
James Madison University
Recflix ’N Chill 2025
University of South Carolina
Print Collateral & Publication
SRWC Declassified College Survival Guide
Radford University
2024-2027 University Recreation & Wellbeing Strategic Plan Materials
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Social Media Campaign
Lakefront Rental Office, Matilda Theme
Florida State University
SCAD Outdoor Recreation – Social Media Campaign
Savannah College of Art and Design
Student Generated Content Campaigns
Outdoor Trip Essentials
Florida State University
How Much Can You Lift?
University of Central Florida
Campus Rec Innovative Programming Awards
The Campus Rec Innovative Programming Awards celebrate the outstanding work happening in recreation centers that enhances student success, fosters community, and promotes health and wellbeing. These awards recognize programs that push boundaries, create meaningful experiences, and inspire positive changes in campus recreation.
Stephanie Hodge and the Beach Balance Wellness Program
California State University Long Beach, ASI
Student QFO Certification Program
Quinnipiac University
Aztec Recreation Fitness Buddies Program
San Diego State University
CU Boulder Lifeguard Cup: Building Community Through Connection, Recognition, and Engagement
University of Colorado Boulder
Recreation on Wheels: A Collaboration for Safer, Sustainable Cycling, and Wellbeing at UVA
University of Virginia
Beauty Beyond the Mirror
Utah Valley University
WFU Retirees THRIVE: Supporting Wellbeing for ALL Members of the Campus Community
Wake Forest University
NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Awards
The Outstanding Facilities Awards celebrate excellence in the innovative design of new, renovated, or expanded collegiate recreation and wellness facilities at NIRSA member institutions. These awards honor spaces that enhance the student experience, promote wellbeing, and set new standards for excellence in campus recreation.
Gateway Center
Georgia Gwinnett College
Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Inc. with SSOE
IU Recreational Sports Northwest Recreation Courts
Indiana University Bloomington
Landscape Architect, Shrewsberry Associates, LLC.
Wellness + Helfaer Recreation
Marquette University
HOK
Student Wellness Center
Montana State University
MMW Architects
Seibert Hall
Samford University
Davis Architects, Inc
McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center
Skidmore College
CannonDesign
Health & Wellness Center
Texas A&M University–Victoria
SmithGroup
Comets LANding
University of Texas at Dallas
SmithGroup
Health and Wellness Center
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Kahler Slater
President’s Award for the Article of Distinction
This award celebrates outstanding writing from the previous year’s Recreational Sports Journal, recognizing impactful contributions that help shape and inspire the field of campus recreation.
2026 recipients
Jacob K. Tingle, CRSS, EdD, Trinity University
Brittany L. Jacobs, PhD, American Public University
April Flint, PhD, NBC-HWC, Emory University
Stacy Warner, East Carolina University
For their article titled “NIRSA Student Referees: Exploring the Connection between Sense of Community and Positive Health and Wellbeing Outcomes” (Volume 49, Issue 1) of the RSJ.
NIRSA Annual Service Awards
NIRSA’s Annual Service Awards recognize the incredible volunteer efforts of members who go above and beyond to support NIRSA and the collegiate recreation field. These awards celebrate the dedication and contributions that help shape the future of campus recreation.
Professional Awards
Marty Dempsey, University of Florida: for exceptional leadership and mentorship demonstrated while serving as Director of Officials for the 2023 NIRSA Championship Series National Basketball Championships
David Gaskins: for significant contributions to the career development of NIRSA members as the “matchmaker” for NIRSA’s Mentor Match program
Lane Goodwin, University of Florida: for advancing collegiate recreation through multiple leadership roles with the NIRSA Championship Series
Michelle L. Muzzillo, M.Ed., University of Arkansas: for outstanding and innovative contributions while leading the NIRSA’s Student Staff Development Committee
Laura Shively, Duke University: for outstanding commitment to advancing Unified Sports within the NIRSA Championship Series
Lulu L. Troll, University of New Hampshire: for exceptional commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging within the NIRSA Championship Series
Group Awards
The 2024 NIRSA School for Early Career Professionals Faculty are those who have made outstanding contributions to reinventing the 2024 NIRSA School for Early Professionals.
Alvaro Diaz Jr., University of Oregon
Calvin Diggs, Colorado State University – Pueblo
Candice C. Douglas M.S., Middle Tennessee State University
Jenny Larson, Auburn University
Mila L. Padgett, University of South Carolina Aiken
Rachael “Roach” Finley, M.S., CPCC, ACC, Rachael Finley Coaching and Consulting
Regional Awards of Merit
The Regional Awards of Merit recipients will be announced at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference and Expo Regional Meet Ups on Thursday, April 9, at 5:15pm Eastern.
Juliette Moore People of Color Distinguished Leadership Award
The Juliette Moore Distinguished Leadership Award recipient will be announced and recognized during The Founders People of Color Social on Wednesday, April 8.
Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award
The recipient of the Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in person at the NIRSA Championship Series Social on Wednesday, April 8. A separate announcement recognizing the recipient will be published soon.
Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference Awards
The following awards were presented at the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference (ERSL) in January 2026, recognizing individuals for their leadership and service within collegiate recreation.
Herman Williams Founders Outstanding Service Award
Iisha Voltz, EdD, Texas Southern University
Emerging Leader Award
Kathleen Langley, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
An additional article recognizing recipients announced during conference week will be published after the event. Award webpages will be updated with 2026 recipients in May.
Once again, congratulations to all the NIRSA Award recipients—true leaders and champions of campus recreation! Your dedication and impact continue to inspire our community!
- For more information, contact NIRSA Member Programs Coordinator, Cheyenna Mitchell.
