By Christine Haluzak

NIRSA thrives as an association because innovative and inspiring members are its lifeblood. Let your NIRSA colleagues know that you recognize and value the selfless, dedicated, and positive work they do for NIRSA and the field of collegiate recreation. The December 15 deadline for several award nominations is quickly approaching; take a few minutes this week to submit a nomination form and celebrate the achievements and efforts of your colleagues.

Many of us know fellow collegiate recreation professionals who have demonstrated an outstanding capacity for innovation, gone above and beyond in their dedicated volunteer service to the Association, or have significantly contributed to the advancement of the profession in their respective states, provinces, and regions. They both propel our Association forward, helping us reach our loftier goals, and maintain a local focus, ensuring the unique member voices of their regions are heard and considered.

Honor their exceptional efforts on behalf of your region by nominating them for a NIRSA Regional Award of Merit. Your nomination will let them know that their work is regarded as a benchmark for excellence in professional achievement. Additionally, their contributions will be honored at the 2016 Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo in Kissimmee and celebrated on the NIRSA website.

Mentorship is a hallmark of the collegiate recreation profession. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to recognize the outstanding mentors who have made a difference in your life! Consider showing your appreciation and celebrating your mentor’s selfless commitment to developing the next generation of leaders by nominating them for the Horace Moody Award.

Each year the Horace Moody Award is given to one NIRSA professional member from each of the six NIRSA regions in recognition of their contributions to student development. Recipients will be recognized during the NIRSA Annual Conference’s regional meetings and the Student Business Meeting. The six award winners will receive an inscribed plaque at the 2016 Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo and be recognized on the NIRSA website and in the NIRSA Know.

Students who are employed by your department of campus recreation and go above and beyond are not only an asset to your college or university—they’re an essential part of the future of collegiate recreation. Show these students that their outstanding efforts and commitments are appreciated; nominate them for a 2016 William N. Wasson Student Leadership and Academic Award.

The William N. Wasson Student Leadership and Academic Awards recognize top students in collegiate recreation who participate in or are employed by the Department of Recreational Sports. Presented at the 2016 Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo in Kissimmee, awards will be conferred for both graduate and undergraduate students in each of NIRSA’s six regions.

Nominate professionals or graduate students who have authored significant research or assessment and who are passionate about the advancement of the collegiate recreation profession for a 2016 NIRSA Research and Assessment Award. This award recognizes NIRSA members who have made extraordinary contributions toward furthering research and assessment initiatives on their campus and/or for NIRSA. The award is based on significant personal advocacy, development, or implementation of assessment efforts.

Research and Assessment Award winners will receive an inscribed plaque at the 2016 NIRS Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo and be recognized on the NIRSA website and in the NIRSA Know.

The NIRSA/USTA Tennis Ace Awards honor NIRSA institutional and professional members who have implemented NIRSA-endorsed Tennis On Campus programs, and recognize efforts to grow recreational tennis participation.

Presented at the 2016 NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo, this year’s awards will be given to professional members or institutions that have shown exceptional growth and support of their recreational tennis programs over the past year. In addition to the beautiful plaque, national recipients and runners-up will receive one full professional member registration to attend NIRSA 2016.

 

NIRSA members are leaders on campuses across North America. Acknowledge and celebrate their dedication to the profession by nominating them for a NIRSA award by December 15!

 

For more information about NIRSA awards—including a complete list of awards, criteria, applications and deadlines—please visit the NIRSA website or contact NIRSA Membership Director Christine Haluzak.