NIRSA Awards & Scholarships

NIRSA members bring tremendous value to the field of collegiate recreation.

Whether they are professional members inspiring passion within student members, student members going above and beyond, or institutional members finding creative solutions, NIRSA members strive to recognize the excellent work of their colleagues.

Creative Excellence Awards

The Creative Excellence Awards focus on outstanding marketing and advertising materials published by the NIRSA Membership.

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The Herman Williams Founders Outstanding Service Award

Named in honor of one of the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders founders, Herman Williams, who made extraordinary contributions in advancing innovative strategies to improve opportunities for minorities in campus recreation.

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Honor Award

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

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Horace Moody Award

The Horace Moody Award is a means for students to recognize and applaud professional members who have made contributions to student development by their encouragement, support, and performance.

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Juliette Moore Distinguished Leadership Award

The Juliette Moore Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes those individuals who best exemplify the hard work and dedication that go into the ongoing development of a diverse and inclusive community..

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NIRSA Annual Service Award

The NIRSA Annual Service Award acknowledges exceptional performance or dedication to NIRSA Members.

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NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award

The NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award annually recognizes an individual or group that has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the NIRSA Foundation and its mission.

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NIRSA/USTA Tennis Ace Awards

The NIRSA/USTA Tennis Ace Awards honor NIRSA Institutional, Professional, and Student Members who have implemented NIRSA-endorsed Tennis On Campus programs, and recognize efforts to grow recreational tennis participation.

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Outstanding Facilities Awards

The Outstanding Facilities Awards recognize excellence in newly constructed, renovated, or expanded recreational facilities at NIRSA Member Institutions.

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President’s Award for the Article of Distinction

The President’s Award for the Article of Distinction recognizes excellence in writing from contributing authors to the NIRSA Recreational Sports Journal.

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Regional Award of Merit

The Regional Award of Merit acknowledges exceptional performance or dedication of NIRSA Members.

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Research and Assessment Award

The Research and Assessment Award recognizes a NIRSA member who has made extraordinary contributions toward advancing research and assessment initiatives on their campus and/or for NIRSA.

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The Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award

This award celebrates the dedication of a NIRSA Championship Series volunteer who has embodied the spirit of Sarah Fain exhibited by their commitment to the Series through years of service to the NIRSA Services Corporation.

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William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards

The William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards recognize outstanding students who are actively involved with the Department of Recreational Sports on University and College campuses.

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Scholarships and Travel Grants

To promote opportunities for personal and professional development, the NIRSA Foundation offers scholarships to student and professional members to attend various NIRSA educational programs.

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