Dedicated rec leader Dr. Lawrence Sierra has passed away
It is with deep sadness that NIRSA shares the news that Dr. Lawrence Sierra passed away on May 6 at age 79 following complications from a stroke he suffered during the winter.
NIRSA community mourns the passing of passionate campus rec leader Sarah Fain
It is with great sadness that NIRSA shares that Sarah Fain, a member of the NIRSA family for 23 years, passed away on Monday, April 3 after a bold and graceful battle with colon cancer.
Beloved recreation leader Bill Vendl has passed away
It is with great sadness that NIRSA shares that Bill Vendl, a member of the NIRSA family for over 50 years, passed away on Sunday, October 30 shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Volleyball officiating and intramurals leader Gary Colberg has passed away
It is with sadness that I share with you the recent passing of a long-time volunteer leader in the Association: NIRSA Life member Gary Colberg has passed away after a lengthy battle with myelodysplastic syndromes.
Beloved collegiate recreation leader Steve Young has passed away
Update, May 20: This article has be updated with information regarding Steve Young’s memorial service.
It is with incredible sadness that NIRSA shares the news that Steve Young passed away on Wednesday, May 18 after a five-year battle with brain cancer. He was 59. Steve—known as “SY” to many students and colleagues—had a 32-year storied […]
Jeff Vessely—former president of NIRSA, recipient of the Honor Award, and beloved member for more than 40 years—has passed away
By Pam Watts, NIRSA Executive Director
It is with profound sadness that NIRSA shares the news that Dr. Jeffrey S. Vessely passed away on Monday, February 1. Jeff, affectionately known as “Dr. V.” to many of his students, retired in September 2010 after a 36-year career with Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis’ (IUPUI) School of Physical Education […]
Emerging collegiate recreation professional Zach Wood was killed in a tragic accident
By Pam Watts, NIRSA Executive Director
It is with great sadness that I share with NIRSA members the news that Zach Wood, a 26-year-old PhD candidate in the School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University, died on the evening of November 14 after being struck by a motorist while riding his bicycle. Zach had been a member […]
Collegiate recreation leader and pioneer Hazel Varner has passed away
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Hazel Varner, 2001 NIRSA Honor Award recipient, passed away on October 1; she was born Hazel Smith in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1929. Hazel joined NIRSA in 1971 soon after the Association amended its constitution to readmit women members. She was a tireless champion for […]
Past president of NIRSA George W. Haniford passes away
Dr. George W. Haniford, the first recipient of the Association’s Honor Award, passed away on June 28, 2013.