in memoriam

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.

By Rick McNeil|2017-05-17T08:40:00-07:00May 17, 2017|Categories: Member Spotlight, Membership|Tags: in memoriam, leadership, membership|

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.

By David Peters|2017-04-07T13:11:56-07:00April 5, 2017|Categories: Member Spotlight, Membership|Tags: in memoriam, leadership, membership, nirsa championship series|

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.

By Pam Watts|2016-11-07T07:35:51-08:00November 6, 2016|Categories: Leadership, Membership|Tags: in memoriam, leadership, membership|

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.

By Brian Smith, NIRSA Member Network|2016-10-23T23:25:57-07:00July 20, 2016|Categories: Membership|Tags: in memoriam, membership, volunteer|

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 […]

By Pam Watts|2016-10-28T23:54:40-07:00May 19, 2016|Categories: Leadership, Member Spotlight|Tags: in memoriam, leadership, member feature|

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 […]

By NIRSA Communications|2017-06-12T12:49:59-07:00February 3, 2016|Categories: Leadership, Member Spotlight|Tags: honor award, in memoriam, leadership, member feature|

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 […]

By NIRSA Communications|2016-10-28T23:59:26-07:00November 18, 2015|Categories: Member Spotlight|Tags: in memoriam|

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 […]

By Pam Watts|2021-06-09T09:24:46-07:00October 6, 2015|Categories: Leadership|Tags: honor award, in memoriam, leadership, member feature|

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.

By NIRSA Communications|2023-08-11T10:17:37-07:00July 3, 2013|Categories: Leadership, Member Spotlight|Tags: history, in memoriam|

Previous 12

Director of Recreation | University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, Although open until filled, priority application date is January 20, 2025. As a University of Washington (UW) employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a […]
Intramurals & Club Sports Specialist | University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, About USC Recreational Sports The mission of USC Recreational Sports is to provide the university community with opportunities to pursue a balanced, healthy lifestyle through participation in recreational activities. Recreational Sports aims to support our members through fitness and recreational programming, leadership development, training, and cross-unit collaboration. Our staff works together to […]
Assistant Director, Campus Rec - Fitness/Aquatics | Wright State University
Dayton, Ohio, Job Summary/Basic Function: The Assistant Director for Fitness and Aquatics is responsible for the organization and administration of the fitness and wellness programs within Campus Recreation. The position requires creativity and innovation to develop programs that are responsive to the needs of a diverse student population, including individuals with disabilities, programs that are […]
Associate Director, Fitness Programs | Stanford DAPER
Stanford, California, ABOUT STANFORD RECREATION & WELLNESS Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics and recreation program in the country. We are the proud Home of Champions and support the university’s physical education, recreation and wellness initiatives. Aligned with the pioneering spirit of Stanford University, Stanford Recreation and […]
Assistant Director of University Recreation -Training & Facilities | Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts, The Assistant Director develops and implements employee training to ensure operational consistency and proficient frontline operations at the Marino Recreation Center. This position reports to the Associate Director – Business & Technology. Provides leadership, hiring, training, scheduling and supervision for the Facility Assistants assigned to the Marino Recreation Center as well as Building […]