NIRSA and the entire field of collegiate recreation are made great by the passion, drive and dedication of some truly amazing individuals and institutions. Each year, NIRSA is proud to recognize some of its extraordinary members with a variety of awards. Recipients of many NIRSA awards were announced ahead of the first virtual NIRSA Annual Conference while others were first made public during the week of the event. Even in a virtual environment we were able to celebrate our members!
The Association would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all award recipients for their excellence.
Regional Awards of Merit
NIRSA professionals wear countless hats. To be successful, they often become innovative and dedicated pioneers in the field of collegiate recreation. The Regional Awards of Merit acknowledge the exceptional performance or dedication of NIRSA members. These awards were presented during Regional Connection Sessions held on February 22.
Region I
Jessica M. Ward, RCRSP, Princeton University
Region II
David Peters, Florida State University
Region III
Amy Seth, Western Michigan University
Region IV
Jacqueline Hamilton, EdD, RCRSP, Texas A&M Corpus Christi (retired)
Region V
Aaron Dueker, University of Nebraska
Region VI
Stefani Plummer, California Baptist University
Canadian Region
Peter Mumford, RCRSP, York University
Juliette Moore Distinguished Leadership Award
The Juliette Moore Distinguished Leadership Award honors those individuals who have helped further the goals of building a diverse and inclusive culture in our association by fostering equality of opportunity, encouraging diverse perspectives, and creating a welcoming and supportive climate. The award was presented during the 2021 Founders People of Color Social, sponsored by PLAE, on February 23.
Award Recipient
Kevin Martin, University of California, Riverside
Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award
The Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award celebrates the dedication of a NIRSA Championship Series volunteer who has embodied the spirit of Sarah Fain through their commitment to the NIRSA Championship Series and its tournaments over the course of many years of service.
The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional performance in leadership and in the development of NIRSA programs, policies, events, special projects, or committees. The award was presented during the Series Talk Live Session held on February 25.
Award Recipient
Mark Williams, University of Notre Dame
Mark “The Shark” Williams received the 2021 Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award during the Series Talk Live presentation. “There is an African proverb: ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ My village was my family and my NIRSA family,” said Shark in accepting the award. Then he did a very heartfelt thanks to folks who was part of his journey along with a tear-jerker tribute to Sarah.
Comments from the room included the following:
“Who has this man not collaborated with? The who’s who!”
“No one better than Shark!!!!!”
“He is one of the biggest reasons why I serve in NIRSA.”
“Six degrees of shark separation….”
Creative Excellence Awards
These awards focus on outstanding marketing and advertising materials published by NIRSA membership.
Audiovisual Promotion
First Place
Brand Manifesto Video
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Second Place
#GoPlay 2019
UCF
Comprehensive Brochure & Facility Publication
First Place
Reopening Playbook
Stanford
Second Place
FGCU Campus Recreation Look Book
Florida Gulf Coast University
Integrated Marketing Campaign
First Place
Recreation & Wellbeing Brand Launch
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Second Place
THRIVE – Inspiring Your Well-Being Journey
Bowling Green State University
Large Scale Signage
First Place
Nicholas Recreation Center
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Second Place
Zumba Beach Party Banner
The WELL at Sacramento State
Programming Publication
First Place
Swim Lessons Flyer
The WELL at Sacramento State
Second Place
True North
University of Minnesota
Social Media Campaign
First Place
RWC+: Keeping Active from Anywhere
UCF
Second Place
Sport Club Awards
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Student Digital Presentation
First Place
Welcome Back to the Rec: Staying Well Together Video
Bowling Green State University
Second Place
Go Bould’er Go Home Animation
The WELL at Sacramento State
Student Publication
First Place
Venture Out at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech
Second Place
Fact or Fiction: Social Norms Educational Campaign
Bowling Green State University
COVID Communication Campaign
First Place
RWC COVID-19 Communication Plan
UCF
Second Place
Rec Sports’ Standard of Clean
Virginia Tech
Again, congratulations to all this year’s NIRSA award recipients, true leaders in collegiate recreation! The 2021 NIRSA awards recipients will be added to the historical list of recipients on the individual award pages of the NIRSA website in the coming weeks.
