New Awards Steering Committee to elevate member recognition

To better celebrate and recognize the incredible achievements of its members, NIRSA is excited to introduce the new Awards Steering Committee! Combining six separate awards committees into one makes the NIRSA Awards process simpler, more consistent, and even further focused on fostering a strong culture of appreciation within the Association.

Committee overview

The committee will oversee six key awards that celebrate exceptional contributions to the campus recreation field:

• Annual Service Award
• Campus Rec Innovative Programming Award
• Creative Excellence Awards
• Horace Moody Award
• Outstanding Facilities Awards
• William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Awards

This consolidated approach ensures that these prestigious honors maintain their integrity and continue to reflect NIRSA’s values and strategic framework.

Committee responsibilities

The Awards Steering Committee will be tasked with:

• Excellence in award offerings: Aligning awards with NIRSA’s strategic priorities and maintaining transparency in selection processes
• Fostering collaboration: Promoting teamwork among committee members to advance a culture of recognition
• Raising awareness: Working with NIRSA Staff to highlight award opportunities and celebrate the Association’s deserving recipients

Committee composition

The committee will include:

• A chair who provides leadership and direction
• A NIRSA Staff liaison who manages logistics and supports promotional efforts
• Seven to ten committee members—reflecting a diverse array of NIRSA regions and varied professional backgrounds—who ensure broad representation across the NIRSA community

Timeline and recruitment

Recruitment for the 2025–2026 Awards Steering Committee will take place during the annual committee application process that runs from Monday, December 2, 2024 to Friday, January 31, 2025. Appointments will be announced in Spring 2025. The committee will convene in early Summer 2025 to prepare for the upcoming awards cycle.

Award reviewers, a separate group of volunteers, will be recruited each October and trained to ensure they can evaluate nominations effectively and equitably.

Get involved

Are you passionate about recognizing excellence and fostering a culture of appreciation within NIRSA? If the answer is “yes,” consider joining the Awards Steering Committee! This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of member recognition while collaborating with a dedicated and diverse team. Beginning Monday, December 2, apply by submitting the Application for NIRSA Committees & Work Teams. We hope you’ll help us celebrate the best of the best in campus recreation!