NIRSA Region V October Newsletter

🎃 Hello Region V — Happy Spooky Season! 🍂

Fall is in full swing — football fields are busy, coffee cups are cozy, and campus rec is thriving! As we settle into the semester, this issue is packed with updates, opportunities, and ways to get involved across Region V and beyond. Whether you’re looking to celebrate your team’s achievements, apply for scholarships, or start planning for conference season, there’s something here for everyone.
A big thank you to all the individuals and institutions who submitted a 2026 NIRSA Region V Conference Host Application! Our Region V Leadership Team will be reviewing submissions soon and will share updates with the region as we move forward in the host selection process.
Stay warm, stay active, and keep doing the amazing work that makes Region V shine! 💪

Don’t forget to stay connected and share what’s happening on your campus — follow us on social media for the latest Region V news and spotlights!
📸 Instagram: @nirsaregion5
👍 Facebook: NIRSA Region V

– Region V Leadership Team
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Region V Rec Happenings:
Share What’s Happening in Region V at your campus! We want to spotlight the amazing work happening across our Region V recreation departments! Whether it’s a new program, staff highlight, event, or student story, we’d love to hear from you. Submissions may be featured on Region V Instagram or the monthly blog.
Region V Rec Happenings: Share What’s Going On at Your Campus!
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Student Leader Application Information
Now Accepting Applications for NIRSA Student State Leaders! Region V is looking for passionate student leaders to represent their state within NIRSA. This is a great opportunity for undergraduate or graduate students involved in campus recreation to build connections, develop leadership skills, and make an impact across the region. Great resume building opportunities as well!
👉 Apply here for NIRSA Student State Leader
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Apply for the Student Leadership Team
The Student Leadership Team represents the student voice on NIRSA’s Member Network. One NIRSA Student Leader and seven Regional Student Leaders (one from each region) are elected annually. Learn more about the election process and submit your application by January 30!
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It’s NIRSA Award Season!
Take the opportunity to showcase your facility, programs, staff, students and colleagues by submitting a NIRSA award nomination. Start compiling your application now – most NIRSA award nominations are due November 12. Check out the NIRSA Awards webpage for all the details and join us on October 16 for an Ideas in Motion session where we’ll provide information about applying or nominating someone for a NIRSA award.

A special message from 2025 Honor Award recipient Suzi Smith:
I’m thrilled to invite you to take part in one of NIRSA’s most joyful traditions: nominating a colleague for the NIRSA Honor Award. This is the highest award our Association gives, and it recognizes a member whose outstanding achievements in collegiate recreation and exemplary service to NIRSA have made a lasting difference.
I am truly humbled to be named the 2025 Honor Award Recipient. Being recognized by my peers is one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Reflecting on this achievement, I am reminded that my dedication to NIRSA has been fueled by the passion of my colleagues. Together, we strive to make our profession better—through fostering growth, building a strong financial foundation, and providing education and collaborative relationships. Our collective efforts are what will continue to elevate our field and keep it at the forefront.
I know our community is full of incredible leaders, mentors, and friends who inspire us every day. Nominations are due by Nov. 12, 2025, and must include a nomination letter and three letters of support from NIRSA members. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the leaders who make our Association so special by submitting a nomination.
-Suzi
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🌟 NIRSA Foundation Scholarships – Applications Now Open!
Don’t miss your chance to attend Annual Conference with support from the NIRSA Foundation. Scholarship applications are officially OPEN September 15 – November 15 (notifications sent by February 11).

This year brings exciting news:
• 20 Travel Grants Available! 🚀 An increase from just 7 previously offered by region.
• Each recipient can receive up to $750 in reimbursement for travel, lodging, and transportation (per diem not included).
• Reimbursements are issued after the conference with submitted receipts.
Whether you’re a student or professional, there’s a scholarship opportunity for you:
• NIRSA 2026 Student Scholarship Application
• NIRSA 2026 Professional Scholarship Application
• NIRSA 2026 Professional Travel Grant Application
🌍 Additional Opportunities
• ERSL Conference Scholarship Application – Open until October 31.
Take advantage of these opportunities to grow your network, advance your career, and make the most of your Annual Conference experience!
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Notes from the Member Network
The October issue has been posted!
#AwardSZN: Notes from the NIRSA Member Network
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Accelerate your career path
There are still a few openings remaining for the 2025 NIRSA School for Early Career Professionals this December! Join others who are in their first five years in the field for deep dive programming specifically designed to develop and amplify your skill set.
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Conference Poster Presentations Return!
NIRSA is pleased to announce that poster presentations will be returning to the 2026 NIRSA Conference and Campus Rec Expo! This is a great opportunity to share your expertise – submit your proposal by January 30!
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Upcoming NIRSA Events

Final Thoughts
There are so many ways to get involved this semester—especially by stepping up as a Student State Leader. We encourage you to apply, attend upcoming events, and continue to share the incredible work happening across our region.

With gratitude,
Your NIRSA Region V Leadership Team