NIRSA Presidents Notes 2013-2014 by Kathleen Hatch

NIRSA’s Ready for Warp Speed Ahead . . . Thanks to 100 Years & Counting!
Kathleen Hatch, RCRSP
Assistant Vice President for Campus Life and Executive Director of University
Recreation at Washington State University
2013-2014 NIRSA President
I start my first message serving as your NIRSA President completely humbled and
honored to be at this moment in time in our association. Our future is bright as we
enjoy the afterglow from our Annual Conference. In Las Vegas, we kicked off the
Centennial of Collegiate Recreation by connecting with the largest turnout of NIRSA attendees ever at an
Annual Conference, all while sharing the big stage with our ACPA colleagues in student affairs. It was a
powerful gathering that took on added significance with many members who have significantly
contributed to NIRSA’s legacy. Along with the rest of the NIRSA community, their presence honored our
rich past, celebrated our collective growth, and—perhaps most importantly—put wind in our sail for the
future of the association and the field of collegiate recreation more broadly.
Before the memories of Las Vegas fade (not that I could ever forget nine days in a Star Trek-themed
room at Planet Hollywood!) , I want to share a few reflections from NIRSA 2013 and use those
comments to spring us forward into the next NIRSA year—maybe even at warp speed! When I think
about my time in NIRSA, from my inaugural conference to this year in Las Vegas, my mind organizes my
experience into two distinct chapters. My first chapter began as a young graduate assistant at Oregon
State University, attending my first NIRSA Annual Conference in 1986. Coming as an international
student from Calgary, I had crossed the 49th parallel in order to dive into a profession I loved and find a
professional home. My second chapter began last month at the NIRSA Annual Conference as I
transitioned from a member of your Board of Directors to the 2013-14 NIRSA President. There is a long
journey between these two points in my career, but the simple fact remains, I couldn’t have traveled
from point A to point B without very special, supportive friends and colleagues within NIRSA.
The most constant part of NIRSA is our unwavering commitment to each other and our collective work.
As I took up the gavel at the Honor Award banquet, I dedicated my year as your NIRSA President to a
very special member of NIRSA that we lost in 2012: Jennifer de-Vries. Jen was an extraordinary
individual who touched our association from coast to coast with her multidimensional expertise and,
most recently, as a faculty member of the School of Recreational Sport Management. She was a dear
friend and a dedicated soul who always found the best in others, inspiring them to find their own voice.
Her legacy, along with your energy and engagement, will be my compass this year as I look to guide and
facilitate NIRSA’s magic.
“NIRSA’s ready for warp speed ahead . . . thanks to 100 years and counting"
While at NIRSA 2013, it also became clear that NIRSA’s new leadership structure provides more
opportunities for valuable member involvement, putting powerful wind into our sail. Building off the
past year’s work in creating a strategic vision and alignment of our work, I am thrilled to share, on behalf
of the Board of Directors, a few of the upcoming priorities and emerging opportunities for NIRSA:

 Complete a 3-5 year strategic plan with clear strategies, tactics, and allocation of resources to
prioritize our efforts
 Review and strengthen the NIRSA leadership model. This process includes a review of the role of
Nominations and Appointment Committee, invitation for member participation in the
Communities of Practice, and solidifying a new, full-partner paradigm for the NIRSA staff and
Board of Directors in developing sustainable best practices;
 Advance our strategic value commission areas of Leadership; Equity, Diversity & Inclusion;
Health & Wellbeing; and Sustainable Community while activating Global Perspectives. The “blur
and swirl” of our values, as launched during NIRSA 2013’s Annual Meeting of Members, will
continue to support our vision of supporting healthy individuals and communities worldwide;
 Nurture and expand collaborative partnerships and strategic alliances with our partners in
recreation and higher education, including National Association of Campus Activities, National
Association of College Employers, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher
Education, Green Sports Alliance & National Resource and Defense Council (just to name a few).
these collaborative partnerships and strategic alliances will extend the influence of collegiate
recreation within the sphere of higher education while simultaneously opening up new
opportunities for the professional growth of NIRSA members;
 Develop a progressive and expansive NIRSA Education and Research Agenda to provide evidence
of our work and professional reach, as well as an intentional map for developmental and life-
long learning;
 Leverage the 2014-2017 Annual Conferences to weave new signature experiences and value for
members;
Despite my nod to Star Trek at the Honor Awards Banquet, joking about trying to “beam everyone to
Nashville,” I look forward to enjoying every moment in year ahead and to the many ways our paths will
cross. Best wishes to everyone for a successful end to your academic year. In 2013, I’m excited by the
prospect of all the ways we will find to celebrate the Centennial of this amazing profession!
Kathleen

Spring into motion – a little stronger and more resolute
In the aftermath of the tragic events in Boston, and the lessons lingering
thereafter, we have all been reminded of the strength of the human spirit and the
resilience we share. Over the last 18 months, I had the pleasure to twice -travel to
Boston—once for a meeting of the NIRSA Board of Directors and once with our Executive Director Pam
Watts to represent NIRSA at the Council of Higher Education Management Association meetings. These
experiences in this marvelous city provided me with the privilege to interact with the people who make
it special. Though the images of the recent events there remain vivid and raw, I’d like to take a moment
to celebrate the city and its people with my BOSTON TOP 10 LIST:
 Deluca’s Market (reminds me of my predecessor NIRSA President)
 The Green Monster
 Bobby Orr’s statue
 Dinner in “Little Italy”
 Running along the Charles River
 Hubway public bike share
 Energy of so many thriving colleges & universities
 Beacon Hill
 Marathon Running Store
 The Bostonian ‘twang’ (reminds me of another past NIRSA President, Mike Waldron at Texas A &
M – College Station)
Looking back on these great experiences in Boston, the reason they were so special is because of the
NIRSA community I shared them with. These positive memories are purposeful when I use them to
maintain focus on how the glass is at least half-full at any given moment and also to appreciate just how
bright our collective future is. I am constantly reminded what an amazing Association we have and the
distinguishing character and attributes of each and every member.
“We have all been reminded of the strength of the human spirit and the resilience we share.”
NIRSA’s volunteer leadership and staff will, once again, assemble in June for our annual Leadership
Summit. Building off the success of last summer’s meeting, our planning cycles will continue to be richer
in outcomes when visionary thinking for all of the Association’s stakeholders happens side-by-side. The
expanded leadership structure of all NIRSA Boards and the Member Network will use the face-to-face
meeting next month to move the work of the Association forward and to ensure—as we complete our
next steps in the strategic planning process—alignment in our efforts to support NIRSA’s “sweet spot” of
healthy people and healthy communities.

On a personal note, it was a pleasure to have our Executive Director Pam Watts recently come to
Washington State University for the short annual visit with the newly elected NIRSA President. We had
very focused and productive discussions about the year ahead. I am confident in the advancing
partnership we are building with the NIRSA staff and the endless opportunities in store for all NIRSA
members.
Time to go out for a run!
Kathleen

Opportunities are knocking – our work matters!
At the recent Summer Leadership Meetings, it was great to see evidence that
the new NIRSA is focused on strengthening relationships and committed to the strategic alignment of
our work. All three NIRSA Boards and the Member Network have created a single strategic plan to focus
our efforts, maximize the programs and services for members, and leverage our voice both internally
and externally with exciting partnerships and alliances. This plan will serve as a springboard into the
advancement of our professional core competencies by allowing us to infuse our strategic values into all
of our work. The NIRSA, Foundation, and NIRSA Services Corporation Boards specifically look forward to
using our new “compass” to acquire new resources, prioritize partnerships, advance our research
efforts, and strengthen the core experiences of our members.
Another significant take-away from the Summer Leadership Meetings in Nashville at the Gaylord
Opryland, the site of the Annual Conference in April 2014, is that this property will be a spectacular
place for us to gather. The hospitality and setting is truly superb, as are all of the meeting and resort
amenities. It will be a perfect kick-off to our four-year Gaylord road trip (Dallas 2015, Orlando 2016,
Washington DC 2017) and our theme of “Harmonizing Our Values” will resonate against the musical
backdrop of Nashville (read more about this great venue for NIRSA 2014).
The NIRSA Commissions for Sustainable Communities, Leadership, Equity-Diversity & Inclusion, and
Health & Wellbeing continue to be a hub for exploring new member content and a vehicle to evaluate
our work with others in higher education, non-profit agencies, and other groups “knocking on the NIRSA
door."
This spring we all have also seen traction with the early phase of activating another strategic value—
global perspectives. The University of Toronto hosted an excellent campus recreation meeting in early
May and at the end of the month we celebrated our first NIRSA event north-of-the-border in St. John’s,
Newfoundland with the International Experiential Learning Institute. This event was a collaborative
event with a few of NIRSA’s partners in higher education (NACA, Memorial University, and the Canadian
Association of College and University Student Services). Participants came from seven different
provinces and 18 different states. The International Experiential Learning Institute marked a new
beginning to explore experiential learning in the context of culture, history and the great outdoors.

The NIRSA Board of Directors has already committed to the development of further experiential learning
opportunities in 2014 and 2015. After this eventful month of learning with amazing new colleagues and
friends, I came back to Washington State University with a new lens on my work: I’m an experiential
educator and I happen to work in collegiate recreation and campus life! Given the opportunities to
further cultivate relationships in Canada, The Board of Directors will travel to Montreal, Quebec for our
meetings in October. Our time in Canada should prove to extend our own experiential time to learn
more about “global perspectives” and our members north of the border.
Additionally, I had the chance to represent NIRSA at two external events in June which illustrate our new
and emerging role. First, and with fellow board member Jacque Hamilton, Director Recreational Sports
at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi, we represented NIRSA at the Partnership for Healthier America
“Healthy Campus Initiative” meeting in Washington, DC. It was a select group assembled to help shape
initial recommendations for a “healthy campus,” specifically around physical activity and nutrition. Four
of the major areas under consideration include: built environment; campus facilities; programs and
services; and outreach efforts. NIRSA definitely has a voice in this equation and opportunities to shape
the project outcomes.
The second meeting was at the NIKE LGBT Summit in Portland, Oregon with Wendy Motch, Associate
Director at UCLA and member of NIRSA’s Commission for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Together, we
represented NIRSA’s wide reach of collegiate recreation and sport and the opportunities for our
programs to be a vehicle of inclusion and social change. Wendy and I were able to position NIRSA’s
work—in the broad context of all we do in collegiate recreation—within the larger discussion of sport
and athlete success. We are indeed seeing the impact of the work of our diverse membership.
As we continue to celebrate the 100 years of our profession, I am cognizant of what an inspiring group
of individuals came together to found our Association. Laying the groundwork for NIRSA during a time
when civil rights were still unjust, it is clear that NIRSA’s founders were an influential and powerful voice
emerging. Their strength and mission advanced the opportunities for students playing intramural sports.
By using the lessons learned from our past, and the talent of many current members, we can all harness
our own inner strength and leverage our voice as leaders in higher education amidst challenging and
uncertain times. The recently adopted NIRSA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement will provide a
new backdrop to revisit our historical roots in today’s context (read more). I look forward to great
dialogue in the months and year ahead as we work to turn words into action.
These days, I’m not sure if you can call my pace “running,” but I’m going out for one no matter what you
call it.
Wishing everyone a healthy and active summer.
Kathleen

Another cycle begins for NIRSA – using “WHY” as our compass!
Last month, in the Canadian Globe & Mail I came across a spread in the travel
section dedicated to the nouveau trends associated with being an “active traveler.”
After reading about fitness themed explorations (yoga on surfboards anyone?), I put those messages to
good use on my recent vacation with family in Nova Scotia. While I’m not sure that a jog on the beach, a
swim in the ocean, and spraying golf balls on a golf course count as a triathlon, but it was a fantastic way
to rebalance and get ready for the year ahead.
For many of us on a semester academic cycle, we are rapidly closing in on the beginning of another year
and the corresponding planning and energy needed is already in full gear. And even for those students
and professionals who are still savoring summer a little longer given your later quarter start, the NIRSA
fall calendar is approaching and the framework for another year of inspiring healthy people and healthy
communities begins and will be amplified by your active participation.
In many ways the NIRSA cycle and opportunities for member engagement to create magic runs parallel
to our own campus departments. Several years ago, I read Simon Sineck’s book Start With Why—even
today, I find his message about focusing on the why of the things we do—over and above the what or
how especially relevant this time of year. The more we can sharpen our focus and really commit to our
why, whether on campus or in a NIRSA role, the more we will find ways to inspire healthier people and
healthier communities.
“At our core, we know we are strengthened when all members have a voice and are encouraged to
contribute through dialogue, learning, and action."
One recent example of NIRSA focusing on the why is the statement supporting marriage
equality unanimously adopted by your Board of Directors. This decision made with careful consideration
of our founding principles of inclusion, our professional code of ethics requiring members to practice
nondiscrimination, our growing role as leaders in higher education, and support from other peer
associations, especially those committed to our “sweet spot” of promoting healthy people and
communities. The ongoing work and recently adopted statement from the Equity, Diversity and
Inclusion Commission provides the concrete values and action statements for our larger efforts on
campus and in our profession. At our core, we as NIRSA members know we are strengthened when all
members have a voice and are encouraged to contribute through dialogue, learning, and action.
Another perfect example of NIRSA’s renewed focus on the why can be seen in the ongoing and
important work generated by the NIRSA Assembly. Envisioned as the “think-tank” for our profession, the
Assembly focuses almost exclusively on our profession’s why, continuing to position important options
for the NIRSA Board to consider. As the Assembly has just celebrated a third year, their work is proving

to be essential for our shared strategic future- evidenced by the recent reports and recommendations to
the Board on Mental Health First Aid and Inclusion within Collegiate Recreation.
As our work for another year begins I challenge you to find your why—let your passions, talents, and
creativity be your compass. Whether you want to consider standing for a leadership position, advancing
a research project, or building a wider network of colleagues with whom to share best practices, living
your values with commitment to our shared vision, the opportunities are indeed endless.
Back in Pullman now and about to put my runners on…
Kathleen

Inclusivity & Excellence
Sometimes all we need is to hear something again to see new meaning—this
seems especially true when we recognize that something can be simultaneously
simple and complex. In August the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Board of
Directors adopted a Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence. Even though our two
associations are quite different, we share a fundamental belief: the absence of inclusion precludes the
presence of true excellence.
As I reflect on this statement, I can’t help but think about the work of every NIRSA member on every
campus and what an opportunity we have to chase true excellence in all we do, grounded in the
principle that everyone deserves to be included. This principle of inclusivity became central to the
message I gave to our incoming and returning student staff at Washington State University as we started
another year. Whether it is a personal trainer, a staff member in the weight-room, a group fitness
instructor, or a facilitator on the challenge course, we could not be excellent in this important work if
any member of our community was excluded. It’s a tenet that is so simple, yet so complex—it’s not
something we check off a list, but rather a pursuit and commitment to do everything we can to advance
our foundational commitment to inclusion and excellence.
The message resonates when I step back from my campus administrator role and think about our roles
as educators for a better tomorrow. The same week I was sharing that message on campus, I was
following the international headlines about gay athletes who will be in Sochi in 2014, the Russian
government’s open discrimination, and the incongruence of the host nation’s policy and the Olympic
ideals. On any given day we can find a much bigger purpose for our work in creating healthy individuals
and healthy communities.
At the NIKE LGBT Summit in June, the coalition was inspired to hear how NIRSA members can mobilize
and open doors to end hate, bias, and discrimination through sport. I appreciate the talented members
from the Commission for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the NIRSA Championship Series Committee
who have formed a Work Team charged with creating a multi-tiered transgender policy for our NIRSA
tournaments. We believe this policy will also serve as a resource for members—no excellence without
inclusion.
Indeed the “blur and swirl” of our NIRSA values represents the perfect way to position the voice of our
profession and make a lasting impact. I look forward to participating with Past NIRSA President Mick
Deluca of UCLA and NIRSA Executive Director Pam Watts in New York City at the Green Sports Alliance
Summit. Even though the surface of this opportunity might look like this event is all about greening
events and sustainability, we will be weaving every one of NIRSA’s strategic value areas into the

dialogue. A zero waste facility, or even the commitment to move in that direction, doesn’t happen
without the presence and interplay of many of our values.
NIRSA is also ready to demonstrate our commitment to inclusion through the activation of the global
perspectives value area. In the September issue of the NIRSA Know, you will find a call for
members interested in serving on this new Commission. While I am proud to serve as the first Canadian
President of NIRSA and excited by all the ways our members are finding to position NIRSA differently
north of the border the work under this commission, the associated charges for Commissioners will be
much broader in scope.
As your year academic begins again, I hope you can find simple ways to solve complex problems—
whether it’s a small change in a construction project that invites one more person into a facility; the
sharing of an exemplar program with colleagues at a NIRSA event; changing an image in a brochure to
signal broader values; standing for a leadership position on the Member Network or Board of Directors
to influence our future; or making a commitment for excellence in all that you do.
Today I plan to go out for a long run . . . at least that’s where I’m heading in my mind!
Kathleen

The impact of one
On my recent NIRSA trips to New York City and Boston, I was reminded what a
difference one individual can make. For a “west coaster,” used to a small college
town, these iconic, big, east coast cities initially feel intimidating and crowded – but in both places I left
with a renewed sense of humanity and our opportunities to make an impact – one person at a time.
My trip to New York City was dually focused on the Green Sports Alliance Summit and the Women,
Sports, and the Environment Symposium. It was professionally stimulating, networking and building
connections with industry leaders, environment strategists, and individuals truly committed to the
important movement within sustainability and environmental performance using the vehicle of sport. It
is great to see evidence that our NIRSA “sweet spot” of healthy people and healthy communities
resonates with others and can be a way to demonstrate our commitment to a better tomorrow. I left
these meetings proud of the work we have done in our Association, specifically the work of the
Sustainability Commission; I also left with a renewed sense of urgency to strengthen our profession’s
core competencies, given the challenges facing our global community.
“The recently released ALL IN video captures powerful individual testimonies—another step towards
activating voices and eliminating the harm of silence."
New York also provided an opportunity to reconnect with a colleague I met at the NIKE LGBT Summit,
Nevin Caple co-founder of the Br{ache the Silence Campaign. An exemplar of the impact one person can
make – Nevin has been inspired through her own experiences to increase the visibility of positive role
models and create more inclusive environments for LGBT athletes at all levels. The recently released ALL
IN video captures powerful individual testimonies—another step towards activating voices and
eliminating the harm of silence.
Finally, New York was an opportunity to attend US Open Tennis Championships and catch some early
second round action. In the backdrop of the 40th
anniversary of the Battle of the Sexes with Billy Jean
King and Bobby Riggs – it’s hard to even estimate Billy Jean King’s individual impact on our collective
work—whether through the visible Title IX legislation or more simply through the students we serve on
our campus every day who rightly expect equality and opportunity.
Arriving a couple weeks later in Boston, I felt a little easier with this east coast touchdown; I felt
reminders of Boston Strong and the resiliency of the human spirit even before I left Logan Airport.
Somehow I sensed this trip would have an emotional back drop as it coincided with the one-year
anniversary of losing our NIRSA colleague Jen de-Vries to whom I have dedicated my year of service as
President.

“NIRSA and NACA are both committed to leveraging our voice through our members and adding value to
the complete out-of-classroom learning experience!"
A person who made a positive impact every day, Jen was an ‘experiential educator’ at heart and I was
imagining how much she would have loved to know of the NIRSA-NACA Strategic Alliance and the new
collaborative territory our two associations are forging that our gathering in Boston worked to advance.
I also knew NIRSA’s voice was well represented with Stacey Hall – Director of Campus Recreation at
University of New Hampshire, Don Stenta – Director of Recreational Sports at The Ohio State University
and co-chair of the NIRSA Leadership Commission as well as our Executive Director Pam Watts joining
me for the alliance discussions. Our discussions were productive, as NIRSA and NACA are both
committed to leveraging our voice through our members at institutions and adding value to the
complete out-of-classroom learning experience!
We all know the best laid plans can take unexpected turns. Mine started with a fall on my Sunday
morning run along the Charles River. After hobbling back to the hotel I knew this was not a ‘normal’
sprain but potentially something far worse, given it was the site of reconstructive surgery 16 years ago.
It’s an endless list of one individual after another making a huge difference for the remainder of my
Boston trip but my highlights include . . . my colleague Dave DeAngelis at Suffolk who lent me crutches
and took me to see his top notch Athletic Trainer; Assistant Manager Ronaldo at the Boxer Hotel who
brought me bags of ice throughout the night (actually the whole staff was spectacular); the entire ER
staff at Massachusetts General Hospital especially Roger completing his internship to be a radiologist
and Jennifer a Physician’s Assistant who went to school at the University of Puget Sound and was a
member of the crew team.
As I was waiting on my x-ray results, I reflected on the aftermath in the hours following the bomb at the
Boston Marathon and the talented and gracious experts who were called to action – each person’s
actions making significant differences in the lives of so many. Fortunately, I was cleared to travel with no
break – just a very large black and blue foot that now needs some time to heal.
So my message this month is really a reminder that each of us has the opportunity to make powerful
impacts every day. I have often stated that our best asset in NIRSA is our diverse but aligned
membership, and our sense of “family”. As we begin the cycle of another NIRSA calendar and lots of
opportunities to interact, look for one new way to share, learn, grow, serve, teach, and pay forward your
talents.
Not quite ready for a jog . . . but definitely headed to the pool.
Kathleen

Our Past, Present & Future—Exceptionnel
Recently, I was moved to reflect on the great adage attributed to Eleanor
Roosevelt: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift.” This
quote served as the perfect backdrop to bring perspective to a NIRSA week of mid-year meetings for the
Board of Directors, the celebration marking 100 years of recreation at The Ohio State University, and a
meeting of the NIRSA Leadership Commission—my own October Triventure!
Our past
It’s remarkable to imagine any campus without facilities and dedicated professionals who inspire
physical activity and foster “healthy people and healthy communities.” Without the empirical evidence
we now can cite to demonstrate the concrete value of recreational sports, it took visionary leadership at
The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan to establish dedicated departments for
recreation in 1913.
Both of these great universities held centennial celebrations last month and I was honored to be able to
attend the festivities at Ohio State. It was a distinct treat for me to reflect on our historical roots and
also to share how a couple of the “NIRSA giants” helped shape my own professional career. The lens I
apply to our collective work was influenced considerably by Mary Daniels and Mike Dunn, both past
NIRSA Presidents and recipients of the Association’s highest distinction the Honor Award. These two
champions of the profession and of the Association are emblematic of the rich vein of strong and
visionary leaders who have committed so much of themselves to inspire healthy people and healthy
communities.
Even though there are only two recreation departments at the 100 years and counting mark, we all
share a past full of important lessons to inform our work today and the opportunities ahead.
Today
As we move forward in executing our strategic plan, and although it’s a forward looking document, it
really serves to guide and prioritize our ongoing work of today. This 2013-2014 year marks the first time
that all three NIRSA Boards of Directors (NIRSA, Foundation, and Services Corporation) are fully aligned
in support of our core purpose— the advancement of recreation, sport, and wellness. Each board will be
fully engaged in the evaluation of our collective work in the final few months of 2013 to ensure we have
the right objectives prioritized for 2014; this collaboration signals another step forward in our NIRSA
shared leadership approach.
It was clear at the recent NIRSA Board of Directors mid-year meeting that the volunteer leaders of the
Association are continuing to elevate our conversations and outcomes as a result. We spent
considerable time revisiting our roles on the Board in the “NEW NIRSA” and how we expect to better

serve members as a result. We are all looking forward to ongoing conversations at all the local and
regional fall events to ensure we stay focused on what matters today, and that we are prepared for
tomorrow.
A couple of key highlights from the mid-year meeting included a comprehensive review of the progress
from the NIRSA Educational Task Force, a group charged with positioning our educational offerings as
our core member service. Significant time was devoted to discussions about how we will continue to
nurture leadership within our association. Even the decision to host the mid-year meetings in Montreal,
Quebec was done for strategic purposes. The venue offered more than just a cultural experience as we
activate our NIRSA Global Perspectives Commission, but the locale also afforded us an opportunity to
engage in meaningful outreach in an area with historically little involvement in NIRSA. It was great to
have Jen Gudaz, Noyes Center Director at Cornell University and Region I Representative for NIRSA’s
Member Network and Leah Hall Dorothy, Director of Recreational Services at University of Alberta and
NIRSA’s Canadian Representative, join us as we held an open session with professionals to discuss
commonalities and differences in higher education between the US and Canada, and explore what
opportunities exist as a result. At a minimum this trip inspired my first French utterances since high
school!
Our future
Without taking anything away from our amazing past and the very cool work taking place today . . . I
firmly believe the best for NIRSA and for each of us as leaders in collegiate recreation still lies ahead.
This was certainly evident in my final “triventure” chapter, where I was welcomed as a guest for the
NIRSA Leadership Commission’s meeting, held at Ohio State. As leadership has been deemed one of our
strategic value areas—and because it is at the core experiences we are trying to cultivate every day in
our work on campus—it was invigorating to see this talented group of members coalesce around a
theoretical framework for this skill and commit to cultivating the practical resources we need for
students and our professional members who inspire those experiences. We will see evidence of the
Commission’s great work in the spring, and certainly at our conference in Nashville.
Although this meeting was superb in and of itself, it was also symbolic of great progress being made in
every strategic value area. Each value area Commission is moving ahead with important work to
leverage a more inclusive and holistic profession – whether it’s the development of a transgender policy
for our NIRSA events and resource for members; building relationships with other higher education
associations to advance sustainability; developing models, education, and resources for members; or
simply embedding the values into the fabric of our daily work. I look forward to a very bright future
when NIRSA is a globally trusted resource in the development of healthy individuals and communities.
Bravo to the past . . . LOOK OUT FUTURE!
Retour sur mes pieds et a mettre mes chaussures de course . . . back on my feet and putting on my
running shoes!
Kathleen
PS: Sorry Cardinals fans, now that we know the results of the World Series, we see again what it means
to be BOSTON STRONG.

Don't wait for 2014--START NOW!
As we close in on another new year, I’m issuing a friendly challenge to all of my
NIRSA friends and colleagues: Join me in resisting the urge to save those traditional
“to do” lists for 2014 and start putting one of those resolutions you are
contemplating on to your action plan for this week. Behavioral research shows that it takes as little as 21
days for us to create a habit—that means there is just enough time to establish a positive pattern by the
new year if we start now!
The recent New York Times article “The Power of a Daily Bout of Exercise” provided a look at fresh
evidence about the tremendous benefit of daily exercise, especially during a period of overconsumption
and increased inactivity (aka the holidays). So, since my end game is better physical fitness next year, I’m
inspired not to compound the challenge by waiting to begin my regimen…it’s not rocket science, but it is
always good to get a research reminder!
With this article top of mind, I decided I couldn’t put off any longer my desire to get back
into really good shape. I’ve seen a pattern in our profession for years now. . .as collegiate recreation
professionals, we use the turning of the calendar to encourage our communities to make a new
commitment, start fresh, get rid of the “holiday add-on.” Although I still love to see and support anyone
who wants to improve their health and overall wellbeing at any time, I think the more difficult but
ultimately more important challenges facing us are in the slight changes we can make any day.
Perhaps it was the tumble I took running in Boston in September that gave me the nudge to re-evaluate
and focus my energy. But, using my own wellbeing as an example, I already feel better about my
renewed commitment and effort to get out of the rut, the normal pattern of things, and thanks to a
patient member of the WSU staff, I now have new work-outs and some safe ways to refocus on my core,
strength, and general mobility.
Even though I am choosing to focus on a new exercise routine, there are so many opportunities for us in
our daily lives on campus as well as our NIRSA roles and relationships to START NOW. Here are a few
examples of other things I intend to put on my list to do in the coming weeks:
 Call a NIRSA member whom I admire and tell them;
 Take a student to lunch;
 Finishing reading Malcom Gladwell’s David & Goliath;
 Buy a new pair of runners;
 Find a local non-profit that needs my time or resources this month;
 Promote NIRSA involvement opportunities and recognition of service;
 Continue my new exercise routine and keep mixing it up;
 Facilitate a conversation with the NIRSA Board of Directors on how we measure Return on
Investment;

 Share the recent NIKE LGBT Summit “Transgender 101” resources with staff and have an
informal conversation;
 Be more conscious of thanking people around me for all they do.
We will soon see an announcement of the talented NIRSA professionals and students who will be
standing for office—all of whom didn’t wait for some other time to offer their expertise to move our
association forward. I hope everyone will take time to exercise your voice in January and vote in our
Association’s next electronic elections. Not only will you be choosing those who serve in leadership
roles, but you will also be voting on important bylaw recommendations. As our Statement for Equity,
Diversity, and Inclusion states: Our “core values are strengthened when all members have voice and are
encouraged to contribute.”
Going out for a run . . . and might follow up with a few push-ups, squats, and maybe even some abs (it’s
not pretty so don’t watch)!
Kathleen

Our NIRSA "quilt" in action
By Kathleen Hatch | February 2, 2014
As I reflect on the year ahead, and the many opportunities in our NIRSA world, it
occurs to me that the magic of our Association is found not only in a collection of
excellent professional development events, but also, and especially, in the
overlapping and interlocking of our diverse efforts. Whether it’s the diversity of t-shirts selected, the
careful attention to detail in every stitch, the selfless and countless hours invested by those who provide
their time and talent to pull it together, or the generosity of those who participate in purchasing tickets
(often on behalf of others), for many NIRSA members, one of the great symbols of our collective impact
is the quilt actioned off by the NIRSA Foundation at our Annual Conference. Every part of the quilt tells a
unique story—and yet, once combined, the singular elements are bound in a professional collage where
value and strength are multiplied.
For many NIRSA members, one of the great symbols of our collective impact is the quilt actioned off by
the NIRSA Foundation at our Annual Conference.
Our own diverse involvement with NIRSA feels at times like all the component parts of a quilt – and like
the quilt when viewed together it can be seen as something more: a springboard to new member
resources, exciting ways to showcase excellence, secrets to advance your career, opportunities to
leverage your voice on campus or finding a deeper meaning in the simple actions of our daily lives.
Here are some upcoming opportunities for you to be part of the fabric of the NIRSA “quilt:”

 Celebrate National Recreation Sports & Fitness Day, February 22. Then be sure to share your
story
 Participate in one of the many NIRSA professional development events this spring—I hear
NASHVILLE in April will be very special
 VOTE in our Association’s 2014 elections
 Be part of the first wave to renew your RCRSP—or consider joining and putting yourself on a
path of committed life-long learning
 Read the lead article in the Know from NIRSA leaders about mentorship and then put their
lessons into practice
 Find a colleague on campus outside of recreation to partner with to advance student
development—new opportunities are emerging with our alliance with National Association of
Campus Activities (NACA) to highlight best practices
 Set aside some time to reflect on the positive impact of recreation and sport
Last month, I was joined by our Executive Director Pam Watts at the mid-year meeting for the LGBT
Sports Coalition in Chicago and it was exciting to see the good work being done in so many areas to end
hate, bias, and discrimination in sport. Coming out of that meeting it is clear that NIRSA has many ways
to contribute and model inclusivity for all.
As the Sochi Olympics begin this month, I hope we all find ways to celebrate sport and cheer on the
athletes from around the globe with our international colleagues and students. Beyond the athletic
competition, let’s use these games to serve another purpose—let these games be a jumping off point to
inspire conversations about civil rights, social justice, and equality and ignite the Olympic spirit in all of
us. In anticipation, I wore my CANADA toque in Chicago. Unfortunately, I think it was too cold for
anyone to notice!
I’m headed out for one of my new work-out routines . . . a warm-up run, weights, and some stretching . .
. there just might be some hope for me!
Kathleen
Tell us what you think
As members of your volunteer leadership, we, the NIRSA Board of Directors, recognize that we are only
stewards of this storied organization. Let us know how we are doing; please don't hesitate to contact me
or any member of the NIRSA Board to share your perspective.

Spring is coming—Hold on!
By Kathleen Hatch | March 3, 2014
Seems we have all just about run out of patience waiting for the snow to stop
(covering more of the continent than we are used to seeing), the sub-zero
temperatures to warm, and airports to have fewer delays and cancelled flights. I was fortunate on my
last trip to make it in and out of Boston Logan airport between storms—in reality, Boston is a city that
knows how to handle more than a little snow and keep moving.
My big adventure this trip was an uneventful run along the Charles River where staying on my feet
seemed a symbolic victory. Although I enjoyed my time spent with all the staff at UMass General
Hospital in September, I prefer not needing emergency services and eliminating the need for crutches
altogether!! On a serious note, I was impressed by the running community out in huge numbers as the
city closes in on an important date in April. The Boston Marathon this year will be emotional and it will
be watched and supported by the global community, especially those ‘strong’ enough to even
contemplate that 26.2 mile distance. I’m confident we will have many NIRSA members running or
showing their support this spring, with at least one especially good cause in the MIT Strong team which
includes Tim Mertz and Stephanie Kloos, who will run to honor the legacy of the MIT police Officer Sean
Collier.
NIRSA President Kathleen Hatch and her team at Washington State University celebrate Rec Day.
In addition to purchasing my new runners from The Marathon Store on Boylston, it was a special trip to
represent NIRSA—with newly elected NIRSA Board of Directors President-Elect Stacey Hall of the

University of New Hampshire, recently appointed Annual Director to the NIRSA Board Don Stenta of The
Ohio State University, and Pam Watts NIRSA’s Executive Director—at the NACA Annual Conference. We
all appreciated the networking, warm hospitality, and genuine interest in strengthening connections
with key partners in creating transformative experiences for students. Many members from both
associations are natural collaborators and when we employ our best assets together, our influence and
reach multiplies. We look forward to having the NACA leaders at our NIRSA conference in Nashville this
spring as we continue to learn from each other and advance our strategic alliance.
One of our collaborative endeavors with NACA and Memorial University is the upcoming International
Experiential Learning Institute. We are returning to St. John’s Newfoundland again this spring to take
advantage of the lessons learned last year and enjoy one of the finest locations for experiential learning
in a rich cultural backdrop. If you are ready for an extraordinary learning experience with our renowned
scholar-in-residence Susan R. Komives, you’ll want to sign up soon, as registration is limited and spots
will fill quickly.
I also had the good fortune to attend the Western Canada Campus Recreation Conference in Calgary last
month, joined by teammate on the NIRSA Board, Chris Dawe from Mt. Royal University. It was a real
treat for me to return to the University of Calgary, the place where my campus recreation career began
as an undergraduate student. I was impressed to see collegiate recreation leadership in Canada
continuing to emerge and discuss new ways to leverage their talents and expertise across Canada. One
of my personal highlights from this trip was a few laps around the Olympic Oval, believing for a moment
that we could represent our countries at the Olympics—well maybe not quite! The Board looks forward
to more dialogue as NIRSA continues to evaluate the best ways to serve members in Canada; we will use
these discussions to inform a framework to evaluate the priorities and opportunities of our Global
Perspectives Commission.
As the snow clears and we begin to close in on all the conference activity in April, signs of spring remind
us of all of the “seeds” planted during the last year, seeds that will add to our yield in the coming year,
igniting new dialogue and fruitful effort. One of the many NIRSA seeds planted the last few years is our
renewed commitment to a bold research and education agenda. Though this initiative has just begun, I
am thrilled to see real evidence of our strategic focus shaping our professional competencies and
guiding our investment in showcasing the evidence of the value of collegiate recreation. We are
emerging with a more compelling story—active participation in recreational sports programs adds
institutional value and a ROI to future graduates in higher education as measured in everything from
academic success, to future employability, to healthy living matrices, and even to a student’s readiness
to solve critical problems in society.
I’ve got on my new runners and I’m heading out for a long loop, in no better shape but looking sharp in
my new trainers!
Kathleen

President's Notes: Nashville (and my term as NIRSA President) by the numbers
By Kathleen Hatch | March 31, 2014
It’s hard for me to believe that the majority of NIRSA members will soon assemble
together in Nashville for the 65th Annual NIRSA Conference! We will have every
opportunity to harmonize our NIRSA values in what is tracking to be our largest conference EVER!
Given how much we all like numbers in our profession, I’ve decided to take the opportunity to share
with you all the ones that have helped to shape my term as NIRSA President as well as those that will
soon shape an extraordinary few days of professional development, networking, mentoring,
opportunities to serve, move your body, and relax in an amazing setting of our first Gaylord
conference…all among the backdrop of a city with great energy, music, and food!
1 trip to the hospital; thank you again UMASS General for your hospitality and expertise!
2
pairs of runners purchased, given my need to find fresh air and find a solution to my luggage
finding its way to a different location.
3
levels make up the historic Wildhorse Saloon warehouse that will feature our all conference
social. The Wildhorse features the largest tv screen in music city, and annually serves over 3,000
gallons of BBQ sauce and 2 million pickle slices. Bring your boots and show off your two-step.
4
is the ranking given to Nashville by Forbes as a “Brain Magnet,” for its gains in people with college
education (more than 30% of adults in Nashville region have a Bachelor’s degree or higher).
5
rides on a public city bike share: Parc du Mont-Royal in Montreal while on a break from our NIRSA
Board year meetings with a few teammates; along the shore of Lake Ontario after the Campus
Recreation Conference at the University of Toronto; over the Brooklyn Bridge and around lower-
mid Manhattan in New York City while attending the Green Sports Alliance meeting; out to
Harvard along the Charles River in Boston at a NIRSA/NACA Strategic Alliance meeting . . . and of
course a few laps of Pullman on our own WSU BIXI bikes.
6
foot diameter circle that is center stage in the Grand Ole Opry House; this historic piece of ground
was moved from the original Ryman Stage to give every performer a chance to stand on the
legendary round.
8 delayed, diverted, or cancelled flights while travelling on behalf of NIRSA.
9 acres of lush indoor botanical gardens, serene waterways and cascading waterfalls at the Gaylord
Opryland Resort. The host hotel for NIRSA 2014 is also recognized as the largest non-casino hotel

in the US; make sure you get in an early morning swim in one of the many pools to start your day
on the right path!
16
different states and provinces visited in 2013-2014 while attending NIRSA meetings, or working
with our external partners, alliances and advisory groups.
19
Board meetings and videoconference discussion sessions (not counting our three face-to-face
meetings).
21
institutions of higher education in the greater Nashville area serve an estimated 100,000
students.
85
years “Opry” has been producing a live show every week—long enough to be recognized as
America’s longest running radio show.
100
members and counting will participate in the 2014 Mark Fletcher Fun Run/Walk. No number is
too many, so if you haven’t registered yet, be sure to sign up and to start your day celebrating the
many contributions of our colleague and friend, Mark Fletcher, who will be celebrated
posthumously as the 2014 Honor Award recipient at the closing banquet.
132+
registered golfers for 20th annual NIRSA Foundation Golf Tournament, all of whom will be raising
good money for our NIRSA Foundation. Who needs extra mulligans?
140+
educational sessions. Which core competency will you focus on? Gather CEU’s for your
Professional Registry initial or renewal application and demonstrate your commitment to life-long
learning in the field.
153+
exhibitors ready to share resources and show off their new products, they’ll come ready to wow
you with their range of services.
158
68 scholarship or stipend winners will be at NIRSA 2014 and 90 awards will be given out in
Nashville. Recognize and celebrate our talented NIRSA members.
190
miles of trails in Davidson County showcases Nashville’s high priority of linking open space and
building greenway trails.
200
stores in the Opry Mills—Tennessee’s largest outlet and retail shopping mall—across the street
from the Gaylord Opryland.
334
NIRSA members who will present, volunteer, and serve as hosts during our Annual Conference.
Their dedication and service will make this a very special gathering.
1779 the year Nashville was settled on Christmas Day.
2,500+Attendee registrations from over 560 institutions, including almost 600 first time attendees.

As I close-in on the end of my term serving you, the Association, and our shared profession as NIRSA
President, I am thankful for this extraordinary opportunity. I am humbled by the talent that flows
through our Association and I find myself consistently inspired by our collective spirit and passion to
impact students on all our campuses.
NIRSA President Kathleen Hatch shows off her NIRSA spirit and dedication to hard work.Photo courtesy
of Shelly Hanks, WSU Photo Services.
When I took up the gavel at the Honor Award banquet in Las Vegas, I dedicated this year to a special
friend and long-time NIRSA member, admired from coast-to-coast, Jennifer de-Vries. Her memory has
been the perfect compass to guide me. It’s really no coincidence that Jen’s birthday falls during our
annual conference on April 23!
Through your energy and engagement, it has indeed been a magical year. I look forward to seeing many
of you soon. We have much to celebrate and amazing things to look forward to in the years to come!
I am getting ready to complete my first, timed Spartan 300 Test (50 x pull ups; push-ups; box jumps;
deadlifts; floor wipes; and one arm cleans) before we all gather together in Nashville—keep your fingers
crossed I’m still upright at the start of the Opening General Session.

Kathleen

NIRSA Presidents Notes 2013-2014 by Kathleen Hatch

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