Leadership Notes

In celebration of NIRSA Members

By Tom Kirch, Oregon State University, NIRSA President

Each time I set out to write my Leadership Notes, I search for inspiration. I often feel that you deserve so much more than I can deliver in these messages, and I wish that I could better express the appreciation, pride, and respect that I have for our members who continue to contribute to the success of the Association.

It is amazing to me that such a high percentage of our members are engaged in this Association. It is startling that this past year I have appointed over 375 NIRSA Professional and Student Members to committees, work teams, and to special representative positions. In addition, there are numerous conference, institute and symposium hosts, program planners and presenters, coordinators for regional and national NCCS competitions, publication authors, and other volunteers. Still others serve in leadership roles on the Boards of Directors of NIRSA, the NIRSA Foundation, and NIRSA Services Corporation; as state or provincial directors; and as student regional, state and campus representatives. The remainder of our members are also dedicated to our profession and contribute through the creation and sharing of knowledge in a myriad of ways.

So, I want to thank each of you and ask that you continue to contribute, share, explore, and enjoy the merits of being an integral part of NIRSA. All of our many accomplishments belong to you and I want you to realize that your efforts are recognized and appreciated. Continue to care and to share - your contributions to the success of students will continue to have an enormous impact on the future of all society.

And one more acknowledgment. Since I took office as NIRSA President in Minneapolis in April, I have had the honor to attend a variety of NIRSA functions. In my journeys, I have been present with over 1,200 NIRSA Members in regional conferences, institutes, Student Lead Ons, and leadership meetings. What a privilege it has been to have the opportunity to hear firsthand the perspectives, challenges, hopes, and dreams of so many of our colleagues. And it is wonderful to listen to your successes and share in the celebrations. I want to thank all the hosts, program committees, and others who have welcomed me to their institutions and communities. You have been so gracious and kind in your thoughtfulness and care as I travel the country.

The end of the year is a time to spend with family and friends and to celebrate the many good fortunes that are part of our lives. Our NIRSA family is no exception. We all have so much to celebrate and for which to be thankful.

On behalf of the NIRSA Board of Directors, the NIRSA National Center, and myself, I wish all of you the happiest of holidays and a wonderful new year.

Take care and be well,

TK