News

Acceptance of 2008 Honor Award

Sid Gonsoulin, CRSS

Sid Gonsoulin, CRSS, recipient of the 2008 Honor Award

Wow! What a Conference - all of us have just experienced a world-class Conference brought to us by world-class colleagues, staffs and universities. Somehow I believe I should be a Texan, having been elected as President-elect in San Antonio and now being recognized here tonight in Austin. But all of you will be happy that I am Cajun from Jeanerette, Louisiana because we talk fast.

Reflecting upon the “difference makers” in my life, I ask you to smile as you too reflect on those who “made a difference” in your life. These are my “difference makers”: Mom, Dad, Gwen, Linda, Nell, Simon, Lawson, Ivan, Sister Angeline, Coach, Tom, Bill, Swanny, LJ, Terry, Ron, Chuck, Dennis, Mary, George, Lou, Will, Patti, Dick, Dan, Joe, Ace, Janice, Edsel, Kyla, Sue, Steve, Joni, Bill, and Bill, Walter, Peter, Joe, Tammy, Tricia, Evelyn, Jan, Jim, Alvin, Brian, Kent, Tom, John, and numerous other staff, students, and friends! The following is my Rec Sports story–probably not too dissimilar to yours!

When and how did the magic of our great profession strike you; where were you when this magic occurred! For me it was on the eve of my senior year in pre-veterinary medicine at LSU. Little did I know, but I was soon to meet a key person in my life–my Rec Sports mentor. I was already an all purpose intramural official–meaning that I would referee anything for $2.50 extra. Evidently my boss saw something in me because shortly I was hired as the Intramural Supervisor! It was that moment that led me to the magic of this wonderful profession we call Intramural-Recreational Sports. Now the tough part! I had to prepare my mom and dad for the change in my career. Wow! That was interesting. You should have been there. Of course, my parents thought I had lost it big time, but they soon learned about the passion of our work. Mom and Dad, I know you would be proud tonight but not any less proud of my sisters and brother in their accomplishments.

My parents soon learned what we know–that we make a difference in the lives of hundreds, thousands, and even millions of students every day. That we spend countless hours working with little - to create much - for not so much! That we are the beneficiaries of founders who clearly had the vision of this magic. That we transition from mentee to mentor, igniting a flame for others to discover the magic. That we are a network of colleagues and close-knit friends affectionately referred to as family who are more than willing to share and care, and take great pride in doing so. That we strive to make a difference in the mission of our institutions and on many of our campuses have quietly and successfully advanced in the administrative ranks, never forgetting what and who contributed to our success and that we are mindful of those who follow. That many have created award-winning masterpieces and accumulated great resources and, by doing so, have grown our magic into a very diverse and dynamic profession with job titles that were not even on the radar screen a mere 10-15 years ago. No one could do this on their own.

For the emerging leaders in this room tonight who are attending your first NIRSA National Conference, you will not forget even minor details of this your first Conference. I can only hope that your memories are as spectacular as mine are.

It was 1970 when then Director Bill Bankhead said that I needed to go to the NIA Conference in Colorado Springs and that LSU would help pay my expenses, including registration for $25, but I would have to pay my NIA membership at a cost of $10. In only my second airplane ride, flying into the Denver airport was very special. I had never seen snow on mountains before. Little did I know at the time that I was soon to meet a future Recreational Sports mentor from Oklahoma State University. As Bill and I walked into the Four Seasons hotel I was totally surprised to see a man coming down the staircase who I was sure to be my boyhood idol, Mickey Mantle. Bill said, “No, that’s not Mickey, that’s Chuck Schelsky from Oklahoma State University.”

Other highlights of the Colorado Springs Conference included meeting the likes of William Wasson, Horace Moody, Embra Bowie, George Haniford, Paul Gunsten, Sonny Rooker, Edsel Buchanan, Will Holsberry, Don Bailey, Pete Barafata, Tom Satler and many more.

As Jet Smith and I (two of very few students in attendance) sat together in the Annual Business Meeting, the biggest highlight of the Conference was about to unfold in the 2,000-seat theater at the Air Force Academy—three courageous and bold women appeared and presented a proposal to readmit women into the NIA. Wide-eyed we were watching history being made! As you know, the rest is history!

To the Honor Award Committee, thank you for placing me on this stage tonight.

To all those who have stepped into this spotlight before me, I stand before you weak-kneed, humbled, and extremely privileged.

To Lee Wasson, Marsha and Horace Moody, Jr., I can only hope that in some measure I have carried the banner of the blue and white in a manner that aligns with the vision of your husband and your dad.

To staff of today and yesterday of Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, I can truly tell you that I am fortunate to have been supported in a way that encouraged and embraced me while providing opportunities for me to pursue the work of the NIA and NIRSA.

To our Southern Miss staff, both past and present, you are special and have always stood behind me and picked up the load when I was doing the work of NIRSA, and to you I say thank you. Would the Southern Miss staff please stand and remain standing for a bit. You are truly appreciated.

Now I would like to ask all Southern Miss alumni and former Southern Miss Rec Sports employees to stand. What a difference you have made on this wonderful profession and the students you touch each and every day. I salute you and stand before you giving you a standing ovation. Thank you!

Colleagues, friends and emerging leaders, I would like to take this moment to introduce to you some very special guests seated with me at my table. My longtime friend and confidant Jim Nasiopulos from Marquette University has been my roommate at NIRSA conferences since 1976. We became close friends in 1973 when he was named YDA Rookie of the Year of the South Florida conference. You will have to ask Jim about that prestigious Rookie of the Year award. He would probably say “what happens in Tampa stays in Tampa.” Thank you Jim for all the late night chats and so much more.

Aaron Hill from Brooklyn, New York, former Marketing Coordinator for the NIRSA National Center and Southern Miss alumnus and also my first honorary grandson.

Although Steve “Big Daddy” Rey is not at my table, Steve, please stand. I don’t have to introduce you because everyone knows you, but know that you have been and always will be a special friend. You may not be large in stature, but your heart is huge and all those who have been touched by you know what I mean.

Also sitting at our table are Joe Kaminski and Dan Wax. You two guys are special in that Dan, you were my first hire at Nebraska-Omaha. Joe, my first graduate assistant. Dan left to go back home to California; Sid left to get back south; and Joe stayed on, and on, and on - like that little bunny – and he’s still there 28 years later! I could not have found two better professionals and friends to create a campus recreation program from scratch. Thank you! If you want to hear a really funny story, ask Dan about Big Dog!

The three amigas, Evelyn Green, Nora Hudson, and my assistant for the past 18 years, Patricia Linton, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for your persistence and encouragement during the 2002 San Antonio Conference. Friends, meet the three amigas.

My first Recreational Sports mentor and former Director at LSU, and your past Region IV Vice President, Art Swanson and his wife Tot. Without Swanny convincing me to be the Intramural Supervisor in 1969 at LSU, I might have been a marine biologist. Friends, please meet Art and Tot Swanson. Thank you Swanny.

I am honored to have my nephew Scott Granger from Dallas here with me tonight. His mom and my sister Gwen, from New Iberia, Louisiana, is also here tonight. She often embarrasses me by telling everyone how bad a kid I was so if she starts to tell that story, don’t believe any of it. Gwennie is representing our three other siblings who are here in spirit tonight.

I really wish my little sister Nellie from Baton Rouge could have been here tonight. She would have told you how good a brother I’ve been, you can really believe her.

If I would have had a son, I could only wish he would be like my new son-in-law, Alvin Tardie. He and my daughter Kyla recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Kyla and Alvin, please stand. Kyla is not a rookie at NIRSA conferences and fits in quite well with other NIRSITES. Kyla just completed her comps yesterday and will graduate soon with her Masters Degree in Counseling. Kyla, you will always be Dad’s little girl. And by the way, she continues to have me wrapped. Both of you have made it very special being here tonight. Thank you!

Loaning your best friend and partner to a second love takes great understanding, infinite patience, love, and commitment—these are all qualities possessed by my best friend and partner, my wife, Joni. Somehow I have managed to be one of the luckiest people in the world. Without you, being on this stage tonight would not have been possible. Thank you, Jones. Family I love you!

These stories tonight are not just about me—they are about all of us. As a profession and an association, the passion we feel and pass on to others must continue to grow the future leaders who will be necessary to advance the work of NIRSA and this great profession that clearly makes a difference in the lives of so many. I believe I’ve touched all the bases while heading home. I have truly been blessed and have thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Thank you!