NIRSA member Hollie Power celebrated by ISU for exceptional service

When Hollie Power appeared for an 8:00am meeting on October 31, she didn’t know that the only agenda was to celebrate her hard work and dedication to her campus. Hollie, Indiana State University Director of Campus Recreation and NIRSA Expo Committee Co-Chair, was one of two surprise recipients of Indiana State’s inaugural Sycamore Shout Out Award. The award honors outstanding Indiana State faculty and staff members who embody the spirit and values of Indiana State Sycamores by demonstrating extraordinary commitment, positivity, and dedication to the Indiana State community.

“It was definitely a surprise,” Hollie shares. “I was in shock and had no idea they were doing this new award for a staff person and faculty person. Brittani had to make up an 8:00am meeting to put on my calendar so they could come give me the award.”

The bar is set high

“Our faculty and staff are the heart of Indiana State University, and the Sycamore Shout Out Award allows us to recognize their exceptional dedication in a meaningful way,” Indiana State President Dr. Mike Godard explained in the award announcement. “Hollie Power and Andrea Forcum embody the commitment and passion that make Indiana State a remarkable place for our students and community. They set a high bar as our first honorees, and I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate them in this new tradition of recognition.”

The award presentation by Indiana State University President Dr. Mike Godard was stealthily coordinated by Hollie’s colleagues, Brittani Lee, Indiana State Associate Director of Operations, and Chelsea Dolly, Indiana State Associate Director of Rec Sports/Programs. Both Brittani and Chelsea are also members of the NIRSA Expo Committee.

“It was such an honor to see Hollie presented the award from the President,” Brittani says. “She is constantly seeking ways to support the growth and wellbeing of others, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. Hollie is resilient, even when facing challenges. She approaches obstacles with creativity and determination, always looking for solutions that benefit not only our office, but the university as a whole. This adaptability not only helps her succeed, but also helps our office succeed, and it sets a very good example on campus.”

For Hollie’s campus rec team, her award felt like a collective celebration.

“Hollie is the one who received the award, but it honestly felt like such a compliment for our entire Campus Recreation staff to be recognized on Hollie’s behalf,” Brittani explains. “She works to create a wonderful working environment within our office. She is always checking on us, sending positive quotes, helping assist in areas where we may need additional help, etc. Hollie is someone who has knowledge of campus and she is always assisting a colleague in need, mentoring new team members, and trying to make a difference in their lives.”

Contagious positivity

President Godard, who became Indiana State’s 13^th president this past June, selected the award recipients based on his own observations across campus. Both Hollie and Brittani noted appreciation for the new president’s contagious positivity and engagement.

“Our new President has really been bringing the energy and enthusiasm back to campus,” Hollie says. “Homecoming week was great, and the President even rode the pace laps for our Trike Derby races Friday.”

“The past few years at Indiana State University have presented a number of challenges with a changing climate, and having a fresh perspective and a President who is passionate about Indiana State and wants to recognize staff for their hard work is so refreshing,” Brittani says.

With faculty recipient Assistant Professor Dr. Andrew Forcum, Hollie sets a strong example and inspiring precedent for future honorees. NIRSA is proud to celebrate members like Hollie, who go above and beyond in serving their campus communities and the Association. Join us in congratulating Hollie on her well-deserved honor!