The IIRSA State Workshop was held October 24-26 at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. A total of 86 professional and students from the state of Illinois attended the three-day workshop which was kicked off by Dr. Frank Sassetti, a licensed psychologist and a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer. Dr. Sassetti used his experience to discuss overcoming obstacles and setting goals to help achieve success.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn and discuss during 14 unique sessions facilitated by members IIRSA. This included a round table block where topics such as mental health issues in campus recreation and student engagement were discussed.

During the annual business meeting, elections were held with Alana Harris from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana elected State Director, Jessica Adkisson of University of Illinois Chicago elected State Assistant Director and James Koeppe of University of Illinois Springfield elected State Treasurer.

The association also voted unanimously to partner with the NIRSA Foundation to establish the IIRSA Endowment. Each year, this endowment will cover registration costs at the annual conference for two students attending school in Illinois. As the endowment grows, IIRSA will be adding a professional scholarship as well.