Purdue Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) is proud to announce that it has received two prestigious national awards from NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation.  These honors highlight RecWell's commitment to enhancing the student experience and strengthening social connection with the launch of the Alienware Purdue Gaming Lounge.

RecWell was awarded the 2025 NIRSA Outstanding Facility Award, a national honor recognizing top-tier collegiate facilities that excel in architectural design, functionality and impact on student life. This award underscores RecWell’s role in shaping innovative spaces that support holistic well-being at Purdue.

In addition, RecWell earned first place in the Creative Excellence Awards – Large Scale Graphics category for its compelling and strategic visual storytelling. The winning designs captured the authentic voice of Boilermakers, celebrating student experiences, connection and belonging—while showcasing the innovation of Purdue’s new Alienware-powered gaming lounge. Merging bold visuals with cutting-edge technology, the graphics reflect a modern, inclusive approach to student engagement and belonging.

These achievements would not have been possible without the groundbreaking collaboration between Purdue University and Alienware, the iconic gaming brand of Dell Technologies, which led to the creation of a state-of-the-art gaming lounge inside the France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center, featuring Alienware technology. Designed to be a community-focused space, the lounge supports students by offering a place for connection, creativity and social engagement through gaming. This innovation elevates the role of engaging, multi-dimensional programming in building a stronger, more flourishing campus community.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized on a national stage for the work our team does to impact Boilermakers and elevate campus well-being. We are dedicated to creating spaces where every student feels seen, valued and included." said Mike Warren, senior director of Purdue Recreation & Wellness.

NIRSA is the leading professional association for collegiate recreation and well-being. Its annual awards spotlight innovation, service and leadership across campuses nationwide.