SAN ANTONIO – The athletic administrations of Kalamazoo College and Albion College earned recognition for their community service projects from the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) at the 2016 NCAA Convention on Saturday.
The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) members were two of the institutions and conferences honored for their community service efforts performed by student-athletes during the 2014-15 academic year. Athletic directors and student-athletes from Kalamazoo and Albion accepted Community Service Awards from NADIIIAA/JOSTENS at the weekend ceremony.
The NADIIIAA recognized community service in three categories: One-Time Projects, An Array of Projects, and Ongoing Projects. Kalamazoo and Albion each garnered awards in the Ongoing Projects category.
Kalamazoo won the award category for Ongoing Projects. Athletic Director Kristen Smith and student-athlete Katie Sorenson were on-hand to accept a commemorative trophy. Additionally, the NADIIIAA and Jostens will make a $1,000 contribution to the general scholarship fund at Kalamazoo in conjunction with the honor.
Albion earned Honorable Mention recognition in all three categories for One-Time Projects, An Array of Projects, and Ongoing Projects. Athletic Director Matt Arend, Senior Associate Director Melissa Walton and student-athlete Emily DeWaters accepted the awards on behalf of Albion.
The awards program, established in 2001, is co-sponsored by the NADIIIAA and Jostens and is intended to recognize the many contributions Division III student-athletes regularly make to their campuses and local communities.
The NADIIIAA is an association comprised of athletics administrators from the nearly 450 institutions and 43 conferences competing at the NCAA Division III level. A primary purpose of the NADIIIAA is to encourage the continued development of athletics programs focused on the student-athlete and based on sound educational philosophy. A committee of athletic administrators selected the honorees.
Minneapolis-based Jostens is a leading provider of products, programs and services that help people celebrate important moments, recognize achievements and build affiliation. The company’s products include yearbooks, class rings, graduation products, school photography, employee and achievement awards, and products for athletics departments and their fans. Jostens is the exclusive sponsor of the NADIIIAA.
