The Arcadia University Department of Athletics was recognized for its varied community service efforts by the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) and Jostens, earning Honorable Mention in the Array of Projects category for the second consecutive year. Director of Athletics Brian Granata accepted the award on behalf of the University at the annual NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 17.

“We are extremely humbled to be recognized by NADIIIAA on a national level for our community service efforts for the second year in a row,” Granata said. “Division III athletics provides an opportunity for student-athletes to have a well-rounded collegiate experience that combines their love of academics, athletics, and the pursuit of other passions. All of our teams and coaches should be commended for their commitment to service as well as being an engaged part of the local community.”

Arcadia student-athletes, coaches, and staff participated in more than 20 community service events during the 2013-14 academic year, including food drives, toy drives, community beautification projects, and free youth clinics. They also raised funds for several causes. Organizations benefiting from these efforts include Aid for Friends, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Depaul USA homeless shelter, Fisher House Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Montgomery County Rotary Special Athletes, Philabundance, St. Baldrick’s Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Special Olympics, Stop Hunger Now, Susan G. Komen Cancer Center, and Vs. Cancer Foundation.

Arcadia is one of three schools to earn Honorable Mention in the Array of Projects category, which included a winner and two Merit Award recipients. The NADIIIAA/Jostens Community Service Award is also presented in the One-Time and Ongoing Project categories. Arcadia is one of two Middle Atlantic Conference member institutions to be recognized by the NADIIIAA (Manhattanville College also received Honorable Mention under the Array of Projects category). In total, the association honored 12 institutions.

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. The honorees are selected by a committee of athletic administrators.