2006-07 COMMUNITY SERVICE & OUTREACH AT NCAS MEMBER SCHOOLS
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Abilene Christian University
The student-athletes of Abilene Christian University were active in
a number of programs stretching their reach to 1,250 youth off of the
playing fields in 2006-07. They hosted Sports Day to which they invited
Abilene area Boys and Girls Clubs to participate in a day of athletics.
Throughout the day the children rotated through various clinics learning
the fundamental of each sport. The activities culminated with a relay
race competition, followed by a pizza lunch and snow cones. While Sports
Day was a department-wide event, individual teams also contributed to
the community greatly on their own. The women’s volleyball team
worked with Special Olympics and Rainbow Bible School. Players on the
softball and golf teams were buddies with youngsters through Big Brothers
Big Sisters and a Lunch Buddy program, while the baseball team tutored
the 3rd grade class at Taylor Elementary. The men’s basketball
team assisted a Helping Hands team load up trailers of supplies headed
for Honduras before school even started in the fall of 2006. In between
classes, they also helped the Woodson Head Start Center School run its
Olympic Day with 150 low-income, pre-school aged children. Track and
field similarly helped two high schools and one elementary school run
their track meets run smoothly. The Wildcats football squad made a concentrated
effort to involve each member in community service this past academic
year including reading to elementary students and adult daycare patients,
the campus ICAN clean-up project, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special
Olympics and speaking engagements at area high schools.
Auburn
University
The student-athletes at Auburn worked with the Lee County Boys and Girls
Clubs, Auburn Day Care Nursery, and Auburn Parks and Recreation to reach
about 200 local youth.
Augusta
State University
The Jaguar Athletes Giving Service (JAGS) Program schedules a week in
the fall and spring semesters for all sports to do community service
and outreach with various non-profit organizations. The student-athletes
worked with schools, clubs, hospitals, and nursing homes, just to name
a few. The JAGS program is entirely organized and ran by the SAAC Committee.
Each team at Augusta State also participated in several sport specific
projects on their own throughout 2006-07. The Jaguars reached approximately
3,000 Georgia youth through outreach and donated tickets.
California
State University, Dominguez Hills
Cal State Dominguez Hills Intercollegiate Athletics hosted and participated
in numerous community service programs during the 2006-07 school year
including the SAAC money raising effort for the Make-A-Wish Foundation,
their sponsorship of an annual holiday toy drive benefiting the pediatric
ward at UCLA Harbor General Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, and a
blood drive. The softball and baseball programs worked extensively with
the Reviving Baseball in Inner-City (RBI) Program and the Urban Youth
Academy in Compton, CA. The women’s volleyball team worked with
the Digs 4 Kids Foundation which included mentoring and tutoring middle
school children. The men’s basketball team visited the local Boys
and Girls Club and put on free clinics, tutored and discussed the dangers
of gangs, and the importance of staying in school and keeping away from
drugs. The men’s soccer and baseball teams were so active in the
Los Angeles area that they were honored by the late Congresswoman Juanita
Millender-McDonald of the 37th District at the annual Community Pride
Awards for community service distinction. The department’s efforts
totaled to reach over 6,500 youth in the Los Angeles County community.
California
State University, Fullerton
The Cal State Fullerton SAAC was responsible for the completion of several
community service events last year. The Titans threw a Christmas celebration
at the Crittenton Services for children and families. After accumulating
a wish list from the members of the home, teams bought and delivered
the gifts and had dinner with the women and children, fulfilling their
holiday wishes. The SAAC members also visited the Orangewood Children’s
Home for an evening of games and food. All Cal State Fullerton teams
participated in a canned food drive through the Marine Corps. The athletic
department also donated about 400 tickets to athletic events. In all,
their hours in the community positively impacted the lives of approximated
600 Orange County youth.
California
State University, Long Beach
Long Beach State student-athletes are always working with their community
to help educate youth and make their community a better place. The 49ers
participated in the Long Beach Marathon, beach clean-ups on a monthly
basis, a canned food and clothing drive which benefited the Long Beach
Mission, adopted a family at Christmastime, and assisted the Cherishing
the Children Project. Several student-athletes also participated in
a variety of programs at several different elementary schools. The 49ers
celebrated National STUDENT-Athlete Day at a baseball game and donated
300 event tickets to a variety of sporting competitions. The Long Beach
State department of athletics focused their activities to reach approximately
650 Long Beach youth in 2006-07.
California
State University, Northridge
During the 2006-07 academic year, various CSUN student-athletes were
involved in community-based events in support of Matador Athletics.
During the fall 2006 sport season, CSUN invited youth groups to meet
with the respective teams for autograph sessions and to hear the players
speak about life as a student-athlete. Some student-athletes served
as honorary judges at a local elementary school for a Halloween costume
contest. The men’s basketball team hosted a free youth basketball
clinic for kids aged 5-12 while other student-athletes teamed up with
the M.E.N.D. (Meeting Every Need with Dignity) Organization to Adopt-a-Family
for the holidays. In the spring, the Matadors participated in a Reading
Program at a local elementary school for Dr. Seuss Day in March 2007.
Their work in the community combined with the tickets they donated as
community outreach totaled for 1,500 Southern California youth who received
some up-close and personal attention from the Matadors.
Canisius
College
The Department of Athletics at Canisius College offers a wide range
of outreach programs extending throughout the Western New York area,
with events like “Shoes for Shelter,” Special Olympics and
NCAA endorsed programs like the National Youth Sports Program. The Canisius
SAAC was very active in the community as a result of their combined
effort and sponsorship with Campus Ministry. Their outreach impacted
about 4,000 New York youth, while the Department of Athletics contributed
another 6,000 tickets to community members.
College
of the Holy Cross
At the College of the Holy Cross, the athletic department prides itself
on giving back to the local community. Student-athletes, coaches and
other members of the athletic staff participate in a variety of activities
throughout the year. The Crusaders reached over 5,000 New England youth
through clinics, autograph sessions, and reading programs in addition
to being active with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the Boys
and Girls Club. Several fundraising walks and runs also received assistance
from the Holy Cross student-athletes. Other events included the Annual
Holy Cross’ Cares Day, Annual Relay for Disaster Relief and Student
Programs for Urban Development just to name a few.
Drexel
University
The Drexel Dragons used the slogan “every drop counts” to
kick-off a blood drive that collected 789 pints of blood, a record for
the department. The Drexel Dream Day brought in inner-city grade school
children from grades 3-5 to watch a women’s basketball game and
to participate in a number of activities on campus that taught the importance
of goal setting, team building, teamwork, self-esteem, discipline, nutrition
and exercise. The student-athletes were also active with Hoops for Health,
Toys for Tots, Squash Smarts, Lupus Loop 5K, Turkey Drive, Fitzy’s
Run, March of Dimes, City 6 Clinic, Special Olympics, Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure, sports clinics and hospital visits.
Duke
University
Duke student-athletes and teams participated in a combined effort of
nearly 1,600 community service hours during the fall 2006 semester.
Verizon’s “Read With the Blue Devils” is in its 15th
year, and is still going strong. Besides providing various reading level
incentive prizes to Durham Elementary Schools, student-athletes visit
each participating school one time a semester to read books and interact
with the 3rd and 4th grade classrooms. After reading stories and sharing
the importance of literacy, student-athletes engage in a Q&A which
always leaves the kids smiling. The Blue Devils also worked with the
Ronald McDonald House, Urban Ministries Soup Kitchen, Duke Children’s
Hospital, and Oxford Housing Authority. In its inaugural year, the “TRI-n-GIVE”
TOUR, is a collaboration between Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State
to bring student-athletes from the Triangle-area schools together to
help support agencies, communities and/or organizations in Durham, Raleigh
and Chapel Hill. In the spring 2007 semester, the Blue Devils participated
in a combined effort of over 1,200 hours in the community. In addition,
many efforts of staff and teams raised thousands of dollars for various
campus and Durham community organizations. The Duke women’s rowing
team held the inaugural Blue Devil Row-A-Palooza, a 24-hour erg-a-thon
fundraiser to support the Good Samaritan Inn. The Good Samaritan Inn,
which is operated by the Durham Rescue Mission, provides safe shelter,
meals, clothing, job training and other services to needy women and
children, including victims of domestic abuse. The team rowed for a
total of 545 miles and raised $8,500 with that amount being matched
by the Steward Fund for a grand total of $17,000. One hundred percent
of all donations made went directly to the Good Samaritan Inn to help
change the lives of people in need of hope. The Duke field hockey team
ran in Angels Among Us 5k, plus did a fundraiser raising $5,000 for
the Duke Brain Cancer Center in memory of their late assistant coach,
Maria Whithead. The Duke Blue Devils spent thousands of hours in the
community and raised thousands of dollars which allowed them to better
the lives of 3,000 youth.
Eastern
New Mexico University
During a flood in August 2006, the men’s football squad filled
and stacked sand bags to help repel the rising water in their community.
Football also read to students at local elementary schools, helped with
the community clean-up, spoke to elementary school students about choices
and helped with the Central Christian Church Food Drive. The women’s
volleyball, women’s tennis, and track and field teams also contributed
greatly to the Central Christian Church Food Drive. Meanwhile, the women’s
soccer team hosted a youth soccer camp free of charge while the men’s
and women’s basketball team participated in elementary school
reading programs. Altogether the Greyhounds’ work in the community
accounted for positive interactions with approximated 600 youth.
Fairfield
University
During the past year our student-athletes were widely involved in several
community projects. Every team participated in a community service project
including clinics, a breast cancer walk, Relay for Life, gift collection
for troops in Iraq and Jump Rope for the Heart. The Stags also participated
in reading programs at the Fairfield County and Bridgeport Soup Kitchens
as well as the Barbados Development Center.
Florida
Atlantic University
The Fighting Owls of FAU reached 700 Boca Raton youth through community
outreach and interacted with another 700 youth through the tickets they
donated to underprivileged youth programs and organizations. The softball
team visited the local YMCA for a Halloween party while other student-athletes
brightened up the Dixie Manor Holiday Party. FAU student-athletes also
participated in Relay for Life.
Florida
State University
During the 2006-07 academic year, student-athletes at Florida State
University volunteered a total of 5,339 hours. While in the past, the
main focus of community outreach efforts has been on the youth in Tallahassee,
FSU has started to incorporate more outreach programs with the Senior
Centers in the community. Some of the highlighted programs in the area
of community outreach include but were not limited to: donated funds
and books to schools with underprivileged youth, Muscular Dystrophy
Association Camp, Able Trust, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Kid’s
Vote, USA, Step Up Florida, March of Dimes, Girl Scouts, Special Olympics
and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The thousands of hours and dedicated efforts
involved over 150,000 youth.
Fontbonne
University
The SAAC at Fontbonne hosted a Christmas Babysitting service for the
surrounding community which allowed parents to shop for a few hours.
The student-athletes also hosted a back to school barbeque. The entire
Fontbonne athletic department is dedicated to the Coach Cares program
which gives money to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Georgia
State University
As part of Panther Promise program’s commitment to service, the
student-athletes and staff at Georgia State participated in numerous
community service activities throughout the 2006-07 school year. At
the start of the school year the students and staff took part in the
C.A.A. Blood Challenge by hosting a blood drive with the American Red
Cross. Also, a number of teams participated in the city-wide service
day called Hands on Atlanta. At Christmastime, the Student-Athlete Advisory
Committee partnered with Auxiliary Services hosting a Toys for Tots
campaign. Second semester service opportunities included hosting a Go
Girl Go! Clinic for local girls as well as participating in a campus
service day called Paws on Atlanta. As part of the Final Four festivities
in Atlanta, Georgia State student-athletes and staff helped host the
YES Clinic and Dribble to the Dome. Throughout the year, the student-athletes
also partnered with Cook Elementary School assisting with various activities
including the Fall Festival, Science Fair, celebration of Dr. Seuss’
birthday and Field Day. Along with these many activities, individuals
set- up community service activities on their own, such as, the Atlanta
AIDS Walk, visits to other local elementary schools, as well as speeches
to local sports clubs. In total, GSU student-athletes and staff tallied
over 600 hours of community service reaching over 3,400 youth.
Gettysburg
College
Each year in conjunction with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee,
the athletic teams at Gettysburg College participate in a number of
community service and outreach projects. During the 2006-07 year, student-athletes
participated in the St. Jude’s Up Til Dawn program, raising funds
for St. Jude’s Hospital. They also participated in the American
Heart Association Walk, Thanksgiving basket drive, events supporting
Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Susan G. Komen Foundation as well
as a number of campus supported events through the College’s Center
for Public Service.
Gonzaga
University
Gonzaga University student-athletes volunteered with Habitat for Humanity,
Read Across America, the Union Gospel Mission, the Page Ahead Book Drive,
the Harvest Food Bank and the American Cancer Society. The entire men’s
basketball team volunteered time at the Coaches vs. Cancer Gala event
and Camp Good Times for young cancer patients while the entire women’s
basketball team volunteered at the local March of Dimes walk. The women’s
soccer team dedicated their time to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Awareness Run. Over 20 student-athletes volunteered as mentors for local
middle school students in an after-school program called Gonzaga Athletes
Mentoring Excellence (GAME). The Bulldogs care for the community was
felt by approximately 2,400 Washington state youth.
Indiana
University
Through community service and ticket giveaways, the Hoosiers of Indiana
were able to reach an estimated 5,000 local youth. The CHAMPS/Life Skills
Program hosted a Red Cross station during the week of the Indiana University
vs. Purdue football game. During that week, IU obtained 4,700 donors.
The IU celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day provided
young girls in the community with great exposure to fitness, wellness,
sport and academic information. In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday,
the IU student-athletes encouraged younger students to read through
Read Across America. National Sportsmanship Day was also recognized
by the athletic department as a means to promote ethics, honesty, peaceful
conflict resolution and fair play to the youth of Bloomington’s
Boys and Girls Club. Finally, IU also celebrated National STUDENT-Athlete
Day by recognizing young athletes in the community.
Iona
College
All teams at Iona College participated in some form of community service
during the 2006-07 academic year. Projects included, but were not limited
to, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Thanksgiving food baskets for
the needy, Sound Shore Medical Center Holiday Toy Drive, Pinewood Intermediate
School, Survival Coalition, Career Day at Leonard Middle School and
Breast Cancer Awareness. In addition, Iona student-athletes visited
homeless shelters across the New York metropolitan area and tutored
elementary students in the surrounding area.
La
Salle University
Eighty percent of La Salle’s student-athletes volunteered in 2006-07
totaling for a 3,600 hours. Their efforts with Big Brothers Big Sisters,
Toys for Tots, the University Community Learning Center, the Catholic
Youth Swim League and Adopt-A-School programs enabled the Explorers
to reach an estimated 10,000 Philadelphia youth. Student-athletes also
lent a helping hand to local neighborhood clean-up events, soup kitchens
and food banks.
Lehigh
University
Lehigh Athletics’ Community Outreach by Athletes who Care about
Helping (COACH) Program is headed by two co-chairs who are supported
by a committee of 12 elected members and overseen by an athletics staff
advisor. The academic year of 2006-07 was comprised of 145 student-athletes
who actively participated in a range of 22 programs and events throughout
the year. Through several of these events, Lehigh Athletics was able
to donate to Muscular Dystrophy, St. Jude Children’s Hospital,
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Breast Cancer. The COACH Program raised
their highest amount of money in 2006-07 donating more than $50,000
to charity. The valiant efforts of Lehigh’s student-athletes led
to 496 hours of community service and 4,994 children whose lives were
touched and changed for the better. In an effort to reach out to as
many children as possible and provide them with knowledge and guidance
about important issues such as drugs, alcohol, and education, Lehigh’s
student-athletes performed the COACH Program at area elementary, middle
and high schools. For the eighth year in a row, the COACH Program adopted
less fortunate families from the area. Remarkably, the student-athletes
were able to create a holiday wish for 19 Bethlehem families by purchasing
gifts and food for them. Through school visits, charities, and events
like Adopt-A-Family, the COACH Program not only gives back to the community
but allows Lehigh’s student-athletes to grow and mature into responsible
and caring community members, students and athletes.
Lynn
University
The majority of volunteer hours performed by student-athletes at Lynn
University were spent at Coral Sunset Elementary School helping kindergarten,
first and second grade classes read and do class work. The student-athletes
also helped build a house in Boynton Beach with Habitat for Humanity.
Others participated in a Boys and Girls Club event at Delray Beach.
The American Cancer Society, Florence Fuller Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,
and The Children’s Place at Home Safe also received assistance
from the generous student-athletes at Lynn University who contributed
almost 1,600 hours of service.
Marist
College
Marist College participated in a variety of community outreach programs,
including addressing elementary, middle and high school students about
the importance of academics, working with local Girl Scouts in a sports
clinic, and assisting with Special Olympics events. In addition, Marist
student-athletes participated in a number of charitable walks and fundraisers.
They also purchased gifts for needy families during the holiday season
and collected canned goods for donation. Their community efforts combined
to positively impact the lives of 3,900 youth.
Michigan
State University
Over 75 outreach events enabled the Spartans to reach more than 20,000
Michigan youth in 2006-07. The variety of events included Reading Month,
Jump Start Your Heart, Family Literacy Night, Posters for Patients,
Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Spartans Buddies. MSU
student-athletes also spoke to youth about the meaning of Memorial Day,
preventing gang violence, sportsmanship and how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Middle
Tennessee State University
All teams were active in MTSU’s community service which was focused
on six main projects. Each Raiders team was partnered with a Murfreesboro
City School for the 2006-07 school year. The student-athletes served
in a variety of roles from mentoring, tutoring, play pal, and any other
requests from the teachers. The baseball, softball, women’s golf,
and men’s and women’s basketball teams were active in the
Read to Succeed Program through which they read to approximately 350
elementary school students. Chrissy Givens of the women’s basketball
team organized a one-day camp for children 8-10. The young participants
received demonstrations, skills and games conducted by members of the
men’s and women’s basketball, softball and baseball teams.
Meanwhile, other MTSU athletes conducted a Special Olympics event for
227 athletes. With the help of Habitat for Humanity, the Blue Raiders
built the first all-athlete-built house in Middle Tennessee. Their valiant
efforts included approximately 850 elementary aged youth.
Midwestern
State University
The Mustangs at Midwestern State helped serve meals at a local homeless
mission, worked at a YMCA with inner-city kids and read to elementary
school students. The athletic department donated about 350 tickets to
the local Boys and Girls Club as social and academic incentives.
New
York University
The NYU Athletics Department distributed thousands of game tickets to
children’s and youth groups in the New York Metropolitan area
in 2006-07. The athletics department also collaborated with NYU’s
Center for Multicultural Education and Programming to successfully launch
MLK week with a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader
with Hunter College. Women’s soccer worked with America Scores,
a not-for-profit agency dedicated to inspiring in urban youth a lasting
dedication to education, healthy living, and civic responsibility through
soccer and poetry. The wrestling team volunteered at the Hamilton Fish
Recreation Center where they worked with K through 6th graders supervising
sporting activities and participated in arts and crafts. The men’s
soccer team conducted a youth clinic with NYC Parks. Other student-athletes
hosted the Special Olympics and a Relay for Life cancer fundraiser.
Niagara
University
The Purple Eagles of Niagara University dedicated some of their free
time off the court and out of the classroom to raising cancer awareness.
During Purple Day, baseball and softball team members wore purple T-shirts
during their game warm-ups in honor of the Bluffton College baseball
team who lost seven teammates in a bus accident during their spring
break road trip. SAAC members sold the Purple Day t-shirts on campus
and the proceeds were given to the Bluffton baseball team scholarship
in honor of the lives lost. Other activities included the men’s
and women’s basketball team members reading and speaking to elementary
school students; the men’s ice hockey team participated in Toys
for Tots, and the men’s golf team assisted local food kitchens.
Coupled with the donation of 300 game tickets, these outreach events
impacted the lives of approximately 1,300 youth.
Northern
Arizona University
NAU Athletics partnered with the Flagstaff Unified School District and
the Annual Red Ribbon Week Campaign in 2006-07. Student-athletes visited
16 local elementary and middle schools to spread the message of “Saying
NO to Drugs.” Their volunteering efforts with local youth involved
more than 12,000.
The
Ohio State University
In keeping with the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program commitment to service
learning projects and outreach, numerous student-athletes and teams
at The Ohio State University participated in community service activities
throughout the 2006-07 academic year. Some of these events included
the Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, ScholARTS
Preparatory Academy, Second and Seven Foundation and Children’s
Hunger Alliance. Such Buckeye activities and more reached approximately
4,000 Ohio youth.
Oklahoma
State University
During 2006-07, Oklahoma State’s Cowboys and Cowgirls participated
in a number of outreach and community service programs. A silent auction
fundraiser was held in the spring for Special Olympics that raised over
$10,000. During one of the television time-outs a check was presented
to the Special Olympics. Student-athletes were also involved with the
Red Cross blood drive, UNICEF, Thanksgiving food baskets and the Angel
Tree each year. After reaching nearly 7,000 Stillwater youth, student-athletes
continued to donate their time to give back to the community and help
out whenever and wherever they can.
Pace
University
The student-athletes of Pace University hosted numerous community events
on campus including Special Olympics, “Take a Kid to a Game”
Day, a basketball camp reunion for boys and girls and CYO Appreciation
Day. The student-athletes also volunteered for a Lupus Walk, Making
Strides for Cancer Walk and Habitat for Humanity. Three hundred youth
benefited from the student-athletes’ hands-on work while the athletic
department contributed 600 game tickets to some very appreciative young
boys and girls.
Ramapo
College of New Jersey
Each of Ramapo College’s intercollegiate sports teams contributed
to fundraising for Marfan’s Research. The baseball team held a
toy drive for the holidays and a food drive for Thanksgiving, while
the softball team collected food for women who lived in a local shelter.
The men’s basketball team sponsored a group of inner-city grammar
school children to a basketball game, while the women’s field
hockey, lacrosse and dance teams hosted clinics for middle, high and
elementary school aged students, respectively. In addition, the women’s
soccer team donated soccer equipment to Africa. The men’s and
women’s volleyball, men’s soccer, men’s and women’s
tennis, and men’s and women’s track and field, and cross
country teams also participated in at least one community service event
during 2006-07.
Rollins
College
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at Rollins College raised $4,800
for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Roxbury
Community College
The Tigers of Roxbury CC volunteered for a senior citizens luncheon,
track camp, toy drive and various track meets throughout 2006-07 working
with approximately 500 Massachusetts youth.
Rutgers
University
Rutgers University student-athletes participated in community service
and outreach programs throughout the year. Many of the University’s
coaches organized community service projects for their teams; some coaches
required their student-athletes to participate in a certain amount of
community service activities throughout the year while many individual
student-athletes participated on their own. Projects sponsored by, promoted
by and/or reported to the athletics department throughout the 2006-07
academic year reached approximately 10,000 youth. The Student-Athlete
Advisory Committee sponsored a holiday toy and book drive that benefited
about 400 children in local Head Start programs. On National Reading
Day, during the national Read Across America celebration, and generally
throughout the year, student-athletes read to elementary school students
in the University’s locale. During the 2007 Read Across America
celebration, over 100 of our student-athletes read at approximately
15 local elementary schools. Some Rutgers student-athletes conducted
a “student-athlete auction” which raised over $1,000 for
the Special Olympics of New Jersey. In addition, members of the Rutgers
football team participated in the opening ceremonies and other aspects
of the Special Olympics. Football student-athletes also returned to
their middle schools annually to talk about the importance of academics,
respect, decision making, health, and goal setting. The women’s
volleyball, soccer and softball teams presented a free clinic for junior
high school girls from New Brunswick. The clinic was run in conjunction
with National Girls and Women in Sports Day. In addition to the work
performed in the local community, the athletic department donated 10,000
game tickets to local schools and charitable organizations to be used
as academic and social incentives.
St.
Andrews Presbyterian College
The Knights at St. Andrews Presbyterian were active with the Make a
Wish Foundation and Toys for Tots during 2006-07 academic year. The
student-athletes also helped out with several local churches. With a
rather small student body of 700 and an even smaller number of student-athletes
at 250, the student-athletes worked with youth almost tenfold their
own size, reaching 2,220 North Carolina youngsters.
St.
Cloud State University
Throughout the 2006-07 academic year, the St. Cloud Huskies read in
elementary schools, volunteered at soup kitchens, assisted the Humane
Society, visited the VA Medical Center, and performed free clinics for
children. The Huskies also worked with Cub Scouts, Kids Against Hunger
and the Wilson Learning Center. Their charitable efforts bettered the
lives of more than 2,000 youth in Minnesota.
St.
Joseph’s University
The Hawks stepped out of the classroom and off of the playing fields
to spend time in their community with approximately 200 youth. On Martin
Luther King Jr. Day, the women’s track, cross county and rowing
teams helped clean and restore the First African Presbyterian Church
for its 200th anniversary celebration. Several teams spent extra time
with the students of Gompers Elementary School. In addition, the athletic
department of St. Joe’s contributed over 1,000 game tickets allowing
local youth to catch the Hawks in action.
St.
John’s University
During the 2006-07 academic year, 100 percent of the St. John’s
athletic teams completed at least one community service event, totaling
over 2,000 hours of community service. One student-athlete volunteered
her Spring Break assisting the rebuilding of homes in New Orleans devastated
by Hurricane Katrina.
Seton
Hall University
For the 13th year in a row, the Pirates of Seton Hall exchanged biweekly
letters with 7th graders from Saint Rose of Lima School in Newark, NJ.
The Pen Pal program was culminated with the student-athletes and middle
schools students spending a day together on Seton Hall’s campus
to celebrate National STUDENT-Athlete Day. Other student-athletes read
to preschool children to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. In addition
to various other projects, student-athletes worked with several groups
on campus to raise over $60,000 for the Mary Jennings Memorial Scholarship
in honor of a women’s soccer player who just lost her battle with
cancer in June 2006.
Southern
Methodist University
The Mustangs of SMU read to youth groups at elementary schools and visited
the local children’s hospital, bringing smiles to the faces of
several youngsters. The student-athletes also hosted free camps for
youth in the community.
Temple
University
Temple University sponsored the Partnership Field Day on May 2, 2007
where over 100 Temple student-athletes interacted with over 400 students
from four local elementary schools. The Owls also participated in the
Choices Program, Diamond Street Clean-up, National Girls in Sport Day
and Philadelphia Cares Day. Temple hosted the First Community Partnership
basketball game in the Liacouras Center. In addition, the football program
donated $1,500 to the Fahmarr McElrathbey Trust Fund and $1,530 to the
Adam Taliaferro Foundation, which led to their recognition by the Philadelphia
76ers as “Hometown Heroes.” On top of the 1,000 youth the
Temple student-athletes worked with in the community, another 5,000
received game tickets from the athletic department.
Texas
A&M University
The major goal of Aggie Athletes Involved (AAI) is to positively impact
the community by participation in programming designed to benefit the
youth of the local and surrounding areas; to provide the opportunity
for student-athletes to interact among sports other than their own and
with other campus student groups and departments; and to help in community
outreach programming at the high school, junior high and elementary
school levels. Participating in community service projects is a means
by which the Aggie student-athletes express their sincere thanks to
the Brazos Valley for their support at the athletics events. Their gratitude
was felt by over 7,000 youth who the Aggies worked with in several community
events. The student-athletes explained their respective sports and answered
questions about being a student-athlete to over 650 elementary school
students when they visited the South Knoll Elementary School. Aggie
Buddies was a one-on-one mentoring program in College Station Independent
School District. The Aggies also held a toy drive, canned food drive
and coat drive. In addition to several other events, the student-athletes
were active in Red Ribbon Week, Reading Nights, Voices for Children,
Champions After School, Special Olympics and Food for Families.
Texas
Woman’s University
TWU Athletics has made a commitment to participate in a minimum of two
projects per year where the student-athletes and staff give back to
the Denton community. In 2006-07, 71 student-athletes complete 1,086
hours of community service with Adopt-A-Highway, Heart for Homes, the
United Way and the Apple Tree Project. The Apple Tree Project distributes
school supplies to needy families. About 1,000 tickets were given to
8th graders and younger.
Tulane
University
Tulane student-athletes participated in numerous community outreach
events in 2006-07. They included Boo at the Zoo, Toys for Tots, Habitat
for Humanity, Relay for Life, Up Till Dawn, Face Aids, Light up the
Night, Deuce McAlister’s Catch 22 Foundation, National Lunch Week
and Shadow-A-Student-Athlete Day. Their community efforts bettered the
lives of 1,000 New Orleans youth with another 5,000 receiving donated
game tickets to enjoy the Riptide in action in NOLA.
University
of California, Los Angeles
UCLA student-athletes participated in various community service events
throughout 2006-07. The Bruins sponsored the Marathon Kids program which
targeted K-5th graders from LA Unified School District. Student-athletes
also participated in annual events such as the University Elementary
School Jogathon, Mattel Children’s Hospital visits, a food drive,
Breast Cancer Awareness and MS Walk. The Bruins were also active in
a Pen Pal program, Athletics for Youth and Read to Succeed. In all,
the Bruins positively impacted the lives of approximately 42,500 Los
Angeles area youth with their charitable contributions in the community.
University
of California, San Diego
The Tritons at UCSD touched the lives of more than 2,000 San Diego youth
through several events such as the Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean-up,
the 5th Annual Row for the Cure, the San Diego Coalition for the Homeless’
Annual Christmas Party and the Athletic Department’s Red Cross
Blood Drive. The Tritons also lent a helping hand to the St. Vincent
De Paul Soup Kitchen, TEAM UP!, Special Olympics, Canine Companions
for Independence, and TERI (Training, Education and Research Institute)
Day at the Ballpark and Mission Bay. In addition, several teams ran
clinics for the Preuss School, Boys and Girls Club, and others.
University
of Central Florida
The UCF Golden Knights did a variety of community service activities
in 2006-07 including hospital visits, elementary school readings, National
Girls and Women in Sport Day celebrations, sports clinics, clean-up
days, and work with the Miracle League. The student-athletes volunteered
with 1,500 Central Florida youth.
University
of Cincinnati
During the 2006-2007 academic year, the Bearcats participated in many
outreach and community service programs. The University worked with
the Children's Hospital in Cincinnati assisting in the patient activity
center. The student-athletes volunteered with several clinics covering
a number of different sports. They also participated in the Breast Cancer
Alliance where they helped a 24 hour erg-a-thon raise money for the
organization. The Bearcats participated in Celibitrees where they decorated
a Christmas tree and donated it to Tendermercies to be auctioned off
for money to help their organization. Several other community outreach
projects included: Girls Can (helping young girls challenge themselves
before a two mile run/walk); helping the UCPD distribute safety tip
cards to the surrounding neighborhoods; Adopt-a-Family where the student-athletes
adopted a family at Christmas; several events with shelters and food
pantries; and providing clothing and food for the needy. For the first
time in UC history, they hosted the Hamilton County Special Olympics,
where the SAAC and Rally Cats got together and provided a variety of
track and field events for the children to participate in. Their outreach
efforts
combined with ticket donations positively impacted the lives of 7,500
youth.
University of Connecticut
The UConn SAAC organizes and participates in a number of different community
service projects in and around the UConn community each year. During
the 2006-07 academic year, the student-athletes organized and hosted
food, book, coat and toy drives. They collected a full truckload of
non-perishable foods for the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic during
the holiday season. Also during the holiday season, over 2,000 toys
were collected for the Cornerstone Christmas Party for kids in Rockville-Vernon
and The Village in Hartford. Before the cold weather arrived, coats
were collected during a UConn football game, amounting to approximately
3,000 coats in the last three years to benefit different organizations
within their area. The book drive benefited the Burgdorf-Fleet Health
Center in Hartford, where athletes go and read to the patients while
waiting to see the doctor. SAAC members also spend time with children
at the Catholic Worker House Service where student-athletes travel to
an inner-city after school program held in Hartford. The student-athletes
help the students with homework and stress the importance of school
and sports. New in 2006-07, SAAC sponsored a child for the Huskython
which benefited the Connecticut Children’s Hospital. SAAC members
danced and played with the child’s family and made a donation
in their honor. For the third consecutive year, SAAC worked in conjunction
with the ECO Husky in an Earth Day project. They hosted a Sneaker Recycle
with the Nike-Reuse a Shoe program, were the student population donated
used shoes which will be recycled for sports equipment like playgrounds,
turfs and tracks. SAAC took on the big responsibility of organizing
a day for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to bring their ‘littles’
to UConn. Throughout the day, the children were paired with an athlete
who showed them around the college campus, took a picture with Jonathan
the mascot, sat in on a basketball practice, played games with other
athletes, enjoyed arts and crafts, and bonded with their student host.
SAAC also organized a Pen Pal program with the Boys and Girls Club in
Hartford. Over 100 student-athletes from about 20 teams are matched
up with boys and girls ranging in ages 9-15. With each student-athlete
and each community service event, the SAAC members try to emulate a
positive image towards the children, relaying the message of good health,
good sportsmanship, and the balance of school and sports. The student-athletes
touch lives with all of their volunteering, which may make a difference
in someone's life. Affecting their lives with collection drives and
speaking words of wisdom is an opportunity that they appreciate. These
projects not only touched the lives of thousands of youth, but touched
the student-athletes as well.
University
of Denver
Through their Citizen-Athlete initiative, the Denver student-athletes
volunteered with Miracles on Ice, Cookies and Milk with Asbury Elementary,
The Children’s Hospital, Mile High Girl Scouts Fun Run, 9News
Cares Colorado Shares food drive and the First Tee Golf Program. The
Pioneers also worked with homeless people through outdoor programs with
homeless youth and Project Homeless Connect (a partnership between the
University and the Denver Mayor’s Office). The care for their
community shown by the University of Denver student-athletes bettered
the lives of 1,500 area youth.
University
of Florida
The University of Florida Athletic Association’s community outreach
program, Goodwill Gators, as it is affectionately known throughout Gainesville
and Alachua County, began in 1995 to serve the local community by promoting
good citizenship and service to all. The mission of Goodwill Gators
is to engage in community relations by serving the community as well
as promoting the personal growth of student-athletes. As Goodwill Gators,
student-athletes realize that everyone is a citizen of the world, and
so, should be treated with respect and kindness. Student-athletes want
to teach by example so that each person can have a positive effect on
another person and most importantly, that even the smallest gesture
can make a difference in someone’s life. To do so, the Goodwill
Gators were active in eight ongoing projects in 2006-07. They included:
the Gator Literacy Program where student-athletes read to children once
a week; The Gator Club which is a partnership with the SHANDS Medical
Plaza who connects pediatric patients with student-athletes; the Stephen
Foster Elementary School Intramurals where Gators play with the students
twice a week; Terwilliger Elementary whose preschool class receives
special attention from the student-athletes on a weekly basis; The Gator
Tracks Program where student-athletes purchase new shoes for children
identified as being in need by their school teachers; Gator Pen Pals,
a mentoring program between the student-athletes and middle school students;
UF Field Day; Climb 4 Cancer; and Harvest Drive, a non-perishable food
drive during the Thanksgiving season. A total of 313 UF student-athletes
participated in the above activities combining for 2,041 hours of service.
Approximately 5,500 North Florida youth benefited from the Gators’
generous time in the community.
University
of Houston
The University of Houston and the All-N-One have joined together to
reach out to the Katy/Houston area communities. The mission of the All-N-One
Little Coogs program is to use sports mentoring, motivational speaking,
and community service to enhance the development of our youth regardless
of age, race, gender or creed. Over 4,000 disadvantaged youth were brought
to UH football games throughout the 2006 season. Approximately 1,733
hours were performed by student-athletes in 2006-07 including the time
spent by 25 student-athletes who served as camp counselors at local
summer camps. Through Little Coogs, UH built relationships with 65 area
schools and organizations involving 9,250 youth.
University
of Illinois, Chicago
The Athletic Department at the University of Illinois, Chicago had its
best year of community service yet in 2006-07. The student-athletes
performed over 8,200 hours of service involving more than 15,000 Chicago
youth.
University
of Kentucky
During the 2006-07 academic year, student-athletes at the University
of Kentucky completed over 2,700 hours of community service involving
6,500 youth in Lexington, KY and surrounding areas. As in past years,
UK student-athletes continued to serve as guest readers and motivational
speakers at various school assemblies, churches, sport banquets and
DARE Programs. Student-athletes also continued their support and provided
assistance to Habitat for Humanity, local YMCA’s, served meals
at the Hope Center (a shelter for men), and assisted with events such
as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the American Heart Association’s
Heart Walk, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the
Kentucky Special Olympics Bowling, Golf and Swimming competitions. Small
groups and/or teams also visited the Veteran’s Hospital, Shriner’s
Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and the UK Children’s Hospital
on a monthly basis throughout the school year.
University
of Louisville
Community efforts of the Louisville Cardinals involved over 40,000 area
youth. CARDSfit is a health program that promotes family, fun and fitness.
It is a collaborative effort between Cardinal Athletics and the University
of Louisville health management program, Get Healthy Now. The program
focuses on nutrition, fitness, family/friend development, community
outreach and healthy habits for children, adults and families. University
of Louisville student-athletes participated and assisted in 38 CARDSfit
events during the 2006-07 academic year. In addition, the student-athletes
worked with the Center for Women and Families, a Down Syndrome Group,
Fit4Me and the Boys and Girls Club. Their community efforts combined
with more than 50,000 tickets donated by the athletic department totaled
for more than 90,000 Louisville youth who benefited from the Cardinals’
generosity.
University
of Maryland
The Terrapins of the University of Maryland donated an impressive 143,418
hours of community service during 2006-07. There were numerous community
service activities that the student-athletes participated in but the
following specific programs were components of the CHAMPS/Life Skills
program. For the third year running, Terrapin student-athletes have
helped to raise awareness, deliver hope and contribute to the funds
required to find a cure for cancer through Relay for Life. The student-athletes
participated in over 100 one-hour long visits to over 58 local elementary
schools each semester to promote reading and education amongst second
graders. In honor of National STUDENT-Athlete Day, the Terrapins hosted
157 middle school students for a campus wide tour, guest speaker, lunch,
athletic activities, and an autograph and photo session. Student-athletes
also hosted a canned food drive for a local food bank, a coat drive
for a community shelter and a book/magazine/DVD drive for soldiers.
University
of Massachusetts, Boston
The entire student-athlete population at UMass Boston participated in
some community service in the Greater Boston area in 2006-07. Nearly
200 student-athletes participated in such activities as youth sports
clinics and mentoring sessions. The Beacons volunteered with events
for homeless veterans, kids with cancer, poor youth, homeless children,
church groups, and special needs children. UMass Boston’s athletic
department has a strong commitment to community outreach servicing over
40,000 people in the New England area during the 2006-07 academic year.
University
of Nebraska
Several Nebraska Huskies gave up their fall and spring breaks to travel
throughout the state doing motivational speaking tours in 2006 and 2007.
The Huskies celebrated School is Cool Week, collected 8,000 books for
one local school, purchased gifts and hosted a holiday party for a YMCA,
secured 3,100 items of food during the Lincoln Food Bank food drive
and hosted a game for youth who took a drug-free pledge. In addition,
the student-athletes worked with Dads of Kids with Disabilities through
which the student-athletes visit, tailgate and tour with the families.
Several student-athletes and coaches who have lost a parent were featured
speakers in the Charlie Brown’s Good Grief Group. Other Huskies
also made hospital visits, held youth clinics, volunteered with Special
Olympics, adopted a school, worked with a local mission and much, much
more. In all, the Husky Nation positively impacted the lives of more
than 151,000 youth.
University
of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
The Tar Heels reached over 20,000 youth in North Carolina through several
key community service events that included the Ronald McDonald House,
Kids in Action, Carolina Dreams, Habitat for Humanity, UNC Hospitals,
The Victory Junction Gang Camp and Special Olympics. Student-athletes
prepared meals, and played with children at the Ronald McDonald House.
Others participated with Kids in Action by joining the kick-off event
and celebration ceremony, committed to a classroom, served as role models
and motivated the students to get 60 minutes of physical activity a
day. Carolina Dreams is a unique partnership among the student-athletes,
UNC’s Department of Athletics, the North Carolina Children’s
Hospital and the Educational Foundation. The goal of the program is
to bring children treated at NC Children’s Hospital to our campus
to spend an afternoon with student-athletes and to attend an athletic
event. The Victory Junction Gang Camp enriches the lives of children
with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing
camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering in a safe
and medically sound environment.
University
of North Florida
The Ospreys of UNF worked the fall carnival at Don Brewer Elementary
School, raised funds for the American Cancer Society and assisted Holiday
Hill Elementary School in honor of National STUDENT-Athlete Day. The
outreach efforts of the student-athletes involved 400 Jacksonville youth.
University
of Notre Dame
Since 1999, the student-athletes at Notre Dame have steadily increased
their participation in community service. During the 2006-07 academic
year, student-athletes completed over 4,000 hours in the community,
almost double the previous year’s total. An amazing 92 percent
of the teams participated in community service, reaching over 5,000
people in the local and national communities, and assisting over 50
non-profit organizations. The women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse
teams both participated in over 500 hours of community service. They
were the top teams among the Fighting Irish for community service. Their
4,000 hours involved 5,000 youth and the athletic department involved
another 30,000 youth with the Fighting Irish through ticket giveaways
to the Boys and Girls Club, local schools, the DARE Program and community
centers.
University
of Oklahoma
More than 550 hours of community service were recorded by Oklahoma student-athletes
through the Life Skills Program. Events included reading to school children,
leading middle school FCA meetings, speaking to elementary school children,
and children’s hospital visits. The student-athletes spent another
year involved with Special Spectators, a national organization that
invites seriously ill children to attend a sporting event and meet the
players and coaches. More than 25 children were hosted from several
Oklahoma City hospitals who attended events with football, basketball
and gymnastics teams.
University
of Pittsburgh
The Panthers of the University of Pittsburgh reached approximately 2,500
youth through community service. In addition, the athletic department
donated 56 athletic event tickets to Children’s Hospital patients
who served as Honorary Captains for the Pitt Football home games and
select men’s basketball home games.
University
of Rhode Island
Almost all of the athletic teams at the University of Rhode Island hosted
free clinics during the 2006-07 academic year. The URI student-athletes
also visited hospitals, participated in fundraising walks and volunteered
with several local school reading programs. Their community service
efforts combined with donated athletic event tickets totaled for approximately
9,000 Rhode Island youth who benefited from the URI student-athletes’
community contributions.
University
of Texas at Austin
The Longhorns of UT donated more than 1,600 hours out of the gym and
in the community visiting elementary, middle and high schools, the Texas
School for the Deaf, the UT Childcare Center, local church events, Boys
and Girls Club, and the local children’s hospital. The volleyball
team attended a local junior volleyball program’s banquet, visited
and played volleyball with residents of Arden Courts, participated in
the AISD Volleyball Playday, and hosted free clinics for kids. Other
teams worked with the YMCA, spoke to at-risk 7th graders about teamwork
and leadership, attended several youth sports banquets and collected
toys for the holidays.
University
of West Florida
Each West Florida team was active in community service during the 2006-07
year. All sports were involved in the NCAA Festival that was held in
Pensacola in the fall. The softball and baseball teams specifically
were involved with a Habitat for Humanity build. The baseball team also
held a "Senior Prom" and danced with senior citizens in addition
to visiting the local retirement home several times. Many sports held
clinics on campus or worked with the YES program. The men’s basketball
team read in the local schools and the women's basketball team put together
valentine baskets for Hospice patients. The community efforts of the
Argonauts involved 500 lucky West Floridian youth.
University
of Wisconsin, Madison
During the 2006-07 school year, the student-athletes at UW participated
in a variety of community service events. For the 6th year, the UW athletic
department sponsored a 4th grade reading program in the Madison public
schools. Fifty-two student-athletes visited fourth grade classrooms
on multiple occasions to read books, talk about the importance of education
and encourage them to meet their reading goals. Also, for the second
year, representatives from each sport participated in a "48 Hour
Practice," raising money for the Blood:Water project which funds
wells in Africa. Most of all, UW student-athletes participated in over
100 other community outreach events, totaling 1,000 hours, ranging from
building homes for Habitat for Humanity and playgrounds for the Salvation
Army to helping out at a hospice or the YMCA. Not only do Wisconsin
student-athletes have a presence in the community, they impact a diverse
group of people with their work.
Villanova
University
Each team at Villanova is required to do one community service project
a year. One hundred percent of their teams fulfilled their obligation
in 2006-07. Outreach projects included reading to children, visiting
hospitals, participating in various runs for charities, running sports
days for mentally challenged children, and sponsoring a 5K run to benefit
sick children. In addition, teams participated in Earth Day cleanup
at a local park and helped to remove invasive weeds at a local children’s
park. The staff in the athletics department all participated in a two
day outreach program helping to rehab a 100+ year old church. Eighty
five student-athletes acted as pen pals to 5th and 6th grade students
from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This year long program
was culminated by the annual Pen Pal Day when the children were transported
to campus to meet their pen pals, listen to an address by one of the
Villanova coaches, tour the campus and eat lunch with their pen pals.
Each team adopted a family for Thanksgiving, providing a gift certificate
to a local market for the purchase of Thanksgiving dinner. Each team
also adopted a family for Christmas, providing gifts for families who
otherwise would not be able to celebrate the day.
Virginia
Commonwealth University
The Rams Assisting Youth (RAY) program solicits donations from fans
and local corporations that are used to provide tickets and hospitality
for area youth who would not otherwise be able to attend men’s
basketball events. VCU outreach effort’s impacted the lives of
approximately 3,000 youth while the athletic department donated approximately
2,300 athletic event tickets.
Virginia
State University
The VSU student-athletes annually participate in the Virginia Read-Aloud
program. During the 2006-07 school year, the student-athletes also participated
in the Walk Against Hunger, collected canned food items for the local
food bank and provided Thanksgiving dinners to 13 families. In addition,
the athletic department provided 100 game tickets to elementary and
middle school students who attended school regularly and took all of
the Standard of Learning tests. In all, 400 Virginia youth benefited
from the goodwill of the Trojans.
Whitworth
University
The Pirates of Whitworth hosted an incentive program with local elementary
school students to boost their homework efforts. The football team visited
the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital while the SAAC organized
a Field Day where local kids attended an all-day event with activities,
lunch and a t-shirt. In all, the Pirates positively impacted the lives
of 900 Spokane, Washington youth.
OUTREACH HONOR ROLL 2006-07
Florida State University University of Nebraska University of Maryland University of Louisville University of Alabama University of California, Los Angeles University of Massachusetts, Boston University of Notre Dame University of Central Florida University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Michigan State University Rutgers University University of Connecticut University of Illinois, Chicago Northern Arizona University Texas A&M University Canisius College Lehigh University University of Houston Fairfield University University of Rhode Island University of Cincinnati The Pennsylvania State University Oklahoma State University California State University, Dominguez Hills University of Kentucky Temple University Tulane University University of Florida College of The Holy Cross Indiana University The Ohio State University University of Mississippi Marist College Georgia State University La Salle University Augusta State University Duke University University of Pittsburgh New York University Gonzaga University St. Andrews Presbyterian College University of California, San Diego Texas Woman's University St. Cloud State University Drexel University St. John's University California State University, Northridge University of Denver
2006-07
Outreach and Community Service: 1,237,136 youth
Overall Outreach and Community Service: 16,567,177 youth
Overall Outreach and Community Service Hours: 18 million
Numbers are based on the information collected at the end of each academic year and compiled by the NCAS National staff. Information can be submitted through the year end statistics request form.
