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Roberts Named as Finalist for 2021 Division II Award of Excellence
Roberts Wesleyan College has been named a finalist for the 2021 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for its partnership with Golisano Children's Hospital and the fundraising event surrounding its athletics department and basketball teams.
Roberts is among 27 other schools and one athletic conference who've been selected as finalists for the award.
The Redhawks partnership with Golisano Children's Hospital began during the 2018-2019 basketball season with a fundraising effort for the Onnie Wells Child Life Fund. Last year the athletics department raised over $10,500 for that fund through a month-long fundraising opportunity within the athletics department leading up to a doubleheader basketball game where all money raised was donated to the hospital.
The Division II Award of Excellence recognizes initiatives that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement, and student-athlete leadership. One finalist was chosen from each DII conference and six at-large honorees were selected.
Division II honors its members each year for conducting events that promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities or on their campuses. A committee of athletics administrators determined this year's finalists, and the national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee selects the winner, who will be announced at the Division II business session Jan. 15 at the virtual 2021 NCAA Convention.
Each finalist will receive $500. The winner will receive an additional $2,500, while the runner-up will receive $1,250 and third place will receive $1,000. All prize money is intended for future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events.