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Roberts Wesleyan University Athletics Named Finalist For NCAA Division II Award of Excellence
The Roberts Wesleyan University Athletic Department has been named a finalist for the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for the third time in four years.
Roberts is one of 25 schools and two conferences that have been chosen as finalists for the 2024 Division II Award of Excellence, an accolade recognizing initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement and student-athlete leadership. Eight finalists were picked as at-large honorees for submitting a strong nomination that was not chosen as the finalist for their conference.
Roberts, which won the 2021 Award of Excellence for its work with Golisano Children's Hospital and placed third in 2023, was selected as the East Coast Conference representative for its work with the Ugandan Water Project.
Roberts student-athletes selected the Ugandan Water Project as part of a yearlong initiative to build at least three water wells in Uganda to provide fresh water to communities in need. The Redhawks participated in multiple service opportunities throughout the year to bring awareness, provide service to and raise more than $13,000 toward the Ugandan Water Project.
"This event stands as an excellent example of how Roberts Wesleyan University, through the Redhawks Reachout initiative, is nurturing our students' intellectual growth and instilling in them a profound sense of responsibility and compassion for the world," said Roberts Executive Director of Athletics Bob Segave. "I am deeply proud of our student-athletes who answered the call so many times this year for various projects, including the Ugandan Water Project. The fact that the wells were constructed and benefiting three school communities in 2023 is so rewarding and fulfilling for them."
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 selected the top three finalists, who will be announced at the Division II business session on Jan. 13 at the 2024 NCAA Convention in Phoenix.
Each finalist will receive $500. In addition, the winner will receive $2,500, the first runner-up will receive $1,250 and the second runner-up will receive $1,000. All prize money is intended to be used for future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events.