The Division II approach provides growth opportunities through academic achievement, learning in high-level athletics competition, and development of positive societal attitudes in service to the community.
As part of the NCAA Division II emphasis on community engagement, the division annually honors institutions or conferences with the
Award of Excellence for their efforts. Each active Division II school and conference is eligible to submit its best community engagement activity or event that promotes student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities. Then, a selection committee chooses a slate of finalists representing each Division II conference as and “at-large” winners, which are expected to be announced the week of Jan. 4.
DII National SAAC’s Community Engagement Subcommittee and Honors, Awards and Recognition Subcommittee ranks and reviews each finalists’ nomination to determine national award winners. The overall winner, first place runner-up and second place runner-up will be announced during the DII business session on Friday, Jan. 15, with monetary prizes awarded to all finalists and national winners to be used toward future community engagement initiatives.
This week, the CCAA is pleased to highlight the four nominations submitted by our member-institutions who are vying for $500, and the opportunity to receive further consideration for the 2021 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.
Cal State San Bernardino - 2020 CSUSB Student-Athlete Awards Showcase
CSUSB release >>>
On June 10, live via Zoom, the CSUSB Athletics Department celebrated their 2019-20 season with the 2020 CSUSB Student-Athlete Awards Showcase presented by Dignity Health. CSUSB administrators, student-athletes, staff, and supporters came together to relive the record-breaking year that was 2019-20. Over 200 people tuned in to hear from award winners, special guests, and presenters. Everything was conducted live the night of June 10.
The decision was made to put on a live show instead of a recording to better engage campus and the community. Each section featured a live presenter, live acceptance speech, with unique creative video content prepared in advance which debuted throughout the night.
Those in attendance included community members, with three specific awards presented to community members. Jenny Sorenson received the
Laura Tropila Award, while Jenny Zorn was the
Johnnie Ann Ralph Award recipient. Michael and Khozette Bracken were honored with the
Nick and Christina Coussoulis Award.
Also, an award presented by community member and Dignity Health Community Hospital of San Bernardino President June Collison, as she awarded Frank Daroma as Male Student-Athlete of the Year.
The evening strengthened CSUSB’s impact and importance in the community and brought people together early in the COVID-19 Pandemic. The night was a resounding success as people commented on how good it felt to be together as the community of San Bernardino. The event reinvigorated the connection CSUSB Student-Athletes have with those in the community as they came together to celebrate their shared success.
Watch the showcase >>>