Cleveland, OH – The Oberlin College Department of Athletics and Physical Education is the recipient of the 2021-22 National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) Community Service Award for an Array of Projects.
 
The awards program, established in 2001, is sponsored by the NADIIIAA and is intended to recognize the many contributions Division III student-athletes regularly make to their campuses and local communities. Oberlin previously won the award in 2018. 
 
"Our student-athletes continually display their character and compassion for others, which inspires me on a daily basis," Associate Vice President for Athletics Advancement and Delta Lodge Director of Athletics & Physical Education,Natalie Winkelfoos said. "Throughout their rigorous academic responsibilities and busy athletics schedule, they are always willing to step up and make an impact. Caring is truly our competitive advantage."

Oberlin student-athletes have a long-standing track record of social engagement with this past academic year being no different. Members of our 21 varsity athletics team totaled over 2,050 hours of community service. Spearheaded by the work of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), activities ranged from participating in Helping Hands with each team sponsoring a family in need over the holiday season, to hosting a community wide trick or treat for the kids in the community, to teaming up with Shoes and Clothes for Kids and raising $45,000 for their organization. 

With each team doing at least one community service project throughout the year, other initiatives include the annual 'Play Like a Girl' event, Black History Month Celebration where funds were raised for the Black Women in Sport Foundation, and special awareness and fundraising efforts surrounding breast cancer, epilepsy and domestic violence.
 
Locally, teams have rolled up their sleeves to volunteer at Kendal nursing home and at George Jones Memorial Farm. In the community, Oberlin athletes have also done work at the Legion Field Community Garden, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and volunteer at local schools.
 
Oberlin was selected out of 20 nominees in its category. Winners in the other categories included East Texas Baptist University (One Time Projects) and (Special Olympics Activity).The awards recognition will take place at the NADIIIAA reception taking place in conjunction with the NCAA Convention on Friday, January 13, 2023, in San Antonio at 5:00 p.m. CT. In addition to presenting commemorative awards to the three winning institutions, NADIIIAA will make up to a $1,000 contribution to the general scholarship fund at each of these institutions.   
 
About NADIIIAA - NADIIIAA athletics administrators from over 350 institutions and conferences competing at the NCAA Division III level. The Association encourages the continued development of athletics programs focused on the student-athlete and based on sound educational principles and the Division III philosophy. NADIIIAA is administered by NACDA, which is in its 58th year. For more information on NACDA, the 18 professional associations and/or three foundations it manages, please visit www.nacda.com.