NACDA and the Fiesta Bowl Select Maryland as 2017 Community Service Award Winner

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the Fiesta Bowl have announced the University of Maryland as the winner of the inaugural Community Service Award. Maryland was chosen from a pool of three finalists and received the award for its Share the Shell community outreach program.

The Community Service Award will be presented by NACDA and the Fiesta Bowl this fall, at an on-campus event hosted by Maryland.

“It is a true honor to be the inaugural recipient of NACDA Community Service Award,” said University of Maryland Director of Athletics Kevin Anderson. “Our student-athletes, coaches and administrative staff have all committed to giving back to our community and building a vibrant culture of service. It’s of the highest priority to be community leaders and continue to invest our time, energy and resources to help others in need.”

The award was designed to recognize NACDA member institutions in Division I honoring exceptional athletics departments that make volunteerism and community service a way of life. A five-person committee consisting of athletics directors across the country and representatives from the Fiesta Bowl and NACDA aided in selecting Maryland as this year’s award winner.

Maryland will receive a trophy for permanent display and $10,000 for its chosen charity.

“On behalf of the Fiesta Bowl’s Board of Directors and the entire organization, we are honored to help recognize the University of Maryland and their Share the Shell community outreach program,” said Fiesta Bowl Executive Director Mike Nealy. “The University of Maryland has demonstrated that they truly understand the importance of giving back, both for their student-athletes and their communities. The Fiesta Bowl is dedicated every day to enhancing organizations that support youth, sports, and education, closely aligning with NACDA’s mission.”

“Maryland’s Share the Shell program was extremely impressive and is a comprehensive example of the good work that NACDA members and their students across the country are doing off the playing field,” said NACDA Executive Director, Bob Vecchione. “We are proud to recognize the Maryland athletics department with this award for their dedication to servant leadership in the community.”

On October 22, 2016, and in conjunction with National “Make a Difference Day”, the University of Maryland athletics department launched the Share the Shell community outreach program, which was created to further develop the outreach and community service activities performed by Maryland student-athletes and staff. The program was established around four pillars – Health & Wellness, Civic Engagement, Education & Literacy, and Leadership & Mentoring – that provide unique opportunities for student-athletes and staff to engage with the surrounding communities as well as develop new relationships and invigorate Maryland Pride. Lastly, the program provides service opportunities that help our student-athletes to develop leadership and personal development skills.

About the Fiesta Bowl: The Fiesta Bowl’s vision is to be a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans. As a nonprofit organization, it believes in the importance of community outreach and service. Through charitable giving, the organization strives to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that contribute to the success of communities through youth, sports and education. Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has worked to increase its footprint across the state and work to benefit Arizonans year-round, during and outside of bowl season. For more information about its local impact and how to get involved, visit FiestaBowl.org.

About NACDA: NACDA, now in its 53rd year, is the professional and educational Association for more than 15,700 college athletics administrators at more than 1,700 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More than 6,500 athletics administrators annually attend NACDA & Affiliates Convention Week. Additionally, NACDA manages 17 professional associations and three foundations. For more information on NACDA, visit www.nacda.com.