UW-Platteville Recognized for Community Service Efforts

Madison, Wis.--The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Athletic Department maintained its streak of being one of the top departments in the nation in terms of community service.

UW-Platteville was one of 12 schools recognized nation-wide as a winner of the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA)/JOSTENS Community Service Awards.

The Pioneers have been nationally recognized every year since the awards inception in 2000-01.

UW-Platteville earned the award of merit for the on-going projects and activities. All Pioneer teams are involved in numerous activities during the year, whether it be collecting clothing items for Hurricane Katrina relief, raising money to fight hunger, working blood drives or helping with many local charities. Every student-athlete recently donated to the Platteville United Way, and the money was presented during halftime of the Nov. 30 men's basketball game.

The overall winners this year in each of the three award categories were Defiance College, La Grange College, and Transylvania University. UW-Platteville was the first major award winner in 2000-01.

In addition, the University of Southern Maine, Springfield College, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Oneonta State University, Montclair St. University, Colby-Sawyer College, Mills College and the University of Massachusetts at Boston will receive "Awards of Merit". Alvernia College and the State University of New York Athletic Conference will receive "Honorable Mention" recognition.

The NADIIIAA is an association comprised of athletics administrators from the 437 institutions and 40 conferences competing at the NCAA Division III level. A primary purpose of the NADIIIAA is to encourage the continued development of athletics programs focused on the student-athlete and based on sound educational philosophy.

Minneapolis-based Jostens is a leading provider of products, programs and services that help people celebrate important moments, recognize achievements and build affiliation. The Company's products include yearbooks, class rings, graduation products, school photography, employee and achievement awards, and products for athletics departments and their fans. Jostens is the exclusive sponsor of the NADIIIAA.

The NADIIIAA expresses its appreciation to Jostens for its support of the NADIIIAA and its sponsorship of this award.

One-Time Project or Activity
Winner: Defiance College
Award of Merit: Mills College, Colby-Sawyer College, Springfield College
Honorable Mention: Alvernia College, State University of New York Athletic Conference

An Array of Projects or Activities
Winner: La Grange College
Award of Merit: University of Southern Maine, Montclair State University
Honorable Mention: University of Massachusetts-Boston
On-Going Project or Activity
Winner: Transylvania University
Award of Merit: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Honorable Mention: State University of New York College at Oneonta

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