I
was proud to sign a resolution yesterday declaring April 2-8 as NCAA
Division III Week at Virginia Wesleyan University and recognizing our
student-athletes’ hard work on the field, in the classroom, and within
the community at large. Joining me for the ceremony were Gavin Fry,
Athletics Management Council student representative, Sue Larkin, Faculty
Athletics Representative, Joanne Renn, Executive Director of
Intercollegiate Athletics, and Amanda Gerni, Vice President of the Student
Athlete Advisory Committee (view photo). It was a wonderful opportunity to hear about the success of the week and recognize its significance.
National
Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division III Week takes place
annually across the country. Participating schools and conference
offices conduct outreach activities in the areas of academic
accomplishment, athletic experience, leadership, community service, and
campus involvement. Plans for Virginia Wesleyan are coordinated by the
Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and this year included an
Easter Egg Hunt, Faculty Appreciation Day, Game Day, Fire Pits, Social
Media Day, Walk For Water, and Kickball. The Marlin softball program's
annual Strike Out Cancer fundraiser was also scheduled as part of the
week, but due to inclement weather in the forecast, it has been
rescheduled for April 22.
The
week is part of Division III’s Identity Initiative, which was introduced
in 2010 to sharpen its identity and enable schools and conferences to
more effectively explain why they prefer to compete in Division III. The
initiative has been guided by a strategic-positioning platform,
describing Division III as a place where student-athletes can “follow
your passions and develop your potential,” within an approach that
combines rigorous academics, competitive sports and an opportunity to
pursue other interests.
Thanks to all of our student-athletes,
coaches, athletic department staff, faculty-team advisors, and others on
campus who work daily to make our program so successful. Be sure to
visit www.vwuathletics.com for more information about NCAA Division III Week.
Go Marlins!
