Wheelock among 14 Division III schools to draw community service award
BOSTON, MA - Wheelock College's Department of Athletics is among 14 from around Division III slated to be honored with a Jostens Community Service Award by the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA). Honorees will be recognized on Saturday during the NADIIIAA reception at the NCAA Convention in San Antonio.
As one of only two New England institutions to draw an accolade, Wheelock garnered praise due to its Walk 4 Haiti last March 28, which raised $1,055 for the American Red Cross's Haiti Relief and Development fund. Student-athletes staged the event in response to last January's earthquake that killed 200,000 Haitians and left more than one million homeless.
"Community service is ingrained in the character of our student-athletes, and we're tremendously proud that they can be recognized for it on a national level," said Director of Athletics Diana Cutaia. "The Wheelock Compact challenges student to 'Inspire a World of Good,' and our student-athletes continue to make a difference in the community and beyond."
Wheelock, which joined Springfield College as the lone New England institutions to earn honors, was among seven departments considered nationwide in the 2009-10 School Year One-Time Project/Activity category, and one of four to earn an honorable mention. Nearly 30 student-athletes played a role in the Walk 4 Haiti, which incorporated two organizers from the field hockey team, 14 teammates, and 12 student-athletes representing additional squads.
More than 70 attendees joined the Walk, which provided an opportunity for student-athletes from various programs to concentrate their efforts toward a global cause. Organization for the project commenced last January, as the Walk engaged not only students but also parents, faculty, staff, and Wheelock President Jackie Jenkins-Scott.
Wheelock's field hockey team is in the planning stages for a follow-up fundraiser this spring, with the intent to work in concert with other members of Boston's six-school Colleges of the Fenway (COF) consortium. In addition to Wheelock, the COF is comprised of Emmanuel College, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Simmons College, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.
