LAS VEGAS – The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the Fiesta Bowl announced San José State University (SJSU) as the winner of the 2023-24 Community Service Award today during the 2024 NACDA & Affiliates Convention. San José State University received the award for its 20,000 hours of community outreach.
The Community Service Award will be presented by NACDA and the Fiesta Bowl this fall, at an on-campus event hosted by SJSU.
"Thank you to NACDA for recognizing our student-athletes for their outstanding efforts in the San José and surrounding communities with this prestigious award," said SJSU's Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. "Our lifeskills program, Beyond Sparta, is one of the best in the country and I want to thank our staff for helping build champions in the community as part of the Charge of the Spartans!
Of all the historic success we've had this year, including the anticipation of the athletics department's highest finish in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings, earning the NACDA Community Service Award, presented by the Fiesta Bowl, is THE highlight for our organization."
Now in its eighth year, the Fiesta Bowl Community Service 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 San José State University as this year's award winner. The SJSU athletics department will receive a trophy from the Fiesta Bowl for permanent display on campus.
"It's inspiring to see how athletics departments have dedicated themselves and their student-athletes to community service as an integral part of the overall student-athlete experience," said Erik Moses, Fiesta Bowl Executive Director & CEO. "San José State, under Jeff Konya's leadership, has cultivated a servant leader mindset to help those in need across a wide spectrum of support. With more than 20,000 hours of community outreach, the Spartans used their unique platform to improve the lives of others within their community."
"We are proud to honor the hard work and leadership of Jeff Konya and the San José State athletics department and the undeniable impact the Spartans have had on their community," said Pat Manak, NACDA Chief Executive Officer. "Together with our valued partners at the Fiesta Bowl, we have been able to highlight the good work that Division I athletics departments have done outside of the classroom and competition through this recognition."
Over 500 student-athletes, coaches and staff have made a lasting impact on the San José urban community by addressing social and racial injustices, elevating youth from marginalized communities, improving environmental and community challenges, and providing support and advocacy for individuals impacted by life-altering conditions.
Over 500 hours of customized programming was put into students attending a Title One Elementary School, where they learned the value of academic pursuit and higher education, while also igniting a passion for sports and goal-setting.
In addition to the hours committed by SJSU, the amount of products collected for local shelters grew by 100 percent, with over 20,000 essential products donated to women facing housing insecurity and 400 toys to the African American Community Service Agency.
Through a commitment to inclusivity, belonging, and access to support the San José State athletics department, led by the student-athletes, embodies the highest ideals of athletics philanthropy, leveraging the power of sports to inspire, uplift and empower communities. This unwavering dedication has left an indelible mark on the community in which they serve.
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: Now in its 59th year, NACDA is the professional and educational Association for more than 22,000 college athletics administrators at more than 2,200 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. NACDA manages 18 professional associations and four foundations. In addition to virtual programming, NACDA hosts five major professional development events in-person annually. The NACDA & Affiliates Convention is the largest gathering of collegiate athletics administrators in the country. For more information, visit www.nacda.com.
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