RIVERDALE, NY – Manhattan College student-athletes have been recognized by the NCAA as the national leaders in community service hours for the month of November. The Jaspers’ ranking was determined based on volunteer hours submitted via the Helper Helper app, which coordinates and tracks community service activity among Division I programs.
“I’m so thrilled for our student-athletes,” Alison Fitzgerald, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance & Life Skills and moderator of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), said. “They’ve worked hard all semester, and I’m glad their receiving this well-deserved honor as first in the nation. They should all be incredibly proud of themselves.”
“Being a part of Manhattan College’s SAAC has me feeling blessed and thankful that I’m surrounded by student-athletes that love to help others,” SAAC President Maddie Arndt, a member of the women’s track & field team, added. “The amount of hours we have completed in community service together is truly amazing and more than we ever thought we could. Each team puts in a great effort and it feels wonderful to be recognized for our hard work. I cannot wait to see what the Spring semester has in store for the SAAC.”
The SAAC recently earned over $8,100 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation during its annual “Brave A Shave For Kids With Cancer” fundraiser. The Jaspers also created holiday cards for nursing homes and soldiers deployed overseas as a part of the “Cards For a Cause” program, and conducted a Thanksgiving food drive that collected just under 200 pounds of food that was donated to the Mercy Center in the Bronx. In addition, Team Jasper Strong, a group of more than 350 Manhattan student-athletes and staff members, took part in the American Cancer Society “Making Strides For a Cure” 5K walk in Central Park.
In November, the women’s lacrosse program was presented with the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association’s (IWLCA) Team Community Awareness Award, recognizing the Jaspers for their contributions on campus and in the community.
A total of six MAAC institutions placed within the Top 20 in the nation in community service hours for the month of November. Manhattan College finished first overall, Canisius College placed third, Rider University finished 13th, Quinnipiac University placed 17th, and Marist College rounded out the list at 20th overall.
