CLEVELAND, Ohio – The National Association of Division III Athletics Administrators (NADIIIAA) announced the recipients of its annual Community Service Awards and Athletics Administrator Awards. Plattsburgh State was recognized in the Community Partnerships Category, earning third place.

The NADIIIAA Community Service Award recognizes athletics programs and student-athletes' contributions to surrounding communities through volunteerism and broad-scale engagement. Awards are given in three categories: One-Time Project or Activity, Special Olympics Activity, and Community Partnership.

Plattsburgh State is proud to serve and connect with our local community through a wide range of community service initiatives, such as Community Clean Up Day, Adopt-A-Friend, Kids' Night Out, Unified Sports Day, and Third-Age Day Care. One of our most impactful and anticipated events is our annual Trunk or Treat celebration each October. During this event, our athletics teams come together to transform a campus parking lot into a festive, welcoming space, decorating themed trunks and handing out candy to families and children from the community.

Award recipients were formally recognized during the NADIIIAA reception at the NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, January 15. Mike Howard, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation, accepted the award on behalf of Plattsburgh State Athletics and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

"It was my great honor to accept this award in recognition of the outstanding community service work our student-athletes are engaged in throughout the year," said Howard. "Cardinal Athletics enjoys a great relationship with the entire Plattsburgh community, and our student-athletes take great pride in supporting the volunteer needs of many organizations. I applaud the work of our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Eimile O'Brien, our community service coordinator, and our entire coaching staff for making this award a reality."

The community service initiatives showcased through Trunk or Treat reflect Plattsburgh State Athletics' strong commitment to meaningful community partnerships and lasting positive impact.