Trojan Outreach | July 19, 2018
CLEVELAND – The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the Fiesta Bowl have announced the University of Southern California (USC) as the winner of the 2018 Community Service Award. USC was chosen from a pool of three finalists and received the award for its Trojan Outreach program.
The Community Service Award will be presented by NACDA and the Fiesta Bowl this fall, at an on-campus event hosted by USC.
Said Lynn Swann, USC's Charles Griffin Cale Director of Athletics, "What an honor for USC Athletics to receive this outstanding recognition from NACDA and the Fiesta Bowl. Our 650 student-athletes deserve the credit for selflessly dedicating more than 5,000 hours each year to enriching the lives of those we serve. There is a true spirit of service across USC's campus to help the community in which we live. We share this award with the entire USC community of students, faculty, alumni and friends whose passionate investment in our surrounding communities is a hallmark trait of our university.
"We thank the Otis Booth Foundation for recognizing the importance of our commitment to our local neighborhoods and for its generosity in endowing our Trojan Outreach program since 2013. Thank you to McCall Hall, our Otis Booth Director of Trojan Outreach, for her leadership of this program. We also congratulate fellow finalists Providence and Towson for the good work they are doing in their communities."
The 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 USC as this year's award winner.
USC will receive a trophy for permanent display and $10,000 for its chosen charity.
"USC's Trojan Outreach program stood out among an impressive field of applicants for its impact in assisting youth in their community, which aligns with the Fiesta Bowl's commitment to serve youth in Arizona," said Fiesta Bowl Executive Director, Mike Nealy. "With more than 650 student-athletes giving back, community service is an important part of the overall student-athlete experience at USC. Congratulations to Lynn Swann, Steve Lopes, the student-athletes and the entire Trojan Athletics family."
"USC's Trojan Outreach program epitomizes the true meaning of 'student-athletes.' The ways in which these individuals have given back to the Los Angeles community are inspiring," said NACDA Executive Director, Bob Vecchione. "They take the utmost pride in representing their institution in a positive way both on and off the field of competition. We are proud to recognize the Trojans of USC with this prestigious award."
For the 2017-18 academic year alone, the Trojan Outreach program has worked diligently with 650 student-athletes who completed more than 5,000 hours of service to a myriad of causes. All 21 varsity sports participated through a signature event or SCORE (Serving Community through Outreach, Recreation and Education) project, or both. Because of the challenges facing the youth of Los Angeles, Trojan Outreach has been able to find unique angles to serve, utilizing an understanding of major social issues. One of the biggest issues facing the Los Angeles area is homelessness. In response to the declaration and observation of the community, Trojan Outreach has successfully completed over 1,000 hours in the past year that directly impacts the homeless population.
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: NACDA, now in its 54th year, is the professional and educational Association for more than 15,700 college athletics administrators at more than 1,700 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More than 6,500 athletics administrators annually attend NACDA & Affiliates Convention Week. Additionally, NACDA manages 17 professional associations and three foundations. For more information on NACDA, visit www.nacda.com.
