RIVERDALE, NY – Manhattan College student-athletes finished the 2016-17 academic year ranked eighth among all Division I programs in community service, as determined by the number of hours submitted in the NCAA’s Helper Helper app. Manhattan was recognized as the national community service leaders in men’s swimming & diving, while the men’s track & field and men’s golf teams were the third-most active in their respective sports.
“I’m extremely proud of this group of young men and women and the dedication they’ve shown to truly embody the five core Lasallian values,” Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance & Life Skills William Aloia, Jr., said. “Student-athletes at Manhattan College take great pride in giving back to the community, and we’ve partnered with some unbelievable national and local organizations throughout the year. Our student-athletes amassed over 6,000 hours of total service this year and raised over $10,000 for various charities.”
“Finishing in the top 10 in the Spring Helper Helper competition is such a great feeling!,” Maddie Arndt, President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and a member of the women’s track & field squad, added. “It shows how dedicated the Jaspers are to making a difference in our surrounding community. It’s one of our key priorities going into next year, and setting the bar high from this year will help push us even more to give our free time to others who need it.”
Some of the events organized by the SAAC this year included the “Brave A Shave For Kids With Cancer” fundraiser to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation; a Thanksgiving Food Drive that collected just under 200 pounds of food for the Mercy Center in the Bronx; and the “Cards For a Cause” program. 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 team was presented with the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association’s (IWLCA) Team Community Awareness Award, recognizing the Jaspers for their contributions both on campus and in the community.
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