TRAFFORD, Pa. (pacathletics.org) - The Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) and the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) once again joined forces for their annual friendly fundraising collaboration, Change Wars. This year, however, the conferences took a new approach to giving back, highlighting both monetary support and community service.
In previous years, the competition centered around raising funds for charitable organizations. While that spirit of giving remains, this year’s initiative showcased the diverse ways student-athletes contribute to their communities.
The NCAC turned their focus toward hands-on community engagement, with 860 student-athletes across the conference volunteering hours on campus and in the community to make a tangible impact. From food drives and youth sports clinics to Special Olympics events and volunteer work with local organizations such as shelters, schools, and disability services, these initiatives fostered community connections, supported underserved populations, and promoted active citizenship through hands-on service and outreach. Oberlin led all NCAC schools with 46 percent of their student-athlete body participating in the community engagement initiative.
Meanwhile, the PAC embraced a traditional fundraising model, organizing events and campaigns that led to a substantial monetary donation to Special Olympics. Their efforts demonstrated the power of collective action and generosity, raising over $6,000. Westminster led all PAC schools with $1972 raised followed closely by Chatham with $1813 and Bethany ($1384).
“Our Change War partnership with the PAC has always been a great way to highlight student-athletes giving back.” said Matt Rowley, DePauw student-athlete and NCAC SAAC President. “This year, it was especially uplifting to see each institution's SAAC seek out volunteering opportunities and spend time carrying out service within their respective communities.”
“The PAC has once again chosen to raise money in support of Special Olympics,” said Toby Atwood, a Thiel women’s tennis player and President of the PAC SAAC. “Special Olympics is an amazing organization that works to end discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities. We are thrilled to share that we were able to raise over $6,000, all of which will go directly to support their incredible mission.”
Including the funds raised this spring, the philanthropy of the two leagues has generated over $52,800 in ten years for 13 different foundations.
Division III Week, established in 2010 to sharpen the division's identity and enable schools and conferences to more effectively explain why they prefer to compete in Division III, the NCAA's largest division, is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on their campuses and surrounding communities. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct a type of outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment, athletic experience or leadership-community service-campus involvement.
?Formally organized in 1955 and currently comprised of 12 select, private institutions -- Allegheny College, Bethany College, Chatham University, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Geneva College, Grove City College, Hiram College, Saint Vincent College, Thiel College, Washington & Jefferson College, Waynesburg University and Westminster College -- the PAC remains a unique organization in this day of high-pressure intercollegiate athletics, with academics at the center of each member's philosophy.
Founded in 1983, the North Coast Athletic Conference is made up of nine academically selective colleges and universities - Denison University, DePauw University, Hiram College, Kenyon College, Oberlin College, Ohio Wesleyan University, Wabash College, Wittenberg University and the College of Wooster, along with affiliate members, Allegheny College, Earlham College, Transylvania University and Washington & Jefferson (field hockey). The NCAC sponsors 23 championship sports, 11 for men and 12 for women.