2018 NCAA Award of Excellence Finalists

Courtesy of Northwood University Athletic Communications

MIDLAND, MICH. -- Northwood University has been announced as one of 19 finalists for the 2018 NCAA Award of Excellence.

The award is given to a school recognizing campus and community engagement efforts over the past year. One school from each conference in Division II were named finalists - Northwood was named from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Northwood was recognized for the annual "Go M.A.D. Day," which took place November 3-4, 2017. The community-service based event featured 347 student-athletes across all 18 Northwood varsity sports helping out throughout the Midland community. From across the University 796 students, faculty, staff, and coaches were involved, performing over 2,100 hours of service. The event has grown to the point where members of the Midland community now take part as well

A committee of athletics administrators determined this year's finalists, and the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will select the national winner, which will be announced during the Division II business session at the 2018 NCAA Convention Jan. 20 in Indianapolis.

Each finalist will receive $500. The winner will receive $1,500 and a nationally televised football or basketball game during the 2018-19 season. The first runner-up will receive $1,250, and the second runner-up will receive $1,000. All prize money is intended to be used for future community engagement activities.