Athletics Among Top 5 Finalists For 2026 Community Service Award
May 26 | General
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers Athletics is one of five finalists for the 2026 Community Service Award, presented by the Fiesta Bowl as announced by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
Now in its 10th year, the Community Service Award was designed to recognize NACDA member institutions in Division I honoring exceptional athletics departments that prioritize volunteerism and community service.
At the direction of Scarlet Knights For Life and the Office of Student-Athlete Development and Success, Rutgers has continued to distinguish itself through a deeply rooted, relationship-based approach to community service that moves beyond one-time volunteerism and toward sustained, mutually beneficial partnerships. Central to this evolution has been the program's intentional collaboration with key community organizations, resulting in direct and ongoing relationships that have transformed service into a model of best practice.
The Scarlet Knights have supported a wide range of organizations, including volunteerism with kids with special needs through Saturdays In Motion and Special Olympics and assisting food-insecure communities through Elijah's Promise, Replenish, Rutgers Food Pantry and America's Grow-a-Row.
The nominees will be narrowed down to the top 3 on June 2 with the winner of the 2026 Community Service Award announced at the annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on June 9. A $25,000 Fiesta Bowl Legacy Grant will be awarded to the winning institution.
Now in its 10th year, the Community Service Award was designed to recognize NACDA member institutions in Division I honoring exceptional athletics departments that prioritize volunteerism and community service.
At the direction of Scarlet Knights For Life and the Office of Student-Athlete Development and Success, Rutgers has continued to distinguish itself through a deeply rooted, relationship-based approach to community service that moves beyond one-time volunteerism and toward sustained, mutually beneficial partnerships. Central to this evolution has been the program's intentional collaboration with key community organizations, resulting in direct and ongoing relationships that have transformed service into a model of best practice.
The Scarlet Knights have supported a wide range of organizations, including volunteerism with kids with special needs through Saturdays In Motion and Special Olympics and assisting food-insecure communities through Elijah's Promise, Replenish, Rutgers Food Pantry and America's Grow-a-Row.
The nominees will be narrowed down to the top 3 on June 2 with the winner of the 2026 Community Service Award announced at the annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on June 9. A $25,000 Fiesta Bowl Legacy Grant will be awarded to the winning institution.
Rutgers Softball's 2026 Greatest Hits
Wednesday, May 27
The Scarlet Table Episode 2
Thursday, May 21
Rutgers Women's Rowing 2026 Big Ten Championship Highlights
Wednesday, May 20
Rutgers Baseball at Northwestern Highlights | 5/16/2026
Saturday, May 16
