The Bears Make NCAA Top Ten for Community Service

Pictured: NYIT student-athletes participated in the Polar Bear Plunge to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation on Super Bowl Sunday, February 4, 2018.

NYIT student-athletes are among the most generous in the NCAA when it comes to giving their time for community service.

The NCAA ranked NYIT Athletics ninth in Division II for the 2017-2018 academic year based on a formula that takes into account hours contributed and the participation rate.

NYIT student-athletes took part in the Polar Plunge to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the men’s lacrosse team helped clean the banks of Lake Ronkonkoma, women’s lacrosse participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention, volleyball participated in Relay for Life, and baseball pitched in with the League of Yes to help youth and adults with disabilities play the sport.

“I am thrilled with the dedication of our student-athletes in serving our community,” said Gail Wasmus, head volleyball coach and associate athletic director, who spearheads the department’s volunteer efforts. “Increasing the service from completing 1,400 hours in 2016-2017 to 3,200 hours in 2017-2018 is quite an accomplishment. I look forward to reaching new heights this upcoming academic year.”

Georgian Court ranked number 1 in D-II, followed by Arkansas Tech, Georgia Southwestern State, Wayne State, Dominican (Calif.), Roberts Wesleyan, St. Cloud State, Converse, NYIT, and Texas Woman’s University rounding out the top 10.