PHOENIX – Widener Athletics has been named an honorable mention for the 2024 NCAA Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) Award for Diversity and Inclusion.

Widener was one of the top performers across all of the NCAA's three divisions with 80 submissions being considered. The Division I recipient was the University of Kansas. Division II was represented by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
 
Director of Athletics Jack Shafer was Widener's representative at the NCAA Convention in Phoenix, Ariz. earlier this month. Shafer mentioned that this was the first time the NCAA opened Convention with a Welcome and Award Presentation. "I am grateful to receive this award on behalf of Widener," said Shafer. "It is humbling to be recognized for the work being done for our student-athletes and staff, not only within athletics, but the entire Widener campus. To be represented among the top institutions that are taking initiative in this work for their student-athletes is something to be proud of. We (Widener Athletics) are fortunate to be nationally recognized in our work for diversity and inclusion for our student-athletes and staff."

According to the NCAA's website, "The award represents a partnership formed by the NCAA and the Minority Opportunities Athletics Association to recognize and celebrate the initiatives, policies and practices of schools and offices that embrace diversity and inclusion across the intercollegiate athletics community."

Award eligibility is determined through leadership, infrastructure, evaluation and assessment, education, and collaboration.

Some examples of these traits include, but are not limited to, "providing mentoring opportunities and/or programming internally or externally" and "fostering an environment that celebrates differences."

Associate Director of Athletics Larissa Gillespie has been a crucial part of Widener Athletics' strive for diversity and inclusivity. Gillespie said, "it is an honor to be recognized as the Division III recipient for the NCAA MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion." Gillespie's work with the health and well-being of everyone within the department has been shown through the new addition of the H.U.B. and the Ladipo Group. Breathe has also taken a front burner for the entire Widener community. "Collaborating with campus partners and inclusion consultants has been challenging but rewarding. We have been able to advocate for mental health awareness, provide resources and educational opportunities for our student-athletes and staff. The entire athletic department staff and student-athletes participate in monthly interactive workshops to continue to create a culture that fosters a sense of community and belonging."

Widener Athletics has used an array of methods to not only support diversity and inclusion, but mental health as well. These include Breathe, the H.U.B., and the Ladipo Group. Breathe, originally a capstone project, aims to promote students' mental health and gives access to mental health services. The H.U.B. is a safe space for student-athletes to relax and unwind in the Schwartz Center. Finally, the Ladipo Group is a Black-owned company dedicated to the mental health and emotional wellness of the African-American community. It facilitated multiple workshops for Widener student-athletes and coaches.

To read more about this award on the NCAA's website, click the link at the top of the article.