Erie, Pa. – Gannon University has been named one of just 22 schools nationwide as a finalist for the 2025 Division II Award of Excellence. This accolade recognizes initiatives from the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement, and student-athlete leadership.
 
The Golden Knights have earned the opportunity to represent the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference by demonstrating the significant impact of their PALS camp. This marks the third time Gannon University, under the leadership of Director of Athletics Lisa Goodard McGuirk, has been selected for this honor. Gannon recently received recognition in 2021 for "SERVE" and in 2019 for "Friday Night Lights."
 
PALS Camp, in collaboration with the Erie Police Athletic League, provides underserved youth with a chance to build connections with police officers through sports. The camp, which hosted more than 300 children, included various sporting events, social interactions, and educational sessions. Its goals were to reduce crime, promote positive character development, and improve children's educational outcomes.
 
Each finalist will receive $750. The winner will receive $3,000, the first runner-up will receive $1,750, and the second runner-up will receive $1,500. The prize money will support future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events.
 
Each year, Division II honors its members for conducting events that encourage student-athletes to give back and serve as leaders within their communities or on their campuses. A committee of athletics administrators determined this year's finalists, while the national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will select the top three finalists, who will be announced at the Division II business session on January 17 during the 2025 NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
 
For a complete list of finalists and the official NCAA announcement, please visit ncaa.org.