Erie, Pa. – Gannon University has been named one of just 26 schools nationwide as a finalist for the 2026 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 Make-A-Wish campaign, granting a wish for the seventh consecutive year. This marks the fourth time Gannon University has been selected for this honor. Gannon recently received recognition in 2025 for their PALS Camp collaboration, 2021 for "SERVE" and in 2019 for "Friday Night Lights."

For nearly a decade, Gannon University has made the Make-A-Wish Foundation a central and unifying tradition within its athletics community. Entering the 2025–26 academic year, Gannon will proudly host its eighth consecutive Wish Reveal, a testament to long-term commitment, student leadership, and a shared belief in using sport as a platform for meaningful impact.

Gannon University raised $14,339 for Make-A-Wish during the 2024–25 academic year, ranking second among all NCAA Division II institutions. That effort also contributed to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) finishing as Division II's top fundraising conference once again. Because of this sustained commitment, Gannon was selected as one of just 16 Division II institutions to host a Wish Reveal, providing a meaningful and celebratory moment for a child and family in the Make-A-Wish community.

"Gannon University's NCAA Award of Excellence is a fitting recognition of its longstanding commitment to Make-A-Wish," said PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray. "For years, Gannon has demonstrated how athletics can be a powerful force for good through its Wish Reveals and exceptional fundraising efforts. Their leadership exemplifies the values of the PSAC and our conference-wide partnership with Make-A-Wish, as we continue to annually rank among Division II's top conferences in total giving."

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 during the 2026 NCAA Convention.
 
For a complete list of finalists and the official NCAA announcement, please visit ncaa.org.