River States Conference

As a new member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Indiana University East has embraced the NAIA's Champions of Character Initiative. The IU East athletic teams have recently volunteered during two events to help the community.

The Champions of Character's initiative encourages outreach activities and is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide practical tools for student-athletes, coaches and parents to use in modeling exemplary character traits.

Mark Hester, athletic director and men's basketball coach, said the Pioneers have set a high standard for giving back to the community.

"By being a part of the NAIA and participating in the Champions of Character program, we allow our student-athletes the opportunity to give back to the community that supports them. More importantly, it promotes selflessness and shows them that they are a part of something greater than a college athletic program," Hester said.

Men's basketball player Buster Voils said he has volunteered his time to thank the community. "It was a great chance for us to give back to the community that has been so supportive of us. It also allows us to pick up even more fans along the way," Voils said.

The teams volunteered during the IU East Fall Family Festival on October 26. The festival was presented by the Office of Campus Life and was a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating with games, candy and prizes for children.

The student-athletes continued to volunteer their time on November 10 to the 61^st annual YMCA Christmas tree sale, the YMCA's biggest fundraiser to benefit its programs.

Dave Stidham, YMCA board vice president, said the athletic department is making a statement that it supports the community by its volunteer service. "The volunteer hours these young men and women provide to the community is very gratifying," Stidham said.

The IU East Athletic Department will continue to develop new volunteer opportunities for its student-athletes in the future. "This is just the beginning," said Hester. "Being visible in the community and helping to make a difference in the community are things that our coaches and student-athletes really value."