Division II schools have a history of connecting with their communities through campus events, especially athletics. Division II’s recent emphasis on community engagement has produced a Web site (diicommunity.org) that lets institutions share their community success stories and notify peers about upcoming events that put Division II institutions at the heart of their communities.
Following is a sample of those success stories:

Take a Kid to a Game
Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Football student-athletes and coaches hosted more than 80 youths for an hour of fun, instruction and autographs a day before the Javelinas took on Eastern New Mexico University.

“It’s good to get young kids involved in Javelina athletics,” said Texas A&M-Kingsville head football coach Bo Atterberry. “Our players get to see these kids out here having fun and playing — and that’s what we want our players to do during the game.”

David Garza, who threw a school-record five touchdown passes in the Javelinas’ 38-35 win the next night, enjoyed being involved in an activity he wishes he had access to as a youngster growing up in Laredo.

“When I was a little kid I idolized the quarterbacks in my town. I always wanted to meet them, but never got a chance. It’s awesome to get to meet these kids and work with them,” he said.

Texas A&M-Kingsville graduate Dina Hinojosa enjoyed watching her kids Derrick and Victoria having fun with the Javelina players, too.

“We are huge Javelina fans. This is awesome and I know my kids are having a good time.”

The athletics department promoted the free clinic through the Kingsville Boys and Girls Club and local school districts.

“You always want to help kids who can’t afford to do things on their own without the help of others,” said Garza. “It’s a way for us to give back to the community.”

‘Tough Enough to Wear Pink’
Fort Lewis College

Fort Lewis College soccer players teamed with the Durango tourism department for a “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” day at the men’s and women’s games against Colorado School of Mines.

The student-athletes designed the event to benefit two causes. Fort Lewis President Brad Bartel, who has championed community engagement during his tenure, was diagnosed with multiple myelona during the summer. At the same time, the community medical center, Mercy Regional Medical Center, announced a “Yes, Ma’am” campaign to raise funds for a new Breast Cancer Care Center that will serve the region.

The event coincided with longtime Fort Lewis soccer philanthropist Martin Dirks, for whom the college’s soccer field is named, pledging $10,000 and $50 per goal this season for both men’s and women’s soccer, with the proceeds benefiting the “Yes Ma’am” campaign in the name of President Bartel.

On game day, the teams warmed up in specially designed pink warm-ups that were later auctioned for the benefit of the Breast Cancer Care Center. One of the warm-ups was autographed by USA National Team star Brandi Chastain.

Fans wearing pink received a significant discount to attend the games.

Fort Lewis and Mercy Regional Medical Center officials said the event raised about $20,000 in gifts and pledges.