The following is a summary of Division I news from the week of December 1-5.

•         Big East Associate Commissioner Joe D’Antonio, chair of the Legislative Council, is a gifted communicator. He relishes the chance to lead the new Division I governance body as it dissects proposed legislation. Read more about D’Antonio here.

•         The Missouri Valley Conference is adding two affiliate members for men’s soccer, beginning with the 2009-10 season. The new additions are Southern Illinois Edwardsville and Central Arkansas.

•         The Big Ten Conference created a new award to honor the academic achievement of its student-athletes. The Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award will be given for the first time next summer.

•         The Southland Conference produced several milestones over the holiday break, including Texas-San Antonio’s 400^th  men’s basketball program victory and Northwestern State men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy’s 500^th career win.