COLUMBUS, Ohio- The Great Midwest Athletic Conference is pleased to announce Cedarville University as the Great Midwest Community Engagement Award recipient. This is the second consecutive year the Yellow Jackets have claimed the Community Engagement Award since its inception in 2022.
 
The Community Engagement Award is an award conceptualized by the G-MAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The award recognizes an institution within the conference for its success in the community service hours and the impact the contributions have on the community.
 
The Yellow Jackets have completed over 7, 000 hours of community service during the 2025-26 academic year. Cedarville student-athletes across 15 different teams participated in a variety of events within the community ranging from organizing youth outreach clinics, to serving local food pantries. The Yellow Jackets most notable community engagement activity came from Operation Christmas Child, where student-athletes packed shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, and school supplies for local children in need. They spent over 300 hours packing 1,157 shoeboxes.
 
“Winning the 2026 G-MAC Community Engagement Award is a meaningful reflection of the heart of Cedarville Athletics,” said Cedarville Vice President for Athletics Chris Cross. “Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff understand that our greatest impact is not measured only by victories or championships, but by how faithfully we serve others and represent Christ in our community. As Matthew 5:16 reminds us, ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ We are grateful for this recognition and proud of the way our Yellow Jackets continue to use athletics as a platform for service, leadership, and eternal impact."
 
The award was presented to Cedarville’s SAAC members at the annual Great Midwest SAAC summit.