INDIANAPOLIS- Walsh University was announced as the 2026 Division II Award of Excellence winner Friday afternoon during the division’s business session at the NCAA convention in Washington D.C.
 
Walsh was honored for their “Cav Salute” initiative that benefitted veterans, active duty members, and local first responders in celebration of America’s 250^th birthday. Student-athletes wore local military patches on uniforms, hosted a Patriots Day Home Run Derby, and participated in a Veterans Day celebration as part of the initiative. The university’s football team also held a Salute to Service football game, where any veteran, active military, and first responder had access to complimentary entry, a Walsh Salute to Service t-shirt, lunch and the opportunity to connect with local veterans.
 
Over 750 Cavalier student-athletes participated in a variety of community engagement projects such as the Veteran Suicide Prevention Push-Up Challenge and volunteered at the Serving Area Military Center to help raise over $1,600 for local veteran organizations.
 
“Walsh University is honored to receive the 2026 Division II Award of Excellence for the ‘Cav Salute,’a tribute to America’s veterans,” said Vice President for Athletics Christina Paone. “This award recognizes the dedication of our student-athletes and the value we uphold every day at Walsh and across the NCAA.  We remain committed to developing men and women of character who, like our veterans, make a positive impact on and off the field. We thank the NCAA for this honor and accept it on behalf of our nation’s silent heroes.”
 
The Cavaliers became the conference’s first Award of Excellence winner after being named a finalist for eight straight years. Northwood University won the award in 2018 prior to becoming full-time G-MAC members.
 
The NCAA Division II Award of Excellence aims to highlight initiatives across campus that exemplify the Division II philosophy of community engagement and student-athlete leadership.
 
“This recognition reflects the very best of Division II. Walsh has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to excellence, service, and leadership, setting a standard that inspires not only our division but the broader collegiate community,” said Great Midwest Commissioner Tom Daeger. “The Great Midwest Athletic Conference is proud to represent an institution that so powerfully embodies the values of Division II.”
 
Walsh received $3,000 for future SAAC programming or community engagement events.
 
The full NCAA release can be found HERE.