Clarksville, Ark.-The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee was recently honored as the University of the Ozarks Organization of the Year at the annual Student Leadership Awards Ceremony held Friday, May 2.

Organization of the Year is annually awarded by the university's student activities committee to the student group on campus that exemplifies the Ozarks mission by providing social, academic, convocational, or spiritual events to the student body.

SAAC has taken an active role in campus and community volunteer efforts this year under the leadership of President Whitney Lewis.

"We are honored SAAC received this honor," said Lewis. "To be recognized by the campus community is humbling. Every member in SAAC has contributed. We have worked hard and completed community service projects throughout the year. And, we have promoted school spirit at all Ozarks' events while being student-athlete ambassadors. I feel like our campus better understands SAAC and the NCAA Division III module. I am proud to have led this outstanding group of student-athletes. They truly have outstanding character and spirit."

SAAC's independent volunteer efforts this year included visiting a local elementary school where student-athletes spoke to children about the importance of a college education as well as having members speak in a special chapel service held during NCAA Division III Week.

The organization also sponsored a 1-Mile Fun Run over Easter weekend that was planned and coordinated by SAAC member Max Hilgendorf and participated in the American Southwest Conference's annual Make-A-Change drive by donating over 700 canned food items to Clarksville's Interfaith Service Network.

By Emily Black, Student Assistant for Sports Information