MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) is one of 22 universities named finalists for the 2023 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence, an award that recognizes events which promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities and on their campuses.

WOU was nominated for the award in recognition of the partnership between Wolves Athletics and Abby’s House, the campus Center for Equity and Gender Justice. “Athletics partnering with Abby’s House in any capacity is always helpful for the work we do. It’s important to have  student-athletes show they care about our work because it gives us a larger platform and sends more students our way to obtain resources.” WOU student Abigail Sprout said. 

In April, WOU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee teamed up with Abby’s House to promote on-campus resources during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. SAAC, using social media platforms to share and promote events hosted by Abby’s House during April, encouraged student-athletes to get involved. 

“I love the relationship we’ve built between Abby’s House and Athletics.I am so proud of the work we’ve done together.” WOU Director of Abby’s House Kristen Perry said. “We’ve built up our relationship even more since last April, and I’m excited to see what else we can accomplish together.”

WOU Athletics and Abby’s House have continued working together this year by teaming up to provide information and resources about domestic violence and stalker awareness. 

“We are fortunate to have a center on campus that informs people about these disturbing issues in our society and provides amazing resources to our campus community,” WOU Director of Athletics Randi Lydum said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Abby’s House.”

The NCAA Division II committee of athletic administrators determined this year’s finalists by selecting one finalist per D-II conference. Each finalist receives $500, with the intention of the money being used for future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events. The winner will receive $2,500, the first runner-up $1,250 and the second runner-up $1,000.

Media contact

Brittany Kima, PIO
Marketing & Communication
kimab@wou.edu