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Roberts Wesleyan Makes NCAA History as First Three-Time Winner of Division II Excellence Award
Announced at NCAA Convention in Nashville this morning; University recognized for community engagement and student-athlete leadership
Roberts Wesleyan University’s Athletic Department made NCAA history today when it became the first three-time winner of the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence. It was announced this morning at the NCAA Convention in Nashville. Roberts was one of 22 institutions and four conferences selected as finalists for the honor, an accolade recognizing initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy of community engagement and student-athlete leadership.
"Our student-athletes have inspired the entire Roberts Wesleyan community through their dedication to serving others, particularly in volunteering and organizing Pirate Toy Fund drives for children in need throughout Greater Rochester," said Roberts Wesleyan University President Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr. "Through initiatives like Redhawks Reachout, we're fostering a culture where Roberts Wesleyan student-athletes understand their unique position to create meaningful change and spread happiness to children in our community."
Roberts became the first repeat winner of the award when it was recognized for its long-time association with The Pirate Toy Fund, which has donated more than 400,000 toys to Rochester-area children since 1995. In 2024, Roberts Wesleyan’s community of student-athletes, coaches and staff contributed over 300 service hours to the Pirate Toy Fund in 2024. Their support ranged from hands-on work, establishing a new warehouse, sorting donations and organizing community events. These combined efforts strengthened the Toy Fund's capacity to fulfill its mission: bringing joy to children in need throughout the Greater Rochester area.
“Knowing that our student-athletes and the athletic department is so closely involved with this program through our Redhawks Reach Out initiative makes me extremely proud,” Bob Segave, Executive Director of Athletics said.
With the award, Roberts won a $3,000 prize. The University dedicated their award nomination to honor the memory of Gary Smith known warmly as “Gary The Happy Pirate,” who co-founded the fund and passed away in July 2024.
Gary Smith as “Gary the Happy Pirate,” Photo credit: Pirate Toy Fund
“The Pirate To Fund is an organization that is near and dear to my heart,” Bob Segave, Executive Director of Athletics said. “Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they receive a toy is a feeling that you do not forget, and knowing that our student-athletes and the athletic department is so closely involved with this program through our Redhawks Reach Out initiative makes me extremely proud.”
Roberts Wesleyan has earned multiple recognitions from the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee since the award's establishment 12 years ago. In 2021, the university won first place for its work with Golisano Children's Hospital. In 2023 they placed third for the inaugural meal-packing event for Rise Against Hunger, and in 2024, Roberts earned first place again for the Redhawks work with the Ugandan Water Project.
Watch the Redhawks Reach Out: Pirate Toy Fund video
For more information about Roberts Wesleyan University athletics, visit robertsredhawks.com.