CLEVELAND, Ohio – The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the Fiesta Bowl have selected Maryland as one of three finalists for the inaugural Community Service Award. The announcement was made at the 52nd Annual NACDA Convention in Orlando, Florida.

"We are humbled to be recognized by the Fiesta Bowl and NACDA as a finalist for the inaugural Community Service Award," said Associate AD for Administration Kristen Brown. "Our student-athletes and staff take great pride in the vision of the Share the Shell program and are committed to making a positive impact on campus, Prince George's County, the cities of Baltimore and Washington D.C. and beyond. Congratulations to all of the nominees, especially to our fellow finalists, East Carolina University and Florida Gulf Coast University, for the work they have done in their respective communities."  

The Community Service Award will be presented in the fall, at an on-campus event hosted by the winning institution. The award was designed to recognize NACDA member institutions in Division I, honoring exceptional athletics departments that make volunteerism and community service a way of life. A five-person committee consisting of athletics directors across the country and representatives from the Fiesta Bowl and NACDA will help choose this year's award winner.

In addition to Maryland, East Carolina and Florida Gulf Coast were also named finalists for the honor.

On October 22, 2016, and in conjunction with National "Make a Difference Day", Maryland Athletics launched the Share the Shell community outreach program, which was created to further develop the outreach and community service activities performed by Maryland student-athletes and staff.

The program was established around four pillars -- Health & Wellness, Civic Engagement, Education & Literacy, and Leadership & Mentoring -- that provide unique opportunities for student-athletes and staff to engage with the surrounding communities as well as develop new relationships and invigorate Maryland Pride. Lastly, the program provides service opportunities that help our student-athletes to develop leadership and personal development skills.

-Terps-