NCAA Press Release Archive

« back to archive | Back to NCAA.org

NCAA Hall of Champions to Host Exhibit Celebrating Division II Student-Athletes and Administrators

For Immediate Release

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Contact(s)

Gail Dent
Associate Director of Public and Media Relations
317/917-6117


INDIANAPOLIS--- The NCAA Hall of Champions will host an exhibit this summer celebrating student-athletes, administrators and the accomplishments in one of its three membership divisions—Division II.   The Division II exhibit begins Friday, June 18, and runs through August in Indianapolis.

The exhibit coincides with a Division II Chancellors and Presidents Summit that takes place in Indianapolis this weekend.   The Division II exhibit in the Hall of Champions will include historical data, photos, kiosk trivia, accomplishments of current and former student-athletes, memorabilia, and will provide visitors with a closer look at how Division II fits in the NCAA academic and athletic landscape.

“The exhibit is a reflection of the student-athlete and the administrator achievements in Division II within the context of the uniqueness of the division,” said Damon Schoening, director of brand strategies and events and the NCAA Hall of Champions.   “This exhibit will be a great opportunity for visitors to see the excitement in Division II and to learn more about the important role it plays within the NCAA.”

The NCAA is a membership association of colleges and universities that are governed in three divisions—I, II and III.  Division II has 293 schools, which includes slightly more than 88,500 student-athletes who are pursuing an academic degree while competing in intercollegiate athletics.   Division II developed a creative expression  (“I Chose Division II”) several years ago as a part of the division’s overall effort to clearly define its position within intercollegiate athletics and build the resources to help the membership tell its story. What many learned through the effort was most Division II student-athletes chose to attend schools within that division due to the comprehensive learning opportunities through the academic curriculum, high-level athletic competition and service to community.

Division II has led the way in both academic and athletic firsts for the NCAA.   It initiated the NCAA national championships festival concept for its student-athletes in May 2004, which continues to be successful today.   Division II championships festivals are held at different locations throughout the U.S., featuring an Olympic-type theme where multiple NCAA sports gather in the same city to determine the national champions.   The next Division II championships festival will be held later this year, Nov. 30-Dec. 4, in Louisville.  Division II is also the only division that has NCAA member schools in Puerto Rico and Alaska, and it recently welcomed the Association’s first Canadian institution into the membership process—Simon Fraser University.  The Hall of Champions has a geographical map that shows where all Division II schools are located by state.

Division II has also donated funds in relief efforts for community engagement activities and to supplement scholarship funds.   It raised more than $1 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation; donated $1,000,000 for hurricane relief to support the NCAA’s Habitat for Humanity projects; and distributed more than $1,000,000 in diversity grants to institutions and conferences in an effort to hire more full-time athletics administrators and coaches.   The division also partnered with CBS College Sports Network to provide a national broadcast platform for its sports and student-athlete accomplishments.   

In addition to the focus on Division II achievements and history, the Hall of Champions will also have Division II apparel for sale.  Fifty percent of proceeds from the merchandise sales at the Hall of Champions will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

  

About the NCAA Hall of Champions

The NCAA Hall of Champions is a two-level 30,000-square foot facility that celebrates the academic and athletic experiences of current and former NCAA student-athletes.   The Hall of Champions features interactive exhibits, relevant artifacts and memorabilia, as well as photos and video that center on the 23 NCAA sports and 88 championships.   The Hall of Champions is located in downtown Indianapolis in White River State Park and serves as a meeting and event facility, but also as a public attraction.  It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.   Regular admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, senior citizens and students.   For more information, go to www.ncaahallofchampions.org or call 317/916-HALL.   For more information on the NCAA or Division II membership, go to www.ncaa.org and click on the left side bar under “About the NCAA.”