The exhibit includes Division III trivia, memorabilia and a display honoring well-known and high performing current and former Division III student-athletes, including former astronaut and retired senator John Glenn (Muskingum College/football and basketball); seven-time Grammy winner Al Jarreau (Ripon College/basketball); former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan (Macalester College/track&field); and two-time winner of the Boston Marathon, U.S. gold medalist  and author Joan Benoit Samuelson (Bowoin College, track & field).

The NCAA is made up of three membership classifications--Divisions I, II and III.   Each division creates its own rules that govern administrators, amateurism, recruiting, eligibility, benefits, financial aid, and playing and practice seasons – consistent with the overall governing principles of the NCAA. 

Division III is the largest division with 447 member schools and there are more than 163,000 student-athletes competing in Division III sports nationwide. 

While one of the commonly discussed differences between Division I, II and III is Division III does not offer financial aid to student-athletes based on their athletic ability, performance, leadership or participation, 75 percent of all DIII student-athletes receive some form of grant or non-athletic scholarship. Student-athletes have equal opportunity and access to financial aid as the general student body.

Division III places high emphasis on the educational experience and the successful completion of all students’ academic programs. It seeks to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletics activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete’s educational experience, and in which coaches play a significant role as educators.  

The Hall of Champions also displays a national map that indicates where Division III schools are located nationwide.   Division III has also worked on a strategic identity campaign in recent years in order to promote its values, its mission and existing opportunities for students who want to continue athletics competition while earning a college degree.  

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 III membership, go to www.ncaa.org and click on the left side bar under “About the NCAA.”