ATLANTA – Allen University has been selected as the winner of the 2021-22 SIAC Citizenship Award presented by Georgia Power for its impact within the community during the 2021-22 academic year, as announced by the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Friday evening.
"It's quite remarkable what these student-athletes have been able to accomplish in the midst of ongoing pandemic conditions we've been faced with," said Jasher Cox, Director of Athletics at Allen University. "It's a real testament to the character and dedication from institutional leadership, our coaches, and athletes to demonstrate how important community engagement is. The impact and examples they set are truly immeasurable."
Student-athletes around the conference, through their Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) programs, competed all year to acquire points by completing community service projects and other initiatives on their campus and in their community.
The SIAC, whose goal is to empower surrounding communities, launched the SIAC Citizenship Award to annually recognize athletic departments that best exemplify the spirit of community and demonstrate values of volunteer community service and engagement.
In a continuing effort to recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes beyond the field of competition, Allen University was recognized for their community outreach efforts with Northeast YMCA, Special Olympics, and Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity, among others. These partnerships helped fuse the connection between the campus and its surrounding community. During the 2021-22 academic year, Allen also raised nearly $500 as part of the NCAA's ongoing partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit that helps fulfill the wishes of children with a critical illnesses.
Previous SIAC Citizenship Award Winners
2021-22 Citizenship Award Winner: Allen
2020-21 Citizenship Award Winner: n/a*
2019-20 Citizenship Award Winner: Morehouse
2018-19 Citizenship Award Winner: Morehouse
2017-18 Citizenship Award Winner: Clark Atlanta
2016-17 Citizenship Award Winner: Spring Hill
2015-16 Citizenship Award Winner: Albany State
*Due to the continued pandemic, no conference contests nor championship events were conducted during the 2020-2021 academic year.
