NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The University of North Georgia's Operation Nighthawks of Honor initiative was announced as the overall winner of the 2017 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence, an accolade recognizing positive campus and community engagement events hosted during the past year. The announcement was made during the NCAA Division II Business Session at the 2017 NCAA Convention on Jan. 21 in Nashville, Tennessee.
North Georgia receives $1,500 and a nationally televised basketball game during the 2017-18 season.
"Winning the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence speaks volumes to our student-athletes' commitment to service and their respect for those that have honorably served our country," stated UNG athletic director Lindsay Reeves. "Operation Nighthawks of Honor holds a special place in the hearts of our UNG community because it is a student-led initiative that pays specific respect to our institution's military heritage and sacrifice. It is a testament to the tireless work that both our student-athletes and staff puts forth and the tremendous value that the Nighthawk Nation places on supporting our military."
On hand to accept the award for UNG was President Dr. Bonita Jacobs, Athletic Director Lindsay Reeves and student-athlete Hannah Peevy.
On the 14th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States, the Nighthawk Athletics announced a perpetual military initiative called Operation Nighthawks of Honor where each of the department's sports teams will annually celebrate the men and women of our military who have bravely served or are serving our country, paying specific tribute to service members that have a distinct connection to UNG.
One of only six federally designated senior military colleges in the nation, UNG carries the distinction of The Military College of Georgia and its nationally recognized Army ROTC program attracts students from across the state, region and nation.
Each of the department's 13 sports teams was assigned a North Georgia graduate or former student killed in action while serving the country. The teams commemorated their service members all season.
At the end of the season, memorabilia used to honor the fallen soldiers is sold in an online auction, with the all of the proceeds supporting the UNG Boar's Head Brigade Corps of Cadets Endowment Fund.
Each year, Division II selects one finalist from each conference and one independent representative to be recognized for events that exemplify any of the six Division II attributes: learning, balance, resourcefulness, sportsmanship, passion and service.
