Aug. 2, 2010

Link to Full NCAA Story

UMass Lowell’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, after raising $11,332 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation this academic year, was recognized as the second-highest grossing SAAC in NCAA Division II ranks. Overall, Division II SAAC contributed $407,638 to the Foundation, which is the highest amount in the seven-year relationship with the Foundation.

The River Hawks were bested by Dowling, which raised $15,872.24, but raised almost double the third-place school, Pittsburgh-Johnstown, with $6,746.

During the seven year partnership between Division II SAAC and Make-A-Wish, over $1.5 million has been donated to the worthy cause. In its first year (2003-04), the donation for all Division II SAAC was $49,957, a number that has increased nearly tenfold over the past seven years.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way our Athletic Department has embraced the Make-A-Wish initiative over the years,” Senior Associate Athletic Director and SAAC Advisor, Joan Lehoullier said. “It has been a total team effort driven by our dedicated group of SAAC committee members. Not only do they raise significant dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but also for other local charities and causes in our community.”

UMass Lowell’s SAAC saw its most successful event in the organization’s history, with its Annual Bowling for Wishes Tournament held in March. The River Hawks combined with faculty, staff, varsity teams and clubs to raise in excess of $8,000 in a single night.

Throughout the year, SAAC raises money by volunteering time at home hockey games, putting on the Annual Rowdy’s Kid’s Night Out and other activities in the campus and Lowell community.

UMass Lowell’s SAAC is committee of student-athletes that meet regularly and plan events to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting leadership opportunities, protecting student-athlete welfare, fostering a positive student-athlete image and providing educational and community service opportunities.