COLONIA, NJ – The D'Youville athletic department has been named the ECC Cares Award recipient for raising the most money per student-athlete for collective causes, totaling $17,093.61.

"We are thrilled to have won the ECC Cares Award, and we are so excited for our student-athletes and their coaches to be recognized," said Kerri Brace, D'Youville Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Administration and SAAC Advisor. "D'Youville University emphasizes a mission of service and dedication to helping others, and our student-athletes live this in our community and beyond. The causes our teams choose to support and advocate for are with purpose, and we are so proud of how they represent the University through their platforms."

A bulk of D'Youville's funds raised were from the women's wrestling NICU Meat Raffle, totaling $11,700.00.

The DYU men's lacrosse program fundraised $4,389 through the Headstrong Foundation's Mustache Madness, Walk to End Alzheimer's, and Lung Cancer Awareness Game.

"Coach [Jack] Wilson often reminds us that Saints never refuse to serve, and that motivates our team to actively participate in events like the Headstrong Foundation's Mustache Madness and the Walk to End Alzheimer's," said D'Youville men's lacrosse senior Cameron Fogarty. "These events allow us to give back to the community while enjoying the company of our teammates. Participating in causes like these is important because it not only strengthens our team bond but also helps raise awareness and money for issues that affect many people's lives."

DYU saw further fundraising efforts from its women's basketball program's involvement in the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, SAAC's participation in the Make-A-Wish Volleyball Tournament, and the field hockey program's Breast Cancer Fundraiser Pink Game. 

The award comes with a $500 grant from the ECC to be used towards community efforts during the 2025-26 season.