ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Northern State University Athletic Department and United Way of Northeastern South Dakota are teaming up for the 24th Annual Day of Champions on Saturday, May 2.
The Day of Champions began in 2002 as a collaborative service initiative between Northern and the United Way. Since then, more than 3,400 NSU student-athletes have completed over 292 community projects, totaling more than 22,200 volunteer hours — a value of approximately $394,316 in donated labor.
This year, nearly 200 Wolves student-athletes, coaches and community leaders will volunteer at 20 host sites across Aberdeen and surrounding communities. The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast at Kessler's Champion Club in the Barnett Center, where participants will hear from NSU leadership and Aaron Schultz of United Way of Northeastern South Dakota. A group photo on the football field will follow at 7:55 a.m. before volunteers depart for their sites at 8 a.m. Workers will return to the Barnett Center for lunch at 11:45 a.m.
Projects include cleaning, landscaping, organizing and community outreach efforts benefiting the following organizations:
- Aberdeen Area Arts Council
- Aberdeen Area Humane Society
- Aberdeen Community Theatre
- Aberdeen Ride Line
- Aberdeen Senior Center
- Avera Mother Joseph Manor
- Avera St. Luke's Hospital
- Boys and Girls Club
- Freedom Church
- Groton Development Corp
- Journey Church
- Journey Home
- Safe Harbor
- Salvation Army
- Sanford Medical Center
- Senior Nutrition
- Westport Sacred Heart Parish
- YAPAtorium
- YMCA Youth Development Center
- YMCA Main Building
"Before these students graduate, we work to instill a sense of responsibility and engagement as a pillar of what living in a community is about," said Angie Cleberg, communications and impact coordinator at United Way of Northeastern South Dakota. "While 20 organizations will benefit from this day, the lessons will be a priceless addition to the wisdom of leadership NSU has instilled in these students."
This year's Day of Champions is sponsored by NSU Athletics, United Way of Northeastern South Dakota, 3M, Aberdeen Sertoma Club, Dacotah Bank, Eide Bailly, Jimmy John's, NSU Foundation, QQP, Target and Twist Cone.