FRISCO, Texas – New Orleans Athletics earned the Southland Strong Community Service Award for the 2019-20 year. Southland Conference Commissioner Tom Burnett announced the winners and the full video will be released in conjunction with the Southland Virtual Awards Ceremony tonight at 5 p.m. The Awards Ceremony will be on the league's Facebook Live.
Per the league, The Southland Strong Community Service Award is presented to the institution whose Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) exhibited exceptional community service.
The Privateers – who led NCAA Division I in overall community service hours (Helper Helper) – created #NOLAsTeam is Blessed to Be a Blessing. Partnering with a local non-profit (Blessed to be a Blessing), New Orleans packed and donated 504
Blessing Bags to the homeless. The bags contained water, snacks, toiletries, socks and a hand-written inspirational note. Administration, coaches and over 150 student-athletes participated in the community service efforts.
TIM DUNCAN – DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
"What an honor for #NOLAsTeam to receive this outstanding recognition from the Southland Conference. I'm so proud of our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, student-athletes, coaches and staff that embody the true spirit of service we preach. We will continue to invest and give back and represent for our University and the New Orleans community."
NICOLE BROUSSARD – 2019-20 SAAC PRESIDENT
"You never know where people come from and their story. It was humbling to see the appreciation they had for us. I hope it has a lasting impact on them at this university."
DAMION ROSSER – 2019-20 SAAC VICE PRESIDENT
"We came together to pack and distribute 504 bags to those in need. Why 504? It represents New Orleans."
DEONNE BEARD – NEW ORLEANS MISSION VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
"It's invaluable for the community to come together because it is sharing hope and encouragement to those that need it. It is about reaching out to the next person and having an impact on others."
ELIZA EUGENE – FOUNDER, BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
"It is truly a blessing to give back to the less fortunate in our community. Thank you to the New Orleans Athletic Department, specifically the student-athletes, for their community service."
KIRSTEN ELLEBY – ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR STUDENT-ATHLETE ENRICHMENT/SWA
"I'm thrilled and proud that #NOLAsTeam was crowned the winner of the Southland Strong Community Service Award. Our SAAC, led by
Nicole Broussard, was rather intentional in selecting and coordinating a project for a cause that was near and dear to the 504. It was powerful for all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff to collaborate with 'Blessed to Be a Blessing' and give back to our local community in such a meaningful and heartfelt way."
JULIE BOUDWIN – OWNER, BAYOU VIDEO PRODUCTIONS
"I was honored to be asked to help put together such a moving video that showcases how hands-on the Privateer student-athletes are within the New Orleans community. I look forward to future projects with the athletic department."
SAAC worked with the digital office –
Kelvin Queliz,
Matthew Schaefer,
Emmanuel Pepis,
Chip Merritt and
Shane Banegas – and with
Julie Boudwin, owner of Bayou Video Productions.
KELVIN QUELIZ – ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS & NEW MEDIA
"Witnessing the impact giving back to the community had on our student-athletes was humbling. Not every 18-22-year-old understands the importance of helping the less fortunate and it speaks to the type of students we have representing #NOLAsTeam. We also want to thank Julie for all of her hard work in visualizing SAAC's community service efforts."
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow
@UNOPrivateers on Twitter,
@UNOPrivateers on Instagram, like
/UNOPrivateers on Facebook and subscribe to the
UNOPrivateers YouTube channel.
