Tulane Athletics Named Top 10 Finalist for 2026 NACDA Community Service Award
May 20, 2026 | General, SAAC
NEW ORLEANS – The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) has announced Tulane Athletics as one of its 10 finalists for its prestigious 2026 Community Service Award, presented by the Fiesta Bowl. This recognition highlights Tulane's ongoing commitment to community outreach, volunteerism, and making a positive impact beyond the playing field.
The Green Wave, fresh off its third consecutive American Conference SAAC Cup title—an award recognizing outstanding community service efforts (which also includes attending other teams' competitions, SAAC meetings and events, etc.)—has logged nearly 7,000 hours of outreach during the 2025-26 school year. Thirty-eight (38) Tulane student-athletes are also currently completing their annual study abroad trip, this year to Greece, further exemplifying their commitment to service and global engagement.
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the NACDA Community Service Award honors Division I college athletics departments that exemplify exceptional dedication to community service. Sponsored by the Fiesta Bowl and organized by NACDA, this award recognizes institutions that demonstrate compassion, leadership, and a strong sense of responsibility in addressing community issues through selfless contributions and volunteer efforts.
NACDA names its finalists in multiple rounds. Last year, when the organization named its final three, the Green Wave earned that distinction alongside Boston College and Western Michigan.
The finalists have demonstrated a consistent commitment to service during the 2025-26 academic year, exemplifying the highest standards of community engagement. The winning institution will be celebrated at the 2026 NACDA & Affiliates Convention in Las Vegas, where the award winner will be announced live on June 9, at 3 p.m. CT, during the Association-Wide Featured Session. Additionally, the winning school will receive a $25,000 Fiesta Bowl Legacy Grant and an on-campus presentation of the trophy later this year.
Tulane's inclusion among the top ten finalists underscores the university's dedication to fostering a culture of service and community involvement that extends beyond athletics. The department's efforts reflect a deep-rooted belief in using the platform of college sports to connect citizens, support local initiatives, and address broader societal challenges.
"We are incredibly honored to be named a finalist for the NACDA Community Service Award," said Tulane's Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair David Harris. "This recognition reflects our student-athletes' dedication to service and the vibrant culture of giving back that defines Tulane Athletics. We are proud of their efforts to make a meaningful difference in our community."
The other finalists for this year's award include Arizona, Boise State, Florida State, Gonzaga, Northern Illinois, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.
ABOUT NACDA
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) is dedicated to providing professional development opportunities and recognition for college sports administrators. The NACDA Community Service Award, presented by Fiesta Bowl, celebrates the remarkable efforts of NCAA Division I athletics programs in strengthening their communities.
ABOUT Fiesta Bowl
The Fiesta Bowl and its Fiesta Sports Foundation have a long-standing reputation for supporting community initiatives and fostering positive change through sports.
GREEN WAVE CLUB
Giving to the Green Wave Club provides Tulane Athletics with the resources student‑athletes need to excel in competition and in the classroom. Your support directly improves the lives of current and future Green Wave student‑athletes and enhances Tulane's competitiveness in intercollegiate athletics. Make a gift today by calling (504) 865‑5356, emailing greenwaveclub@tulane.edu, or visiting GreenWaveClub.com.
The Green Wave, fresh off its third consecutive American Conference SAAC Cup title—an award recognizing outstanding community service efforts (which also includes attending other teams' competitions, SAAC meetings and events, etc.)—has logged nearly 7,000 hours of outreach during the 2025-26 school year. Thirty-eight (38) Tulane student-athletes are also currently completing their annual study abroad trip, this year to Greece, further exemplifying their commitment to service and global engagement.
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the NACDA Community Service Award honors Division I college athletics departments that exemplify exceptional dedication to community service. Sponsored by the Fiesta Bowl and organized by NACDA, this award recognizes institutions that demonstrate compassion, leadership, and a strong sense of responsibility in addressing community issues through selfless contributions and volunteer efforts.
NACDA names its finalists in multiple rounds. Last year, when the organization named its final three, the Green Wave earned that distinction alongside Boston College and Western Michigan.
The finalists have demonstrated a consistent commitment to service during the 2025-26 academic year, exemplifying the highest standards of community engagement. The winning institution will be celebrated at the 2026 NACDA & Affiliates Convention in Las Vegas, where the award winner will be announced live on June 9, at 3 p.m. CT, during the Association-Wide Featured Session. Additionally, the winning school will receive a $25,000 Fiesta Bowl Legacy Grant and an on-campus presentation of the trophy later this year.
Tulane's inclusion among the top ten finalists underscores the university's dedication to fostering a culture of service and community involvement that extends beyond athletics. The department's efforts reflect a deep-rooted belief in using the platform of college sports to connect citizens, support local initiatives, and address broader societal challenges.
"We are incredibly honored to be named a finalist for the NACDA Community Service Award," said Tulane's Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair David Harris. "This recognition reflects our student-athletes' dedication to service and the vibrant culture of giving back that defines Tulane Athletics. We are proud of their efforts to make a meaningful difference in our community."
The other finalists for this year's award include Arizona, Boise State, Florida State, Gonzaga, Northern Illinois, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.
ABOUT NACDA
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) is dedicated to providing professional development opportunities and recognition for college sports administrators. The NACDA Community Service Award, presented by Fiesta Bowl, celebrates the remarkable efforts of NCAA Division I athletics programs in strengthening their communities.
ABOUT Fiesta Bowl
The Fiesta Bowl and its Fiesta Sports Foundation have a long-standing reputation for supporting community initiatives and fostering positive change through sports.
GREEN WAVE CLUB
Giving to the Green Wave Club provides Tulane Athletics with the resources student‑athletes need to excel in competition and in the classroom. Your support directly improves the lives of current and future Green Wave student‑athletes and enhances Tulane's competitiveness in intercollegiate athletics. Make a gift today by calling (504) 865‑5356, emailing greenwaveclub@tulane.edu, or visiting GreenWaveClub.com.
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