University of Rio Grande Honored as NAIA Champions of Character

Article Presented By Hanes Total Healthcare Center…

(Kansas City) – The University of Rio Grande is one of 209 NAIA institutions to be named Champions of Character Five-Star Award winners for 2023-24. Rio Grande, which has been honored in every year except for 2020-21 since the program began in 2000, was a Silver Award recipient.

The Champions of Character Scorecard measures a commitment to character training, academic focus, character promotion, conduct in competition, and character recognition on a scale of 0-100 points. Award levels are based on the number of points earned – gold (90-100 points), silver (75-89 points) and bronze (60-74 points).

“Our student-athletes and coaches had another strong year in developing and exhibiting character,” said Rio Grande athletic director Jeff Lanham. “Our coaching staff demonstrates a commitment to Champions of Character in pursuing character-driven athletics”.

The River States Conference, of which Rio Grande is a member, was among those recognized as a Champions of Character Five-Star Conference.

Other RSC members who were recognized include Indiana University Columbus, Indiana University East, Indiana University Kokomo, Indiana University Southeast, Midway University, Oakland City University, Ohio Christian University and St. Mary-of-the-Woods College at the Gold level; the trio of Alice Lloyd College, Brescia University and West Virginia University-Tech at the Silver level; and Shawnee State University at the Bronze level.