INDIANAPOLIS — Averett University's Department of Athletics was among 18 institutions nationally to receive an Award of Merit for community service from the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators and Jostens.

Averett was one of six Award of Merit recipients in the "One-Time Activity or Project" category for the 2016-17 academic year with its Special Olympics Fun Day event. Averett President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks and Director of Athletics Meg Stevens accepted the award at the NCAA Convention on Saturday in Indianapolis.

"I'm very proud of all our student-athletes and staff who participate in this annual event," Stevens said. "Our partnership with the Special Olympics as the hometown university and as a Division III institution really goes to show that student-athletes are going above and beyond in our community."

It is the second time Averett has earned an Award of Merit from NADIIIAA and Jostens. Averett also was recognized in 2016 in the "Array of Projects" category for the 2014-15 academic year.

Each of the selected institutions and conferences were recognized for the impressive community service projects performed by its student-athletes during the 2016-17 academic year. The awards program, established in 2001, is sponsored by the NADIIIAA and is intended to recognize the many contributions Division III student-athletes regularly make to their campuses and local communities. Recognition is given for projects in three categories: One Time Projects, An Array of Projects, and Ongoing Projects. In addition to the overall winners, six institutions received Award of Merit recognition within each category, along with eleven institutions that earned honorable mention status.