College Sports Information Directors of America

Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to individuals who have served at least 25 years in the athletics communications profession (as of July 2025) who are retiring or leaving the profession. Years of service vetted by the Special Awards Committee. 

Donny Nadeau — Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (MN) (retired)

Donny Nadeau spent his entire 29-year career in athletic communications at his alma mater, NCAA Division III Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Deemed "Mr. Cardinal" by many inside and outside the Saint Mary's community, Nadeau's impact was far-reaching.

He retired in September 2024 after his distinguished career, going into retirement early as he continues to fight a battle against the progression of Choroideremia, a degenerative eye disease.

Nadeau was inducted into the Saint Mary's Sports Hall of Fame in March 2021.

Nadeau received his CSC 25-Year Award in 2020 and was recognized for his storytelling and writing in the CSC Fred S. Stabley Writing Contest, earning several district honors for event coverage and athlete profiles.

Among other top honors, he received the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC)'s Distinguished Service Award and the Mike Augustin Award (an acknowledgement from his peers) in 2011 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to MIAC athletic programs and student-athletes. In his tenure, he was a member of MIAC Player of the Week selection committees.

On campus, he received the prestigious Saint Mary's Bishop Patrick Heffron Award in 2014, which is presented to an employee who has contributed positively to the life of the university, demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university and has been a model of the Lasallian spirit in interactions with colleagues and students. Nadeau also was honored with a Saint Mary's Employee Recognition Award three times.

As part of his communications role, Nadeau created and co-hosted a weekly television show, "The Cardinals Nest" to spotlight the athletic happenings. He also was a member of the University's marketing team.

A 1985 graduate of Saint Mary's with a degree in print journalism, Nadeau began his career as a reporter, sports copy editor and sports editor, working for the Austin (Minn.) Daily Herald, Winona Daily News, and La Crosse Tribune for a decade. In 1994, he was hired at Saint Mary's and assumed a dual role as an alumni magazine editor and the school's sports information director, before transitioning into the SID role full time.

Nadeau also served as host SID for two NCAA Division III Final Fours and spearheaded all media relations for the annual MIAC Men's Hockey Showcase for the event's 10 seasons from 2009-18.

Brian Sisson, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletic Director: "For nearly 30 years, Donny has been pouring his everything into Cardinal Athletics. He is someone who has had a profound impact on thousands of student-athletes, staff, alumni, community members, and more. He is in our Hall of Fame and is someone who devoted his life to telling the amazing ups and sometimes downs of our student-athletes and staff.  Donny is an alumnus and his amazing wife and two boys are also alumni of Saint Mary’s. There may be no truer Cardinal than Donny. He is a true friend who I will cherish forever."

Dan McKane, Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Commissioner: "Donny Nadeau’s impact on Saint Mary’s University, the MIAC, and the entire college sports communications community is immeasurable. For nearly three decades, he was an advocate for student-athletes, a trusted colleague, and a dedicated professional whose passion for his work has set the standard for excellence. Donny’s talent, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to telling the stories of student-athletes have left an enduring legacy. More importantly, he is a fantastic friend to so many in our industry. 

This well-deserved honor is a testament to the respect and admiration he has earned throughout his career. On behalf of the MIAC, we congratulate Donny on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his incredible contributions."

Don Stoner, Augsburg University Sports Information Director, CSC 25-Year Award (2023): "Like so many, I am proud to call Donny Nadeau a friend. It was a true joy to work with Donny as a member of the MIAC athletic communications family for nearly three decades. Donny is a master storyteller, an outstanding writer and a person totally devoted to his alma mater, its teams and student-athletes. But so much more than that, he is totally devoted to his family and friends. He is a true "servant leader" in every sense of the word. 

I've learned so much from Donny over the years, not only about our shared profession, but about how to handle challenges with grace, humility and passion. Instead of dwelling about the challenges he faces with vision issues, he has attacked life head-on, refusing to be sidelined at all. His trips with his wife Deedee to national parks near and far, and all his other family adventures, are true joys to follow on social media. I truly cherish my friendship with Donny, and wish him and his loved ones all the best in his retirement."



On receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award…
"I am truly humbled by this Lifetime Achievement honor. Being the sports information director at Saint Mary's — my alma mater — for the past 29 years has been an absolute privilege. I’ve always prided myself on doing things to the best of my ability. Every day, I gave it everything I had. I’m appreciative of all of the honors I have received over the years, but that’s not why I did what I did. I love Saint Mary’s and all the student-athletes I have had the opportunity to work with over the years."