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Photos from Day 2 of #CSCUNITE25
Photos from 5k Fun Run/2-mile walk
The quiet stillness of the morning twilight, waiting to be broken by a sudden burst… the sun's bright rays signifying the inception of a new day of opportunity, instruction, and connection.
They were all gathered, the dawn not yet apparent, a record-breaking 320 in total, to take part in the
5K Fun Run / 2-Mile Walk, an annual CSC tradition supporting
Frontline Outreach. It was a historic tradition, in its 15th year, marked by the murmur of eager anticipation, the rising rush and gentle softening of footsteps navigating the ebbs and flows of the track, and the muted determination of sheer endurance.
It was their excitement that broke through the silence of the dawn, and their hushed buzz turned into a roar as, one by one, they crossed the finished line, reveling in their commitment and basking in their achievement.
They went their separate ways in the lead-up to Divisional Day, a day full of educational programming in division-specific sessions taking place throughout the halls of the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando.
The House Settlement session headlined a full slate of NCAA DI programming, and an auditorium overflowing with attendees bore witness to a crucial panel led by ACC General Counsel member
Pearlynn Houck, FGS Global Managing Director
Liz Breen, and Ohio State athletic director
Ross Bjork that discussed more details behind the recent settlement that shifted the college sports landscape.
Mary Beth Challoner, who will become the 2025-2026 CSC President, led a panel that informed DII members on implementing personal development strategies and making meaningful lifestyle changes in order to improve member's mental and physical health, no matter the season.
The passing of the gavel continued a storied NCAA DIII tradition, marking a change in leadership between outgoing president
Ali Paquette (Middlebury College) and incoming president
Katie Gonzales (Illinois Wesleyan), a former Rising Star Award winner that also currently serves on the CSC Executive Board. DIII members then participated in a Special Olympics event, working alongside Special Olympics Florida to
During the NAIA's Ike Pearson Award Reception, Jacksonville State Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations
Donnie Smith, a former CSC Executive Board member, received the Ike Pearson Lifetime Achievement Award.
In the Two-Year Colleges educational session, Monroe University-Bronx Sports Information Director
A.J. O'Hagan led a group that discussed problem-solving strategies for issues relating to gathering game statistics.
"Evolving and energizing staff into leadership positions" addressed the challenges of communications and creative staffs at conference offices, which are often smaller than campus departments, and discussed how to overcome the obstacles to create opportunities for growth and career development.
Their daily sessions completed, they reconvened, and together once again, their fellowship filled the lofted ceilings of the main session room in expectation for the All-Star Night of Honors.
ESPN's Holly Rowe, who hosted the event, took the stage to address the members. And suddenly, despite their boisterous exuberance, they were silent.
They watched as their friends and mentors were honored, were given the spotlight they so rightfully deserved, and were brought to tears under the weight of a moment too powerful to express.
The 2025 class of
CSC Lifetime Achievement Award winners was one of the most prestigious in CSC history, with 19 individuals who have a combined 705 years in the profession - an average of 37 years each. The list includes nine hall of famers and three past presidents of the organization, having earned a combined 52 CSC awards.
In a surprise segment, CSC President Kevin Trainor presented the
Keith Jackson Eternal Flame Award to Rowe, a touching tribute to a leader in her field and an advocate for communicators at all levels of college sports.
The trailblazing all-women
Academic All-America® Hall of Fame Class of 2025 included Dr. Alarice (Huang) Lowe, Cat Osterman, Jenepher Shillingford, and Jackie Stiles.
The
2025 CSC Hall of Fame Class was comprised of former CSC President and Board of Directors member Cindy Potter (Columbia College), long-time CSC members Tony Neely (Kentucky), Scottie Rodgers (Cotton Bowl Athletic Association/Goodyear Cotton Bowl) and John Painter (Maryville College, Tenn.), and retirees Lonza Hardy, Jr. (MEAC, SWAC, among others) and Larry Hymel (Southeastern University).
Check out photos from today's events:
Gallery: (6-9-2025) #CSCUnite25 Day 2 Sights & Sounds
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