CLEVELAND, Ohio – In an announcement from the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) and Jostens on Jan. 11, Kalamazoo College earned honorable mention recognition in the association's annual community service awards based on the works of the baseball team this past year.

The baseball program, which volunteered with Bronson Children's Hospital, the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, House of Hope, Edison Elementary School and Special Olympics this past year was one of just four programs or athletic departments honored in the "array of projects" category. Twenty-five total athletic departments submitted nominations for the category.

The baseball program was the only individual team to earn the recognition.

"True leadership is found in serving others and our program has been founded on the ideals of serving others humbly in love," said Kalamazoo College baseball coach Mike Ott. "Our culture is a very unique environment filled with love and sacrifice for others and we are huge on servant leadership and making positive impacts. I am overwhelmingly proud of this award and the work all of our guys do on a daily basis to be tremendous ambassadors for this college and program and for making positive impacts on people's lives in the community."

The group will be honored at the NADIIIAA Awards Reception at the NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 21 where Sarah George of the Kalamazoo College Athletic Leadership Council will accept the award on behalf of the program and athletic department.