This week, from April 1-6, the NCAA national office is celebrating NCAA Division III week. We in Salem College Athletics will be doing the same, to honor our student-athletes and their contributions to the program, campus community as well as the region, nation and world.

The event is part of Division III's Identity Initiative, which was introduced in 2010 to sharpen the division's identity and to enable schools and conferences to more effectively explain why they prefer to compete in Division III. The initiative has been guided by a strategic-positioning platform, describing Division III as a place where student-athletes can "follow your passions and develop your potential," within an approach that combines rigorous academics, competitive sports and an opportunity to pursue other interests.

Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community.

In Division III, we realize that the classroom is the primary setting for preparing student-athletes. However, Division III also understands that academics are more than just GPAs, test scores and majors; it is a comprehensive learning experience that develops successful leaders and professionals.

Passion and sportsmanship are attributes of the "athlete" in the Division III "student-athlete" paradigm. The "athlete" plays for the love of the game, strives for excellence in all facets of life and perseveres through adversity.

Citizenship and responsibility are Division III attributes. Student-athletes "giving back" not only adds to the comprehensive learning component of Division III, but also provides a venue for passion and service.

The remainder of the week will feature video interviews with Salem student-athletes focusing on the initiatives. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Day 2 / ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE: Valeria Rosa Lopez, Volleyball

Day 3 / LEADERSHIP/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Brianne Moore, Volleyball

Day 4/ ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE & ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENT: Cristina Battistini, Soccer & Basketball / Nathaly Berrezueta, Soccer

Day 5 / ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE: Ti'Erra Lee, Basketball

Day 6 / LEADERSHIP STANDPOINT: Salem College President Dr. Summer McGee