Iowa State University Athletics
Cyclone Student-Athletes Receive Community Impact Champion Award
12.20.2021 | Athletics
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State student-athletes have been presented with the Community Impact Champion award from the United Way of Story County. The award recognizes an individual or business that has shown significant dedication to work in health, education, or financial stability through volunteerism and advocacy.
"I'm proud of our Cyclone student-athletes for embracing what it means to learn and grow through service by giving back to this community that supports us so well. We are truly honored to have been selected for this award from United Way," Assistant AD of Student-Athlete & Letterwinner Engagement Lindsey Long said.
ISU student-athletes are active in the community year-round and have volunteered for several events, including the LIVE UNITED Food Drive. Cyclone student-athletes assembled 200 literacy kits, which included a free book, activities and supplemental materials to inspire young children to read.
Iowa State Athletics has expanded community service initiatives to fit a service-learning model to include a deeper level of personal development to the act of service. To do this, the Student-Athlete & Letterwinner Engagement office has changed the focus from time-based community service to a service-learning approach.
"We have found that this helps our student-athletes learn a greater appreciation for their role and platform as a student-athlete here at Iowa State and enhances their cultural competence, civic responsibility, fosters greater levels of compassion and builds healthier relationships," Long said. "The reward for our office is seeing how student-athletes have truly taken initiative to include teammates and fellow student-athletes across sports because they have enjoyed the experiences."
A pair of student-athletes – Joy Chou (women's golf) and Cordarrius Bailey (football) – each interned directly with United Way. Chou worked to promote literacy in the community while Bailey worked with the United Way in a Youth Training Advisory internship.
Two additional Cyclones worked with partner agencies of United Way. Trevor Downing (football) completed a Youth Sports Program internship with the Boys & Girls Club of Story County while Ruby Chou (women's golf) worked directly with Rosedale Shelter.
