Division II is kicking off a campaign to celebrate its 50th anniversary, releasing a logo to mark the occasion and announcing details about the effort.
The division was founded Aug. 6, 1973, when NCAA members voted to reorganize into three divisions at a Special Convention. When the split occurred, 193 schools in 13 conferences chose to become founding Division II members.
To jump-start the celebration, Division II members have been asked to join in a social media blitz at 2 p.m. Eastern time Monday, using #DII50. The hashtag will be used throughout the Division II celebration, which will last through the 2023-24 academic year and culminate with the 2024 Division II Baseball Championship finals. Division II schools and conferences are encouraged to participate in the celebration and create plans to honor their Division II history.
"This celebration is an opportunity to highlight Division II's history and its significant moments and honor some of its most impactful leaders, from student-athletes to coaches and administrators. We look forward to seeing the Division II membership take part in this celebration and make it their own throughout this academic year," said Terri Steeb Gronau, vice president of Division II.
The Division II 50th anniversary logo, created by Section 127 in Indianapolis, includes two gold stroke lines in the "50" that are symbolic of the "II" in Division II, as well as the Make It Yours brand phrase. Additionally, the logo includes 12 stars for the division's Distinguishing Dozen characteristics: graduation rates, academic emphasis, athletics scholarships, balanced bottom line, favorable admission rates, community engagement, positive game environment, unique geographical footprint, national championship opportunities, national championship festivals, Make It Yours, and diversity and inclusion. An exclusive logo is also available for the 69 current Division II schools and the six current Division II conferences that were founding members.
Several resources will be available to help Division II schools and conferences take part in the 50th anniversary celebration, including the following:
- A communications kit contains more information about the 50th anniversary, available logos, ways to celebrate, information on editable social media graphics and more. The kit also includes links to digital assets for membership use throughout the 2023-24 academic year.
- Schools and conferences will be provided a 50th anniversary public service announcement to promote and showcase at athletics events.
- Conferences and active member schools were provided a $200 credit to order 50th anniversary signs.
- Fiftieth anniversary lapel pins will be sent to all Division II conference office staff, presidents and chancellors, athletics directors, senior woman administrators, senior compliance administrators, head athletic trainers, head athletics communications directors and faculty athletics representatives at active and provisional member schools.
- Commemorative jersey patches will be provided to all student-athletes competing at both preliminary and final sites of the division's 2023-24 championships. Division II officials at preliminary and final sites will also receive a commemorative patch.
During the celebration, there will be two opportunities for schools and conferences to recognize some of their best at the national level.
One of those will be through the 50th Anniversary Gold Award, which will recognize two individuals (one who identifies as male and one who identifies as female) who have made a positive impact in Division II. Nominations are now open through Sept. 18, and schools can nominate one individual for each award through the NCAA Program Hub. Nominees may be a current or former student-athlete, coach, faculty or administrator from an active member school or conference. Nominees should be individuals who have distinguished themselves in the areas of athletics or professional achievement, service and leadership.
Additionally, a $1,000 50th Anniversary Scholarship will be awarded to two current student-athletes (one who identifies as male and one who identifies as female) from each of the 23 Division II conferences and independent institutions. Nominations for the scholarship will open in January, and recipients will be announced during the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championships Festival in Orlando, Florida.
Members should stay tuned to Division II channels (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook) and visit the Division II 50th anniversary campaign page for more information on the celebration.
