Beyond dealing with NCAA legislation and mediating conflicts, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) provides volunteer and service opportunities, which supports the university's mission of services while also creating a positive atmosphere for student athletes.

The SAAC, advised by Andrew Schroeder (Developmental Advisor for Athletes) and led by President Cristin Samuels, Vice President Camila Aramburu, and Secretary Nick Riganti, has accomplished a lot this year. It's just before the mid-year mark, and the SAAC has already collected over 500 pairs of shoes to be donated to developing countries and homeless shelters.

In addition, the SAAC has had over 90 participants in their Operation Brightside clean up projects (the Bellarmine Athletics Department has adopted a stretch of Norris Place, the residential road that runs the length of the back side of campus. However, the SAAC and its faithful recruits were so devoted that they covered the area from Douglass Loop to Eastern Parkway, and as far east as Bardstown Road).

The SAAC orchestrates other service activities, including volunteering at Brooklawn Child and Family Services, as well as participating in the Everyone Reads program. The SAAC is planning several events in order to raise $1,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation, and other fundraisers are in the works.

The SAAC has separate committees which are responsible for community service and the Make A Wish project, but it also has a committee devoted to supporting athlete wellness, as well as a Career/Academic Committee.

All of these SAAC groups have big plans for the coming semester and the following fall, but the biggest event they are anticipating is the Division II National Championships for Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer and Field Hockey, which will be hosted by Bellarmine next year.

Please keep your eyes and ears open for information about SAAC activities, so you can support our BU student athletes!