Purdue University North Central has placed sixth in the nation among the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) members included in the 2009-10 NAIA Champions of Character Scorecard. 
The NAIA, which boasts a reputation promoting competitive athletics, academic excellence and character values, will recognize 204 colleges and universities and 20 conferences with the Champions of Character Five Star Award. To earn the award, members needed to score 60 or more points on the NAIA Champions of Character Scorecard. Conferences had at least 60 percent of its member schools earning 60 or more points.
PNC finished sixth in the nation with 90 points, following Cornerstone University, of Michigan, with 103 points, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with 97, Cumberland University of Tennessee, 93, Southwestern College of Kansas, 92 and Westmont College of California, 91 points. More than 70 percent of the member institutions and 77 percent of member conferences were named to the Five Star list. The Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference and the TranSouth Athletic Conference saw 100 percent of their member schools make the grade.
Other institutions in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, of which PNC is a member, qualifying for the award were Olivet Nazarene University, 74 points, Indiana University South Bend 73, Calumet College of St. Joseph, 70, Judson University, 68, Cardinal Stritch University, 61 and Purdue University Calumet, 60.
"This is very rewarding for Purdue University North Central," said PNC Athletic Director John Weber. "Our students and staff have consistently epitomized character both on and off the court or field during the past several years. Our staff consistently emphasizes character, academics and community involvement while our students continue to amaze with all they accomplish.
"This reward is even more special considering the struggles we had last year in the athletic arena. Our teams were young and rebuilding at the same time and we faced more setbacks than usual. But that is the true measure of character. When times were tough we competed with class and represented our university on and off the field in an exemplary manner. These are lifelong lessons that will benefit our student-athletes long after they leave Purdue North Central."
PNC student-athletes are visible on campus and in the community as they volunteer to help with a variety of campus activities and events. On campus, they help with book delivery used in off-campus programming; they take part in Purdue Pride Week activities and freshman registration. The basketball, softball and baseball teams recently offered a free clinic at The Courts of Northwest Indiana.
They also helped at the Taste of Valparaiso. In past years, the athletes raised money for individuals and families in need, they read to grade school students and offered free sports camps and clinics. Many belong to on- and off-campus organizations that have a tradition of helping.
The Scorecard process is based on the NAIA's flagship program Champions of Character, which emphasizes the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.
Institutions were measured based on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earned points in the categories: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade-point-averages and having zero ejections during competition throughout the academic year.
"It is rewarding to see NAIA colleges, universities and conferences taking a leadership role in the NAIA's mission to advance character-driven athletics," said Jim Carr, NAIA president and CEO. "With significant focus on using athletics as a vehicle to teach life lessons there is no doubt we will have a positive impact on our 60,000 student-athletes. Encompassing efforts from across the association signals important differences in how the NAIA conducts athletic competition. That distinction sets us apart and I'm very proud of that."