INDIANAPOLIS – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference joins NCAA Division II in celebrating its 50^th anniversary. Division II was established on 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. The 50^th anniversary celebration begins on Monday, Aug. 7 and lasts through the 2023-24 academic year, culminating with the 2024 Division II Baseball Championship finals.
 
The PSAC, which reclassified to Division II in 1980 and has been a member of the division for 43 years, has claimed 50 NCAA Division II team championships and 265 NCAA Division II individual championships to date.
 
The 50th anniversary of NCAA Division II marks a significant milestone in collegiate sports. Division II is a collection of schools and student-athletes, fostering a healthy balance between academics, athletics and community engagement. Over five decades, Division II has produced remarkable athletes and achievements while promoting sportsmanship, teamwork and personal growth. The milestone celebrates the enduring legacy of Division II and its commitment to a transformative collegiate experience for student-athletes.
 
Division II’s year-long 50^th anniversary celebration includes commemorative scholarship opportunities for student-athletes who exhibit the core values of Division II, as well as the 50^th Anniversary Gold Award, which will recognize two deserving individuals (one male and one female) who have made a positive impact in Division II. Nominees for the Gold Award may be a current or former student-athlete, coach, or administrator who has distinguished themselves in the areas of athletic or professional achievement, service and leadership.

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.