Vikings Athletes Give Back!

It's a big part of Cleveland State University student-athletes' lives to be continually striving to be Champions in the Community, just as they are in the Classroom and Competition. Representing CSU with pride every day is something that our Vikings take very seriously.

For the last few years, that mission has included working with the Cuyahoga County Department of Child and Family Services (DFAC) Adopt-a-Family campaign, inspired by the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) to help give back to the community.

“Holidays are especially challenging for many families across the region,” said Matt Kearney, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at CSU. “We are very proud to say that this initiative featured 100% participation across all of our teams—365 athletes in all across the department—helping make the season a little brighter for those in need.”

Kearney said that Athletics “adopted a grand total of 21 children,” and that donations topped $2,000. “Each wish list for each child cost between $75-100,” he added. "The different teams then fulfilled those personally crafted lists; requests ranged from coats and hats, to clothing and toys.”

Unlike previous years which were hampered by the pandemic, Kearney said CSU student-athletes were "able to secure wish lists from each of the kids and shop for them locally,” before delivering those gift items to the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services Adopt-A-Family program.

Learn more about “Champions in The Community” and the CSU Viking Fund by visiting www.CSUVikings.com/VikingFund.