BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Northeast Conference announced FDU as the 2025 Building Communities Award winner on Thursday afternoon. It is the second time in as many years FDU has earned the NEC's premier service award. The award is given out annually as a means to recognize the institution which demonstrates the highest dedication to making an impact in the community.

"Earning the Building Communities Award for a second consecutive year is a tremendous honor," said Senior Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Bradford Hurlbut. "It speaks volumes about the passion our student-athletes have for giving back to the community and the culture of service we continue to foster at FDU. Their consistent commitment to making a difference beyond the playing field is truly inspiring."

In addition to claiming back-to-back status, FDU now has the second most Building Communities Awards among current NEC institutions. The Knights won their first in 2019-20 before adding a second and third over past two years.

FDU student-athletes completed 6939 hours of community service this academic year. This is over 1300 more hours than the NEC leading mark the Knights set last year. At over 800 hours each, baseball and women's basketball set the pace for the department. Seven FDU programs did more than 500 hours.

FDU student-athletes have made a strong impact through community service efforts focused on food access, cancer awareness, and mental health. They supported the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Teaneck, NJ by partnering with Athletics' corporate sponsors for a canned food drive and volunteering throughout the year to pack and distribute food. They also led the operation and inventory management of the rebranded Knights Market, which provides resources to FDU community members facing food insecurity. In the area of cancer awareness, student-athletes joined the Northeast Conference in supporting the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and collaborated to raise funds for the HEADstrong Foundation.

In addition, FDU student-athletes have championed mental health awareness through Morgan's Message by producing informative videos and co-hosting events with the Transforming College Campuses office and FDU Florham ambassadors. They also expressed gratitude by working with A Million Thanks to write letters to active military members, in partnership with FDU's veterans support office. Their environmental efforts included participating in the Main Street Cleanup in Hackensack and contributing to the Hackensack River cleanup alongside other Student Life organizations, showing their dedication to both the community and the campus environment.

For more details on the Building Communities Award, read the full NEC release.