SAAC Video (Courtesy of Steve Salceda - UMD)

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The 2017 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Leadership Summit took place May 22-24 on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth. Over 60 representatives from NSIC institutions participated in activities to build camaraderie between NSIC SAAC leadership, enhance communication skills and learn more about preparing for life after college. 

The event was highlighted by the announcement of the NSIC SAAC Cup.  The NSIC SAAC Cup was created to encourage participation and engagement in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference SAAC initiatives. The SAAC Cup will be awarded annually at the SAAC Summit after institutions receive points throughout the year for Make-A-Wish Participation, NSIC SAAC Meetings, Campus SAAC Meetings, SAAC Legislative Grid, NSIC SAAC Initiatives and other Community Service/Engagement Projects.  For more information go to www.NorthernSun.org/NSICSAACCup.
 
The NSIC SAAC Summit kicked off on Monday afternoon with an opening session led by Roberta Page, Director of Championships at the NCAA.  Page led the group through a mock selection for NCAA post-season and answered questions. 

After dinner guest speaker Jim Clark of Principal Financial discussed finance 101, retirement and savings.  The student-athletes were given advice that ranged from how and when to start saving, life insurance and diversifying your portfolio.  The first day ended with a student-athlete led forum that included topics on "Living Your Core Values" and "Personal Leadership Reflections".  Day 1 Photos

Tuesday kicked off with the annual community engagement event in the UMD Field House.  The NSIC athletes will were joined by a local elementary school participating in various activities. Eight different stations were set up and rotated through, which including both physical and mental games and challenges.  The session concluded the with group sharing lunch together.  Day 2 Community Engagement Photos  | Community Engagement Video

Tuesday afternoon student-athletes representing Concordia University, St. Paul and Southwest Minnesota State University shared their experiences from their attendance at the APPLE Conference.  The group then met at the Glensheen Mansion for a joint meeting between the NSIC SAAC Student-Athletes and the NSIC Board of Directors. The student-athletes were given time to discuss topics one-on-one with their President/Chancellor.  The NCAA's Jill Willson then presented to the group.  She covered topics that included, "How to Dress Yourself;" – focusing on your attitude and outlook on life; personal growth and social media.  Day 2 Afternoon Photos

Tuesday evening concluded with a fish boil and tours of the Glensheen Mansion.
 

The annual NSIC SAAC business meeting was held on Wednesday morning. The group discussed its goals for the upcoming year, which included the continuation of three initiatives; Mental Health Awareness #NSICStands2gether; It's a Slam Dunk Don't Drive Drunk; and "It's on Us" campaign. 

The NSIC SAAC Summit, which began in 2010, visits a different NSIC campus each spring, bringing in student-athletes from all 16 NSIC institutions.