KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association has released its 2025-26 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Events of the Year, with seven member schools recognized for their contributions enriching local communities.
The purpose of SAAC within the MIAA is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare, maintaining athletic integrity, acting as a liaison between the student-athletes and the administration, and fostering a positive student-athlete image.
Members of SAAC from seven member schools submitted the most impactful initiative by their student-athletes. Among the schools’ service projects were food drives, fellow student-athlete support, and engagement with local youth.
The following universities and their SAAC events are listed alphabetically by school name below:
Central Missouri – Easter Egg Hunt
The University of Central Missouri spent time stuffing over 500 eggs for kids in the Warrensburg community to experience an Easter Egg Hunt this spring. Their UCM SAAC group filled these eggs with candy, toys, and fun trinkets for kids to enjoy. They hosted the Egg Hunt on April 4th at the Mules Baseball Stadium prior to their home game. Kids were able to hunt for eggs throughout the stands and interact with UCM athletes.
Emporia State – Teddy Bear Toss
This past November, the Emporia State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted a toy drive at a home basketball game. Those donating were able to throw their stuffed toy onto the court. Toys and donations were donated to the Salvation Army to provide local families in need with gifts and support for the holidays. They collected 27 toys and $250 for the Salvation Army.
Missouri Southern – Trick-Or-Treat So Others Can Eat
For 17 years, Missouri Southern’s SAAC has led the Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat campaign, uniting student-athletes and the Joplin community to fight hunger. During their 2025 initiative, MSSU student-athletes collected and donated 6,156 non-perishable food items to Souls Harbor, supporting local families and individuals in need. By combining community engagement with service and teamwork, the campaign has become one of Missouri Southern’s most meaningful traditions, showcasing the positive impact student-athletes can make beyond competition.
Missouri Western – Meal-Kit Food Drive
This past November, Missouri Western hosted a Meal-Kit Food Drive. These meal kits were made up of all shelf-stable items and came with a complete recipe for the meal. Their teams collected 250 meal kits that were donated to local elementary schools and their campus cupboard. The meals donated to local elementary schools were given specifically to students who qualify for Second Harvest's Backpack Buddies program based on financial need. These donations were given at a time when food insecurity was high due to the government shutdown.
Nebraska Kearney – Lopers Stars
Lopers Stars is an event that Nebraska Kearney hosts once every couple of years as an event designed for families with children or adults with disabilities. Individuals from the community get to play various sports with the Lopers, hang out one-on-one, and build relationships with student-athletes. Check out the video below to learn more about the event and the impact it has on the community!
Newman – One Big Game
Newman SAAC's initiative "One Big Game" hosts events to attract support, ensuring a large student-led crowd for at least one rivalry or important game each season for each sport. There is no cost for student-athletes to attend the One Big Game events, and it is provided and advertised by the SAAC marketing team. Each sporting team provides support by taking turns working the tailgate and grill.
Northwest Missouri – Parents Night Out With the Cats
This year, the Northwest Missouri SAAC hosted a Parents Night Out With The Cats, where parents dropped their kids off at Hughes Fieldhouse to hang out with student athletes. It was on a weeknight, 6-8 PM, and over 140 student athletes showed up throughout the night to play kickball, soccer, wiffle ball, football, yard games, etc. with the kids. Some parents stuck around to hang out, and others dropped their kids off and went to dinner, grocery shopped or caught up on their favorite shows. There was no charge for the event, but donations were collected for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
