The High Point University Cheerleading Squad visited Oak View Assisted Living Center Dec. 20 with homemade cookies and cards.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 12, 2006 – High Point University asks more of its student-athletes than to be champions on the playing field; it also encourages them to be champions in their community through volunteerism.

So far this year, High Point University's athletes have volunteered 1,455 hours. The goal for the entire year is 1,500 hours, which was almost reached in one semester. "A slam dunk," according to Associate Director of Athletics Mike Tuttle.

"We understand the importance of the spirit of volunteerism," says Tuttle. "It's not always about the game and how you play it on the field, but also about life and how you contribute. We want to teach students – by example – how to win both athletically and in life."

Some of the organizations athletes worked with this year through the "Community Champions" program include the American Red Cross, High Point Regional Hospital, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Covenant Methodist Church, Hayworth Wesleyan Church and Winston-Salem Special Olympics.

"Volunteering has been one of the greatest experiences for me at High Point," said Sarah Haak, a senior on the women's basketball team. "Scoring points on the court is rewarding, but seeing the smile on a child's face when you show up to spend time with them, or knowing you're saving someone's life by donating blood, these are the things that are truly important."

High Point University offers students an extraordinary education in a fun environment with caring people. HPU is a liberal arts institution with approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 52 countries and 36 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by U.S. News and World Report 12th among comprehensive universities in the South and in the top 100 nationally. The university offers 45 undergraduate majors and five graduate-degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference.