KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Indiana University East is one of 168 colleges and universities that will be recognized with an NAIA Champions of Character Five Star Award for the 2013-14 school year, the NAIA announced this fall.

To receive the award, members scored 60 or more points on the NAIA Champions of Character Scorecard.

IU East earned a “Silver” designation on the NAIA’s new three-tiered Champions of Character recognition system. Seventy-two institutions earned “Silver” status.

IU East received the maximum possible scores in student-athlete outreach, servant leadership opportunities and academic performance.

IU East also received the maximum possible score for Champions of Character participation by Chancellor Kathryn Cruz-Uribe.

The Champions of Character Scorecard measures each institution’s commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character program. Institutions earned points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions also earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year.

IU East has been named a Champions of Character institution after each of its seven years of NAIA membership.

“I am very proud of our athletics program and our student-athletes,” Cruz-Uribe said. “IU East is committed to integrity, and this award reflects this commitment to the ideals of this outstanding NAIA program.”

To learn more about the NAIA Champions of Character Scorecard and Five Star Award visit ChampionsofCharacter.org.