On April 11, Elmhurst University wrapped up NCAA Division III Week, joining a nationwide celebration to recognize the impact of athletics and student-athletes on campus and in the surrounding community. Throughout the week, Elmhurst, which is home to 21 varsity sports and more than 500 student-athletes, hosted a variety of activities and events on campus.
One of the highlights of the week was the April 7 ceremony inducting 57 student-athletes into the Chi Alpha Sigma National Student Athlete Honor Society. To be inducted, student-athletes must have achieved junior standing and a cumulative 3.5 GPA. “While each event is meaningful, the Chi Alpha Sigma induction ceremony remains one of the most special moments of the week as we honor those who exemplify the Division III philosophy of academic and athletic excellence,” said Athletic Director Glen Brittich. “These inductees represent the very best of our department.” Brittich himself was an honorary inductee, in recognition of his many contributions in support of Bluejay student-athletes.
Other activities held during the week, which was organized by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, included a Wellness Day featuring yoga sessions and information about recovery and injury prevention, as well as a Special Olympics competition with 20 Special Olympians. Community-building opportunities, including a Spikeball tournament and a service project, were also part of the week. For the service project, student-athletes made more than 90 friendship bracelets with uplifting messages to be added to birthday boxes provided to hospitalized children by The Confetti Foundation.
To conclude the festivities, Friday and Saturday were dubbed “Support the Jays Days,” and student-athletes were encouraged to attend campus athletic contests. Bluejay tennis, baseball and softball teams competed at home Saturday and Sunday, and Elmhurst Track & Field hosted the 2026 Chicagoland Championships on Friday and Saturday.
Emily Mikos ’27, a track & field athlete and president of the SAAC, said D3 week is a way to celebrate the many facets of the student-athlete experience. “It gives athletes a great opportunity to interact, spend time together and keep fostering a strong sense of community,” she said. “It also gives us an opportunity to be recognized for our commitment, hard work and devotion both on and off the track, field or court.”