MERCED, Calif. - The University of California, Merced Athletics Department was honored by the NAIA as a 2022-23 Champions of Character Five-Star Silver Institution.

UC Merced earned the recognition for its commitment to character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. 

UC Merced has been named a five-star institution each year since joining the NAIA in 2011 and has achieved at least the silver standard dating back to 2014-15.

171 NAIA member institutions as a whole were named Champions of Character Five-Star Award winners for the 2022-23 academic year. 71 silver stars were awarded.

In addition, the California Pacific Conference was named a Five-Star Champion of Character Conference. Ten Cal Pac institutions received silver or gold status.

This marks the fifteenth consecutive year the Cal Pac has been recognized as a conference of character. 

Click here for the complete list of NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Award winners.