CORVALLIS, Ore.– The Cascade Collegiate Conference announced Bushnell University as the inaugural recipient of the 2024-25 CCC School of Character award.
This new honor recognizes a member institution that exemplifies the NAIA Champions of Character program by intentionally modeling the five core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership.
“Congratulations to Bushnell on being named the 2024-25 CCC School of Character,” stated Commissioner Robert Cashell. “The Beacons are intentional about providing opportunities for student-athletes to excel in the classroom, on the courts and fields, and in serving others with a foundation rooted in character development.”
Bushnell was selected for its deep and consistent commitment to shaping student-athletes into well-rounded leaders through its Tri-Athlete Model, which integrates excellence in competition, academics, and character formation. Bushnell’s approach to character is the foundation to how it recruits, educates, and mentors student-athletes. Programs such as the Chaplain Captain initiative empower athletes to lead spiritual development within their teams, while peer-led groups and campus partnerships ensure that character-building is integrated into the day-to-day experience of all student-athletes.
During the 2024-25 academic year, Bushnell student-athletes contributed over 6,600 hours of community service. Through annual campus-wide events and team-led projects, Bushnell has created a culture of servant leadership that extends far beyond the athletic arena. Student-athletes regularly engage in impactful service to the local community and participate in mission trips that foster empathy and global citizenship. These efforts are not sporadic, but a part of a structured and intentional system that reinforces Bushnell’s commitment to service as a way of life.
Bushnell’s academic record further reflects its culture of responsibility. All 16 NAIA programs earned Scholar-Team honors, with more than 60 percent of athletes earning a GPA of 3.2 or higher. The department maintained a 3.30 cumulative GPA and extended its streak to ten consecutive years as the recipient of the CCC President’s Cup for Academic Excellence. The Beacons also continue to prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of its student-athletes. Its wellness program, led by alumna and former Dr. Leroy Walker Award winner Samantha Silver, includes a dedicated mental health coordinator, counseling partnerships, and access to nutrition and health professionals, demonstrating a holistic approach to student development.
Bushnell’s long-standing reputation for sportsmanship and integrity is supported by a consistent record of awards and peer recognition. The Beacons have been named a Five-Star Champions of Character Institution by the NAIA for eleven consecutive years, with seven of those at the gold level. In recent years, Bushnell teams and coaches have regularly earned CCC Character honors. This culture of integrity is also evident in how Bushnell student-athletes conduct themselves in competition, in the classroom, and within the community.
“We are incredibly humbled and appreciative of this honor. Bushnell Athletics takes great pride and puts a lot emphasis in our student-athletes character development and community service.” stated Bushnell’s Athletic Director Corey Anderson. “While we, as people, are not perfect, we strive to do the right thing by honoring God while representing Bushnell University at the highest level possible on a daily basis. I would like to thank the Cascade Conference and Commissioner Rob Cashell, for following the lead of the NAIA with this conference honor. My hope is that this award will serve as a light to remind our student-athletes and coaches that while we are competing to win the game, we can do so at a level of respect for our opponents and self, through our actions both on and off the court, course and field.”
As this year’s recipient, Bushnell will be nominated to represent the CCC for the NAIA School of Character Award.