CLEVELAND – The National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) proudly recognized Donna Ledwin, longtime Commissioner of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC), and Terry Wansart, Director of Athletics, Recreation, and Intramurals at Hunter College, as co-recipients of the prestigious Richard A. Rasmussen Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 NACDA Convention.

This distinguished honor celebrates individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to NCAA Division III athletics. Ledwin and Wansart become the third and fourth women ever to receive the award, underscoring their trailblazing leadership and enduring impact.

Donna Ledwin: A Legacy of Integrity and Inclusion

Donna Ledwin served as the inaugural commissioner of the AMCC for 23 years, shaping the conference from its inception in 2002 into a model of sportsmanship, inclusion, and academic excellence. Her tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to ethical conduct and student-athlete welfare. In recognition of her legacy, the AMCC renamed its All-Sportsmanship Team in her honor—a testament to her influence on the culture of Division III athletics.

Ledwin's career spanned over four decades in intercollegiate athletics, including leadership roles at both the campus and conference levels. She is a past president of the Division III Commissioners Association and a recipient of both the Meritorious Service Award (2020) and the Distinguished Service Award (2008) from the association. Her advocacy for equity and access has left an indelible mark on the Division III landscape.

Terry Wansart: Champion of the Educational Athletic Model

Terry Wansart has been a pillar of Hunter College and the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) for decades. As Hunter's first and only female Director of Athletics, Recreation, and Intramurals, she has led the Hawks to unprecedented success—amassing 184 conference championships and 13 Commissioner's Cups.

A fierce advocate for student-athletes, Wansart has developed comprehensive support programs that emphasize academic achievement, personal growth, and athletic excellence. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the "Educational Athletic Model," ensuring that athletics remain a vital part of the holistic college experience.

Wansart's national influence includes service on the NCAA Division III Management Council, where she helped shape policy and championed the needs of urban and public institutions. Her career began in the wake of Title IX's early implementation, and she has remained a vocal proponent of gender equity in sports administration.

About NADIIIAA: NADIIIAA is comprised of athletics administrators from over 360 institutions and conferences competing at the NCAA Division III level. The Association encourages the continued development of athletics programs focused on the student-athlete and based on sound educational principles and the Division III philosophy. NADIIIAA is administered by NACDA, which is in its 59^th year. For more information on NACDA, the 19 professional associations and/or four foundations it manages, please visit www.nacda.com.