SUWANEE,GA-- When it comes to impact beyond competition, the University of St. Thomas continues to set the standard. For the second time in the last three years, the St. Thomas Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has been crowned the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference "Change for the Better" champion—once again proving that Celt student-athletes are just as powerful in the community as they are in competition.
UST led the conference in 2026, raising an impressive $873.00 for its Celts to Cure campaign, a cause that has become a defining pillar of St. Thomas Athletics.
More than just a number, this victory represents a movement.
Rooted in purpose and driven by heart, Celts to Cure honors the legacy of Dr. Jack Follis, whose impact on UST Athletics continues to be felt, while carrying forward the mission inspired by alumnus David Gonzalez '20. After being diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Gonzalez turned his personal battle into a platform for awareness, advocacy, and action—sparking what has grown into one of the most meaningful initiatives within the department.
What started as one voice has become a unified call.
Each year, UST student-athletes, coaches, and supporters rally together—not just to raise funds, but to stand in solidarity with those affected by Duchenne. The result is more than a campaign—it's a culture of compassion that defines what it means to be a Celt.
"Celts to Cure is special because it brings everyone together," Gonzalez shared. "It's not just about the money—it's about connection, awareness, and showing what this community can do when it comes together."
With this latest title, St. Thomas joins an elite group as one of only two programs in SCAC history to win the award multiple times—further cementing its place as a leader in service and student-athlete engagement.
Across the conference, nine SAAC programs combined to raise $3,271.31 for charitable causes, marking one of the top fundraising totals in the initiative's history. Since its inception, the "Change for the Better" campaign has generated over $32,000 in contributions—but in 2026, it was the Celts who once again led the charge.
