Coaches are encouraged to create a culture of character from the locker room to practices to competitions. Athletes are recognized for modeling and supporting excellent character among their peers.
Wendt Character Athletes
To encourage student-athletes to practice good moral character on and off the field, each year one male and one female athlete from each University of Dubuque sport are selected by their coaches as the Wendt Character Athlete for that sport. Each character athlete receives a certificate naming their achievement, and all are entered into the running for the overall Male and Female Wendt Character Athlete of the Year.
The Athletic Director works with the coaches to choose the overall Male and Female Wendt Character Athlete of the Year, and the two students chosen for that honor receive a special award during Honors Convocation.
Each year, one Wendt Character Athlete is chosen from each sport by their coaches, and awarded a special plaque naming this honor. Wendt Character Athlete Awards are given to the person on each team who best exemplifies integrity, justice, compassion, sportsmanship, discipline, and excellence.
Overall Male and Female Character Athletes of the Year are chosen from the Character Athletes for each sport. The Wendt Character Athletes of the Year best demonstrate qualities of excellent moral character:
- good sportsmanship and the virtues of integrity as characterized by truthfulness, honesty, and stewardship
- justice as characterized by treating all people fairly, respecting diversity, and practicing Christian love
- and compassion as characterized by living by the golden rule in service of others.