Head Volleyball Coach Carin Avery today announced the team has made an $11,000 donation to the Northern Indiana Cancer Research Consortium (NICRC) after their season-long Crusaders Conquering Cancer program.

The donation was made in memory of Al Zielinski, Avery's late father, and was a result of the combined efforts of Crusader coaches, players and fans. Throughout the year, Valpo fans could purchase a paper Crusader mascot to decorate and place inside the main gymnasium of the Athletics-Recreation Center for a minimum donation of one dollar. The $11,000 raised exceeded the program's initial goal by $3,000.

The official donation was made at the NICRC offices in South Bend April 12, by Avery and members of her father's family.

For more information on the Northern Indiana Cancer Research Consortium, please contact David Williamson at (574) 647-7370.