BALTIMORE, Md. – Coppin State University Director of Athletics Derrick K. Ramsey was one of 23 men recently recognized during the Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council's Men of Valor ceremony last Sunday at the Mondawmin Mall.

Ramsey was honored for his dedicated service to the community and his leadership of the Coppin State University athletics department. Under Ramsey's guidance, Coppin State student-athletes completed nearly 200 community service hours during the 2014-15 academic year. He has also provided 250 complimentary men's and women's basketball tickets to youth groups, churches and various organizations in the community.

“I am elated that our hard work in the community hasn't gone unnoticed,” Ramsey said. “We pride ourselves on not only helping our community, but making a difference in it. An honor like this is a testament to the dedicated and committed efforts of my staff that make sure we are out and making positive contributions.”

One of the community service highlights of the past year occurred on April 28, the day after the Baltimore riots. In an effort that was spotlighted by the NCAA, several Coppin State student-athletes assisted with clean-up efforts. The NCAA tweeted out the good deeds to its 1.5 million followers.

Other examples of community service during the year included the men's basketball team speaking at Windsor Hill Elementary School as part of the NABC's "Stay In To Win" program, the volleyball team working with Playworks and head baseball coach Sherman Reed handing out bookbags to the "Books and Baseball" program.

“I want to compliment my young people for doing the right thing and consistently looking to make a difference outside of our campus,” Ramsey said. “In being a solid partner with the GMCC, we have always believed that so goes Coppin, so goes the west side of Baltimore. This is our community: One University, one community and one city. We are Coppin Proud and Baltimore Strong.”
 

The GMCC, Inc. is a nonprofit umbrella organization, which builds communities by providing service and advocacy for improved literacy, housing, educational, recreational, workforce and cultural opportunities for people who live and work within its geographic boundaries.