INDIANAPOLIS, In. - Arcadia University men's track and field junior Matthew Schutz attended the 2025 NCAA Impact Forum from November 10-12 in Indianapolis.

RELATED | NCAA IMPACT FORUM INFO | 2025 NCAA RELEASE

Participants at the Forum gained practical information and tools related to community building and other learning strategies that Schutz was able to take back to campus. Schutz also engage in sessions and dialogue focused on enhancing efforts to support all student-athletes and their unique experiences on campus.

















Student-athletes attending the 2025 NCAA Impact Forum participated in dedicated programming on Tuesday afternoon focused on leadership, well-being and creating inclusive environments across athletics and campus. All students received free registration to attend. Included in the activities was a community engagement project in which participants had the opportunity to pack celebration kits and write notes of affirmation for local high school students.

Conflict facilitator and author Priya Parker opened day one's programming with a discussion on purposeful community building and the importance of intentional gatherings that foster belonging. Former Northwestern football student-athlete and current visual artist Dwight White II followed to share his personal story of how student-athletes can carve new identities beyond roles and results. Day two saw almost 100 student-athlete attendees participate in dedicated programming focused on leadership, well-being and creating inclusive environments across sports and campuses. Sessions included exploring personal growth, discovering individual gifts and values, developing authentic voices and leadership, and reflecting on legacy and curiosity. The final day of programming began with a session on the power of community from Trevon Jenifer, a four-time wheelchair basketball Paralympian, who shared how strength and success come from unity and shared purpose. To conclude the forum, a panel of student-athletes shared their personal stories and reflections on leadership, empathy and creating an inclusive culture on campus. That inspired attendees to reflect on what they hope to take away from the forum and implement on their campuses and within their lives.

"I am so very lucky to have gone to the NCAA Impact Forum, as it was an incredible experience for me and a way to step out of my comfort zone," Schutz said. "Meeting athletes, coaches and administrators from schools all across the country was a great time and I got to hear from so many speakers about community and leadership, both of which are things I value highly. I gained valuable insight that I hope to bring back to Arcadia to strengthen our community. This was truly a one-of-a-kind experience and I'm deeply grateful for the knowledge shared by the inspiring speakers and for the chance to grow alongside so many passionate individuals."