News & Links Saint Mary's University Sports Information Department

Lifelong Cardinal Donny Nadeau receives Lifetime Achievement Award

WINONA, Minn. - The College Sports Communicators, a professional association for those working in intercollegiate athletics communications, has announced the recipients of the 2025 CSC Lifetime Achievement Awards. Donny Nadeau, a 1985 graduate of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota with a degree in print journalism and former Sports Information Director (SID), received this prestigious honor in recognition of his unwavering dedication to both his alma mater and his profession.
 
The CSC Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented to members who have devoted at least 25 years to the profession and are either retiring, have retired, or are transitioning out of athletic communications.
 
"What a tremendous honor, and I am truly humbled and thankful to CSC for this recognition," Nadeau said. "As an alum, and a person who spent 29 years as its SID, I absolutely love Saint Mary's – and loved my time there."
 
Nadeau retired in September 2024 after a distinguished career, stepping down early due to his battle with Choroideremia, a degenerative eye disease.
 
Inducted into the Saint Mary's Sports Hall of Fame in 2021, Nadeau earned numerous honors, including the MIAC's Distinguished Service Award and the Mike Augustin Award in 2011 for his contributions to MIAC athletics. He also served on the MIAC Player of the Week selection committee.
 
On campus, Nadeau received the Saint Mary's Bishop Patrick Heffron Award in 2014 for his positive impact on the university community and its values. He was also honored with Employee Recognition Awards three times. In his communications role, he co-hosted the weekly TV show "The Cardinals Nest" and was part of the university's marketing team.
 
Nadeau, who earned his CSC 25-Year Award in 2020, was recognized for his storytelling and writing, earning several district honors in the CSC Fred S. Stabley Writing Contest.
 
He also served as host SID for two NCAA Division III Final Fours and led media relations for the MIAC Men's Hockey Showcase from 2009-2018.
 
There was no doubt that the lifelong Cardinal would receive such an honor.