The Silver Anniversary Award recognizes individuals on the 25th anniversary of the conclusion of their college athletics careers. This award celebrates the achievements and contributions of former student-athletes who have excelled in their professional lives and continue to exemplify the values of collegiate athletics. The 2026 recipient of the Silver Anniversary Award is men’s wrestler, Nick Ackerman. At 18 months old, Nick was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and lost both legs below the knee. He went on to becoming one of the most dominant wrestlers in the country. Nick started wrestling in 4th grade and went on to win a national championship his senior year. That same year, he became the co-winner of the prestigious Hodge Trophy. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others as a prosthetist, giving people the same resources and support that shaped his own journey. Nick Ackerman’s story is one of resilience and unshakable belief, a powerful reminder that resilience and beli...