In September, Chris Tamasi ’15 was nominated for the 2014 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team for his outstanding community service. But the accolades didn’t stop there. Last Monday, during his weekly visit to the Amherst Survival Center, Tamasi was surprised by his parents, friends, coaches and Amherst College representatives with a trophy reception ceremony.

“I was ambushed with emotion — dealing with the surprise, trying to make sense of what was going on and gathering my emotions so I could thank everyone,” Tamasi said.

Every Monday morning, Tamasi delivers food to the Survival Center as part of “Cac Giving Back.” As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Tamasi helped launch a milk fund campaign to raise money to put fresh milk on the shelves of the Amherst Survival Center.

With the help of other Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members, Tamasi started a NESCAC-wide sportsmanship initiative known as the “We Are NESCAC” campaign, designing T-shirts to promote sportsmanship not only at Amherst but also throughout the league. The committee created marketing collateral through a photo company that utlilised milk mustaches in conjunction with sporting the T-shirts. The group ultimately raised $2,300 thanks to their efforts.

Tamasi is also a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters program and has been matched for three years with his little brother, Kyle. As a sophomore, he worked with the Center for Community Engagement as an Athletic Team Engagement Leader for the football team, and was later hired by the CCE the following fall as an Athletics Liaison for his charitable involvement and community service contributions.

“I received this award because it is offered to those that play collegiate football. There are so many people that helped make these initiatives a reality and I am so grateful for their support. I hope they know that they are being celebrated with me as well,” Tamasi said.

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is comprised of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Div. II, and III. This prestigious recognition represents collegiate football players who have gone above and beyond to dedicate their time, effort, and leadership to their school and their community.

“Chris is the epitome of a well rouned person, he is always in good spirits and constantly seeking ways to serve others, this school and the local community. This award is well deserved,” said sophomore running back Myles Gaines.

Chris is the only player from the NESCAC to be selected to the Good Works Team in 2014 and joins former Amherst athletes Mike Proman ’03, Justin Roemer ’06 and Paul Whiting ’04 as the fourth player from the college to receive the award.

In regards to this upcoming homecoming game against Williams, Tamasi said he is “looking forward to taking the field one last time with a special group of guys and finishing his team’s season on a high note in front of their family, friends, and alumni. This is a season that I will never forget—I love these guys.”