Penn State men’s basketball head coach Pat Chambers was awarded the prestigious 2019 Champion Award with the Coaches vs. Cancer program on Sunday night during the NCAA Final Four in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The annual award acknowledges a collegiate coach who demonstrates leadership and a commitment to support the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving and celebrating lives.

“I am humbled and honored to accept this award on behalf of our Coaches vs. Cancer Penn State chapter, our committee members, volunteers and sponsors who are devoted to the American Cancer Society mission and serving our community,” Chambers said after receiving the award. “Their determined efforts and generosity over more than two decades have impacted the lives of others and provided not only resources and assistance, but also hope.”

Chambers and his staff have helped raise more than $1.3 million in his eight years as Penn State men’s basketball’s head coach. The Penn State chapter surpassed a milestone of $3 million net fundraising in fall 2018 as the program headed into its 24th year.

Chambers and his staff support the Penn State Chapter Coaches vs. Cancer’s annual golf tournament, as well as the annual 5k Walk/Run and Coaches vs. Cancer Day at the Bryce Jordan Center.