XU among  NAIA's Champions of Character for 2008-09 Ed Cassiere The NAIA announced Friday that Xavier University of Louisiana is one of the organization's 231 Champions of Character for the 2008-09 academic year. The NAIA bestows the Champions of Character distinction to member schools which demonstrate five core values -- integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership -- in the campus community and educate student-athletes, coaches, parents and fans on specific standards and expectations. Schools apply for the distinction by completing a form which is reviewed by a team directed by NAIA Vice President of Champions of Character Rob Haworth. Xavier, one of 10 members of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, is among eight GCAC schools to be called Champions of Character for 2008-09.