WACO, Texas – The Heartland Conference will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a year-long series of events and online opportunities for fans to engage and look back at the 20 years of conference history.
 
Founded in 1999, the Heartland Conference began with seven members including St. Edward's and St. Mary's who both maintain their conference membership today. Through the years, the Heartland has expanded to nine full-time member institutions and four affiliate members in men's soccer and now sponsors 13 NCAA sports.
 
"We are excited to be able to recognize and honor the institutions, student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have made up the 20 years of history within the Heartland," said Commissioner Tony Stigliano. "Since the Heartland was established in 1999 we have strived for excellence both in the classroom and in competition and look forward to continuing that excellence in our 20th year."
 
The Heartland will also celebrate the 20 years of conference history with a special logo featuring the phrase "est. 1999", the year the league officially began competition. The logo will be featured online through social media and other web content, and on gifts for student-athletes at all 2018-19 conference championships. The conference will also utilize the hashtag #Heartland20 throughout the year in conjunction with the campaign.

The conference will also recognize 20 of the biggest moments in conference history beginning in October and running through the end of the year. The Heartland Conference will also recognize other moments in Heartland history with "On This Date in Heartland History" features on social media. In addition, a 20th-anniversary team will be honored for each of the Heartland's 13 sponsored sports prior to the championship.