Spring Break
Drexel scholar-athletes honored at awards ceremony
By: Khoa Cao
Issue date: 5/25/07 Section: Sports
Originally published: 5/25/07 at 1:35 AM EST
Last update: 5/25/07 at 1:35 AM EST
Originally published: 5/25/07 at 1:35 AM EST
Last update: 5/25/07 at 1:35 AM EST
Over 100 awards were presented at this year's eleventh annual Scholar-Athlete Awards May 18 in the Behrakis Grand Hall. These awards are given to recognize student-athletes who perform as well in their academic studies as they do in their athletics. The scholar-athletes all had a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or better.
Dr. Rebecca Gigli, the Associate Director of Athletics and Academic Services and head of the ACHIEVE Center, gave an opening ceremonial speech that praised the award winners for their hard work and determination in achieving such great success.
"Today's award recipients exemplify what it means to be a Dragon and why our program and our institution are emblematic of how Division I athletics and higher education can be truly complementary," Gigli said during her opening statements.
Approximately 200 people, mostly friends and family of the honorees, were in attendance to cheer on the student-athletes, both former and current. Also present for the ceremony were six of the 17 Academic All-Americans in Drexel's history. Those six are Heather Haigh (1999, 2000), Melanie Kopka ('91, '92), Virginia Laizik ('85) and Lori Swanson (2001), as well as current students Tim Mochan (2005) and Karie Walton (2005).
Walton, captain of the Drexel Field Hockey team, is a senior majoring in biology who currently holds a cumulative 4.0 GPA. One of the more notable awards that she received included the Mario V. Mascioli Scholar-Athlete award, which was presented by members of the Mascioli family to the student-athletes that have a 4.0 GPA. Also receiving the award was Lily Brown, of the Spirit group.
Walton was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-Academic team for the fourth straight year and was the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic Performer of the Year for her sport. She also took home the Mary Semanik award, given annually to the most outstanding senior female student-athlete.
Adam Crystal, who has a 3.7 cumulative average, received a Team Scholar award, given to the upperclassmen with the highest GPA in their respective sports. He was one of 17 to receive the award.
Dr. Rebecca Gigli, the Associate Director of Athletics and Academic Services and head of the ACHIEVE Center, gave an opening ceremonial speech that praised the award winners for their hard work and determination in achieving such great success.
"Today's award recipients exemplify what it means to be a Dragon and why our program and our institution are emblematic of how Division I athletics and higher education can be truly complementary," Gigli said during her opening statements.
Approximately 200 people, mostly friends and family of the honorees, were in attendance to cheer on the student-athletes, both former and current. Also present for the ceremony were six of the 17 Academic All-Americans in Drexel's history. Those six are Heather Haigh (1999, 2000), Melanie Kopka ('91, '92), Virginia Laizik ('85) and Lori Swanson (2001), as well as current students Tim Mochan (2005) and Karie Walton (2005).
Walton, captain of the Drexel Field Hockey team, is a senior majoring in biology who currently holds a cumulative 4.0 GPA. One of the more notable awards that she received included the Mario V. Mascioli Scholar-Athlete award, which was presented by members of the Mascioli family to the student-athletes that have a 4.0 GPA. Also receiving the award was Lily Brown, of the Spirit group.
Walton was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-Academic team for the fourth straight year and was the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic Performer of the Year for her sport. She also took home the Mary Semanik award, given annually to the most outstanding senior female student-athlete.
Adam Crystal, who has a 3.7 cumulative average, received a Team Scholar award, given to the upperclassmen with the highest GPA in their respective sports. He was one of 17 to receive the award.
