Pitt Honors Its Scholar-Athletes at Annual Breakfast

Feb. 15, 2010

PITTSBURGH-Two hundred and sixty nine student-athletes were honored as the Pitt Alumni Association sponsored the University of Pittsburgh Scholar-Athlete Awards Breakfast in Alumni Hall this morning. Pitt Alumni Association President-Elect Dr. Jack Smith was among the special guests invited, while Director of Life Skills Penny Semaia served as the master of ceremonies.

"There are so many special days at the University of Pittsburgh, but none more special than when we recognize our scholar-athletes," Athletic Director Steve Pederson said. "The high level of academic achievement by our student-athletes, combined with their high level of achievement in their chosen sport is something to marvel."

Members of Pitt's Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes handed out Blue and Gold awards to students who earned above a 3.0 GPA in 2009. There were 141 student-athletes who accumulated a GPA of 3.0-3.49, another 93 who earned 3.5-3.99 and 12 students who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA.

The list of 4.0 student-athletes included: Justin Boehm (men's soccer), Jonathan Buchanan (men's swimming and diving), Meagan Dooley (volleyball), Christian Fagan (wrestling), Kaitlyn Flynn (women's track and field), Ashley Habbel (women's soccer), Aaron Hassett (football), Kari Hedderick (women's track and field), Andrew Kalas (men's soccer), Philip Konieczny (baseball), Alicia Lichvar (women's track and field) and Megan Sisko (women's swimming and diving).

"This is the result of hard work, supportive coaches, and a culture of success," Pederson added. "We are so proud to be associated with this outstanding group of student-athletes."

During the program, Pederson announced The Academic Team Awards. The Most Improved Team was women's basketball, which earned a cumulative 2.92 GPA.

Earning the Top Men's Academic award for the first time was the men's soccer team, boasting a collective 3.08 GPA.

The women's volleyball team was named the Top Women's Team and Overall Team awardee for a record-setting fourth consecutive year. The volleyball team was also named the Top Academic team from 1995-97. This past year, the squad recorded an impressive 3.26 GPA overall, as six members earned a 3.5 GPA or better.