Fresno State Athletics
Kiwanis Torch of Excellence Dinner Set for Monday
5/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
May 4, 2007
Fresno, Calif. - For the 17th year, Fresno State will be hosting its annual academic awards banquet. For the last 10 years, this program has been presented by the Kiwanis Organization and known as the Kiwanis Torch of Excellence Dinner.
The ceremony will be held Monday evening beginning at 6 p.m. and will be once again held at the Radisson in Downtown Fresno. The event is sold out.
This year, 250 Bulldog student-athletes have been invited to attend the dinner. Individuals honored are those who have earned at least a 3.0 GPA for either of the last two semesters (spring and fall of 2006).
"We are certainly proud of the accomplishment of these outstanding young men and women," said Dr. Susan Gutkind, Assistant Athletics Director for Student Services. "This will be a special night to honor those who have performed at a high level. We are grateful to the Kiwanis Organization for their undying support for this event."
KMPH Sports Director Ralph Wood will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, and the featuredspeakers this year are two outstanding Bulldogs, Ryan Moore from the men's track & field team, and Rochelle Jagdeo of the women's soccer team.
In addition, many special awards will be presented during the Kiwanis Torch of Excellence Dinner, including:
Kiwanis Torchlghter Award: Student-athletes who have completed eligibility, maintained a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and lettered two out of the last three years.
George Ilg Memorial Award: Awarded to a graduating senior for academic and athletic achievement and service to the community. Professor Ilg initiated this award in 1977. He was one of the 12 original professors who started the School of Agriculture, and was also a founder of the Pacific Coast Athletic Association. He served as NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative for 16 years, and retired from Fresno State in the late `80s.
Stan Bates Nominees: Fresno State GPA of 3.0 or better, in final year of eligibility in the WAC, recommended for qualities as a student, an athlete and as a person.
Harold Haak Scholarship: Student-athletes must earn Dean's list for two consecutive semesters (3.5 GPA), lettered, and continuing their eligibility. This award was established in 1991 upon the retirement of the late Dr. Harold Haak, to recognize the contributions he made to the university and the athletic program while he was president from 1980-91. He served as the inaugural Director of the Fresno State Kenneth L. Maddy Institute of Public Affairs and as president of Fresno Pacific University.
The department and the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) will also present new awards this year, the Bulldog Spirit Awards and the Outstanding Professor Awards.
Fresno State Students with a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA:
- Heather Billings
- Kelsey Bullock
- Sarah Dowlearn
- Maria Pia Escandon
- Diana Fatyga
- Brandon Geis
- Andrew Jackson
- Robin Mackin
- Aja Scheuber
- Clint Stitser
- Tiffany Veerkamp
For a complete list of the athletes to be honored, please click here.
Players Mentioned
