THIS WEEK'S MESSAGE FROM ACTING PRESIDENT GERALDINE JONES
Posted on August 3, 2012
From: Acting
President Geraldine M. Jones The world’s attention has been
focused on Olympic competitors this week, but I’d like to applaud a gold medal
performance by our own student-athletes. Earlier this summer we learned
that Cal U had more Capital One Academic All-Americans during the 2011-2012
academic year than any other NCAA Division II member institution. Thirteen Vulcan players received
the honor, setting a school record. Their achievements vaulted our
University into sixth place among all participating schools, including NCAA,
NAIA, Canadian and two-year institutions. We’re in good company: Taylor
(Ind.) University topped the College Division with 20 honorees, placing it
first among all institutions. With 12 Academic All-Americans each, Stanford
(Calif.) University ranked first in Division I, and Massachusetts Institute of
Technology led Division III. Cal U’s latest cohort of Academic
All-Americans represents 12 of our 16 varsity sports. Women’s cross
country/track and field, women’s soccer and softball each had two honorees.
Student-athletes representing swimming, tennis, volleyball, men’s basketball,
men’s cross country/track and field, football and men’s soccer also received
the honor. Student-athletes named to Capital
One Academic All-American teams must distinguish themselves both in the
classroom and on the playing field. To be eligible for consideration,
a player must be a starter or key reserve with a cumulative grade-point average
of at least 3.30 on a scale of 4.00. Nominees must have reached sophomore
athletic and academic standings at their current institution, and each must be
nominated by the school’s sports information director. CoSIDA, the College Sports
Information Directors of America, began the Academic All-American program in
the 1950s and has honored thousands of collegiate athletes over the years. To
date, 32 Cal U students have been recognized. Each of them has been supported by
a strong team of coaches, faculty members and academic support staff. Our
Athletics Department embraces the NCAA Division II philosophy of balancing
academics and athletics, and many members of our campus community play a role
in helping our student-athletes achieve success. With great pride, I applaud
everyone who contributed to our recognition by CoSIDA, especially the 13 Cal U
student-athletes whose dedication to their studies, as well as their sports,
resulted in Academic All-American honors. California University’s members of
the 2011-2012 Capital One Academic All-American first team are Tim Lahmers (cross country/track and
field), Paula Jackson and Kristen Orrett (soccer), and Alyson Johnson (softball). Second team
members are Laurie Hall and Erin Kling (cross country/track and
field), Chet Welc (football) and Franziska Steinhart (tennis). Third
team members are Steve Swiech
(basketball), Charlie Dagnal
(soccer), Natalie Wideman
(softball), Kelsey Nuhfer (swimming)
and Meghan Franz (volleyball). Please join me in honoring these
academic and athletic achievers, and in wishing every one of our students
success in all their endeavors.
To: All students,
faculty, staff, alumni and University friends
Meet Acting President
Geraldine M. Jones
