THE BLUE RIBBON
HIGHLIGHTING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
In the Spring of 2001, two DePaul student-athletes were
named Scholar-Athlete of the Year in their respective
sports. Molly Watson (Women’s Basketball) and Kara
Jakusz (Volleyball) were given this award recognizing
their athletic and academic excellence along with their
dedication to Community Service.
THE LAST WORD...THE CLASS OF 2002 REFLECTS
This year, DePaul nominated nine student-athletes for this honor and
Yolanda Lewis—Early Childhood Education My five years here at two were selected as winners.
DePaul have been ones that I will never forget. I have had a Doug Bohr – Men’s Track & Field
wonderful experience and have many memories that I will take Jash Chavero – Men’s Soccer
with me for the rest of my life. These experiences have made me Megan Greeley – Women’s Track & Field
grow as a person and have taught me so many lessons. I’ve had a Kadi Hilpus – Women’s Tennis
very positive academic and athletic experience throughout my Kara Jakusz – Volleyball
five years. I’ve met many wonderful people that I know I can Erin Moffett – Women’s Cross Country
always call friends and I have a place that I can always call home. Molly Sircher – Softball
Larry Vonckx – Men’s Cross Country
Lenae Williams – Women’s Basketball
Melissa Murphy—Psychology Whenever you think of the most
Christy Young – Women’s Soccer
memorable moments, things like winning the C-USA
Tournament and going to the NCAA Tourney should come to Congratulations to Lenae Williams and Kara Jakusz – this year’s
mind…but instead, I think of all of the snapshots of memories winners for Women’s Basketball and Volleyball!
that I have built along the way. This collage is made up of all the
unique and loyal individuals I’ve encountered in the last 4 years.
Their love, support, and inspiration will guide me in my future CONFERENCE USA ACADEMIC MEDAL OF HONOR
endeavors as I strive to be that kind of person for others. Thank Awarded to student-athletes who have maintained a cumulative GPA of
you to all of my influential “friends”—you know who you are! 3.75 or higher. These student-athletes are also named to the Conference
USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.
Neil Johnston—Accountancy Honors One moment at DePaul left an Women’s Soccer
indelible mark on me. At the start of this year, one of our Claire Sharkey
athletes started treatment for cancer. At a service to show our Christy Young
support, I noticed athletes from every team, some of whom
Softball
didn’t even know him. The amount of support was absolutely
staggering. It truly showed me the loyalty and sense of family Molly Sircher
DePaul athletics has achieved, and the quality of people I’ll be Men’s Tennis
proud to call my friends now and in the future. Dan Bennett
We are…DePaul. Never before did that have more meaning. Michael Fessler
Women’s Tennis
Montia Gardner—Secondary Education / English My favorite
moments at DePaul are going to visit Jeanne and Mary in the Kadi Hilpus
office. Jeanne always has something positive to say and Mary has Natalie Matko
the power to make me smile when I might be feeling low. They Men’s Track & Field / Cross Country
are genuine people who really make DePaul a special place. They Chris Birchall
are my favorite memory because they will always remind me of a Doug Bohr
happy place that pushes its athletes—not only to be better, but to Larry Vonckx
be the best! Jeanne and Mary are special angels sent from heaven! David Walczak
INSIDE
DEAN’S LIST FOR FALL & LITERACY GRANT SHANA MILLS TO ATTEND ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL
WINTER 2001-2002 FROM VERIZON LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE & BLUE RIBBON WINNERS
PAGE 2 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4
PAGE 2
DEAN’S LIST FOR FALL & WINTER 2001-2002
To be named to the Dean’s List, students must be enrolled full-time
and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
DEPAUL STUDENT-ATHLETES GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Women’s Basketball Neil Johnston FQ, WQ
The United States has one of the lowest literacy rates among industrialized nations, and Jenni Dant FQ David Pitsch WQ
unfortunately school districts struggle with limited resources to deal with the problem. Sarah Kustok FQ, WQ
Women’s Tennis
In response, private foundations, companies and concerned individuals are all Ashley Luke WQ
Karen Falduto FQ, WQ
providing resources to address this need. Jamie Smith FQ, WQ
Kadi Hilpus FQ, WQ
Verizon is one of the companies that has made a commitment to literacy. As a NCAA Laura Sobieszczyk FQ, WQ
Natalie Matko FQ, WQ
corporate partner, Verizon has partnered with the NCAA Foundation and the Golf Stephanie Matko FQ, WQ
CHAMPS/Life Skills Program to develop the “Verizon Reads with the NCAA” John Dallio FQ, WQ Marina Parashkevova FQ, WQ
Kyle Patterson WQ Megan Stewart FQ, WQ
literacy program. Verizon Reads donated $50,000 to the NCAA’s Literacy Fund so
that ten institutions would each receive a $5,000 literacy grant. Men’s Track & Field and
Men’s Soccer
DePaul University was selected as one of those ten institutions. The goal of the Cross Country
Juan Aguilar FQ, WQ
Armando Aguirre FQ, WQ
“Verizon Reads with the NCAA” is to reduce the illiteracy rate of youth in Brian Allen WQ
Salvador Andrade FQ, WQ
communities across America by using college student-athletes as leaders, educators, Jash Chavero FQ, WQ
Chris Birchall FQ, WQ
and role models. At DePaul University, the student-athletes have teamed up with the David Eder FQ
Doug Bohr FQ, WQ
Jeff Klitkze FQ
daycare at St. Vincent DePaul. They will spend time reading with the children and Rick Britton FQ
Anthony Minniti FQ, WQ
hopefully having an influence on the children in the process. Chris Chiakulas FQ, WQ
Seeing the student-athletes reading and enjoying it at the same time will have a great Women’s Soccer Tom Kacprynski FQ, WQ
Colleen Ahearn FQ, WQ Paul Lewandowski FQ, WQ
influence over these children. A lot of the children at this daycare do not come from Jessica Audey FQ Jeff Perkins FQ
the best of backgrounds and anyone that is willing to spend time with them to help Kate Bogdonas FQ Robert Reed FQ
them advance in life is greatly appreciated. We hope to develop this program into a Erin Davren FQ, WQ Dan Sloan FQ, WQ
long-lasting relationship that will help steer the children towards finishing school, Lindsay Deason WQ Kim Trieu FQ, WQ
Lauren Geiger FQ, WQ Larry Vonckx FQ, WQ
provide a closer relationship between DePaul and the community, and at the same Donnie Warner FQ, WQ
Courtney Hannel FQ, WQ
time, provide a sense of accomplishment for our student-athletes. Katie Hawkins FQ, WQ David Walczak FQ, WQ
Jen Kastner FQ
Women’s Track & Field and
Autumn Laidler FQ, WQ
SENIOR LEADER AWARD WINNERS Cross Country
Katie Merz FQ, WQ
To receive this recognition, students must be nominated by a member of the University community. The winners Vanessa Crockett FQ, WQ
Shana Mills FQ, WQ
Megan Greeley FQ, WQ
are selected based on excellence in academic, extracurricular and community service activities. Congratulations to Cassie Ozark FQ, WQ
Marlene Key FQ, WQ
Katie and Melissa! Claire Sharkey FQ, WQ
Shelley Knight FQ
Christy Young FQ
Marissa Petersen WQ
Katie Hawkins – Women’s Soccer Softball Lynsey Psimas FQ, WQ
Melissa Murphy – Volleyball Lindsay Chouinard FQ, WQ Leah Rygh FQ, WQ
Christina Douglas FQ Katie Sullivan WQ
Sarah Martz FQ, WQ Katrina Tuska FQ, WQ
TEAM ACADEMIC HONORS Saskia Roberson FQ
The DePaul Men's Cross Country team was recognized for their academic efforts by Volleyball
Molly Sircher FQ, WQ
Christa Dirr FQ, WQ
the United States Cross Country Coaches Association as one of the top teams in
Men’s Tennis Kara Jakusz FQ, WQ
the nation. The Blue Demons cumulative grade point average of 3.38 earned them Dan Bennett FQ, WQ Eden Laurin FQ
"All-Academic, With Distinction" honors for being just one of 25 schools with at Jevgenij Cariov FQ, WQ Lara Marks FQ, WQ
least a 3.25 team GPA. Overall, DePaul ranked ninth in the nation and joined Michael Fessler FQ, WQ Amie West WQ
Conference USA member Cincinnati in the top 10.
The DePaul Women's Basketball team was named to the Academic Top 25 by
the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). DePaul's team grade point
average of 3.277 was ranked 13th among the nation's NCAA Division I women's
basketball programs. This marks the second time in the last three years that the Blue
Demons have been ranked in the top 20.
THE BLUE RIBBON
HIGHLIGHTING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE
PAGE 3
CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS
DEPAUL’S SHANA MILLS SELECTED TO ATTEND NCAA Men’s Basketball
FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Rashon Burno – Communication
Lance Williams – Sociology
The NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference assumes that student-athletes are Brian Eck – Manager – Physical Education
in a unique position to effect change both on campus and in the community, and that Women’s Basketball
the leadership abilities in each person can be developed through hands-on, interactive, Yolanda Lewis – Early Childhood Education
conscious effort. The NCAA recognized that they should encourage and develop the Lenae Williams – Communication
leadership potential of these students through the sponsorship of interactive and Liam Iwamuro – Manager – E-Commerce Technology
collaborative programs. The Leadership Conference develops these leadership abilities Golf
by placing student-athletes in a supportive, small-group learning environment which John Dallio – Finance
allows opportunities for reflection and the integration of new experiences and Drew Mayhew – Marketing
information. Men’s Soccer
Nearly 300 Division I schools nominated 1,183 student-athletes to attend this year’s Jash Chavero – Marketing
Leadership Conference. DePaul’s Shana Mills was one of only 282 selected. The Chris Greer – Graphic Design
students chosen hail from more than 20 countries and represent 22 sports in all NCAA Robert Marshall – Finance
divisions. This year’s conference runs from May 28th through June 1st at Disney’s Wide Maykal Salvatierra – Economics
World of Sports and Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Ryan Wunderlich – Communication
Because the NCAA believes that leadership is inextricably linked with service, all Women’s Soccer
participants must create a community service program to implement upon their Jen Bechtold – Sociology
return. Shana is working on a reading program designed to connect student-athletes Katie Hawkins – Elementary Education
with local schoolchildren, not only strengthening the ties between the participants, Tammy Howe – Physical Education
but between DePaul and the local community as well. Autumn Laidler – Finance
Shana is a sophomore Biology major and member of the Science and Pre-Med Club. Softball
Outside of school, she participates in a number of volunteer activities, including her Shavaughne Desecki – Finance
work with the homeless at the Dignity Diner. She is the third DePaul student selected to Molly Sircher – Secondary Education
attend the Leadership Conference. Brian Clay was elected in 1999; he is now a graduate Men’s Tennis
assistant in the athletic academic advising program at Arizona State. Salvador Andrade Dan Bennett – Finance
was selected in 2001; he is a junior and Psychology major here at DePaul. Jevgenij Cariov – Finance
Neil Johnston – Accountancy Honors
Juan Aguilar of the Men’s Soccer team, Andy Michael of the Men’s Tennis team and
Robert Kurek – Economics
Jenni Dant of the Women’s Basketball team, were also nominated to attend this David Pitsch – Finance and Marketing
year’s conference.
Women’s Tennis
Kadi Hilpus – Finance Honors
GIANT STEPS AWARD AND N4A STUDENT-ATHLETE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Men’s Track / Cross Country
This year, senior men’s golfer John Dallio will be recognized with two awards for his Aaron Cherrington – Network Technologies
outstanding courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. The National Frank Guzman – Finance
Consortium for Academics and Sport will honor John at its summer conference this Andrae McPherson – Finance
June at the University of Kentucky with their Giant Steps Award. The National Carey Ryan – Finance
Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics will also present an award to John in Women’s Track & Field / Cross Country
Reno, Nevada this June. Both awards recognize academic excellence in light of great Vanessa Crockett – Psychology
personal difficulty. John has been a true inspiration to his peers, as well as to faculty Montia Gardner – Secondary Education/English
and staff. Lynsey Psimas – Physical Education
Volleyball
Stephanie Bishop – Finance
VERIZON ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT V AS SELECTED BY COSIDA Christa Dirr – Marketing
Mary Ann Flanigan – Elementary Education
Lindsay Chouinard – Softball Kara Jakusz – Finance
Sarah Martz – Softball Melissa Murphy – Psychology
Kara Jakusz – Volleyball Melissa Nordine – Elementary Education
Phil Wantoch – Manager – Finance
THE BLUE RIBBON IS AN ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF ATHLETIC ACADEMIC ADVISING
KATE O’BRIEN—Program Director/Life Skills Coordinator • FRANK BONACCI—Assistant Director/Tutor Coordinator • KIM SMITH—Academic Advisor/Career Coordinator
LAMAR BUTLER and RAEANN SBABARO—Graduate Assistants • VANESSA CROCKETT, PAUL KIESLING, DEE MOORE, and ERIKA SCHULTZ—Undergraduate Assistants
www.depaulbluedemons.com/academic/
PAGE 4
BLUE RIBBON WINNERS FOR FALL 2001 AND WINTER 2002
While all other honors in this publication recognize outstanding cumulative
GPAs, the Athletic Academic Advising Staff wants to acknowledge students
who have earned excellent term GPAs. The following student-athletes have
set and met standards necessary for recognition in the Blue Ribbon.
These student-athletes have earned a minimum term GPA of 3.0.
Men’s Basketball Michael Fessler FQ, WQ
MOLLY SIRCHER AND DAN BENNETT EARN HIGH GPA HONORS Drake Diener FQ, WQ Neil Johnston FQ, WQ
Sean Farrell WQ Robert Kotrozco WQ
Randy Ramsey WQ Robert Kurek FQ
Molly Sircher of the Women’s Softball team and Dan Bennett of the Men’s Tennis team top this year’s senior class with their Joe Tulley WQ John Andy Michael FQ
outstanding GPAs. David Pitsch FQ, WQ
Women’s Basketball
Jenni Dant FQ Women’s Tennis
Molly is a Secondary Education major and the captain of the Softball team. She has earned a Lindsay Forsberg FQ Rachel Dybas WQ
cumulative GPA of 3.796, and has been a four time recipient of the Conference USA Sarah Kustok FQ, WQ Karen Falduto FQ, WQ
Ashley Luke FQ, WQ Kadi Hilpus FQ, WQ
Academic Medal of Honor and a four time member of the Conference USA Academic Honor Jamie Smith FQ, WQ Szilvia Kelemen FQ
Roll. She has also won the Mid-Continent Conference Academic Medal of Honor. Molly has Laura Sobieczszyk FQ, WQ Natalie Matko FQ, WQ
been on DePaul’s Dean’s List every quarter since the fall of 1998. In addition, Molly is a Lenae Williams FQ, WQ Stephanie Matko FQ, WQ
Golf Marina Parashkevova FQ, WQ
member of the Golden Key Honor Society and the Phi Theta Alpha History Honor Society. Megan Stewart FQ, WQ
John Dallio FQ, WQ
Joe Hermes FQ, WQ Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country
Dan is a Finance major, enrolled in the College of Commerce. He too, is a four time Ryan Jamison FQ, WQ Armando Aguirre FQ, WQ
member of the Conference USA Academic Honor Roll and will receive the C-USA Drew Mayhew FQ, WQ Salvador Andrade FQ, WQ
Kyle Patterson FQ, WQ Chris Birchall FQ, WQ
Academic Medal of Honor this year. Last year, Dan won an International Tennis Association Josh Sellers WQ Doug Bohr FQ, WQ
scholar-athlete award. Dan was chosen as one of approximately 50 students to receive this Justin Thomas WQ Rick Britton FQ, WQ
award nationally. He has also participated in the NCAA Yes Program, in which he taught the Men’s Soccer Aaron Cherrington FQ, WQ
basics of tennis to local children at the C-USA tournament. His cumulative GPA is 3.575. Juan Aguilar FQ, WQ Chris Chiakulas FQ, WQ
Brian Allen FQ, WQ Rashard Deleston FQ, WQ
Jash Chavero FQ Anthony Harlan FQ
The Athletic Academic Advising staff congratulates Molly and Dan on their outstanding David Eder FQ Larry Inanga FQ
achievements. Their hard work and dedication will be missed as will their ability to serve as role Jonathan Foley FQ, WQ Jarrod Jahnke FQ
Jeff Klitzke FQ Tom Kacprzynski FQ, WQ
models for other students. Their achievements will serve them well as they establish their Bob Kruse WQ Will Lazicki WQ
careers and shed a positive light on all DePaul students, now and in the future. Robert Marshall FQ Paul Lewandowski FQ, WQ
Anthony Minniti FQ, WQ Andrae McPherson FQ
Patrick Vyncke FQ Kai Murray FQ, WQ
Ryan Wunderlich FQ, WQ Jeff Perkins FQ, WQ
CONFERENCE USA COMMISSIONER’S ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL Dan Quinn FQ Carey Ryan WQ
Women’s Soccer Robert Reed FQ
Awarded to student-athletes who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Luis Samayoa FQ, WQ
Colleen Ahearn FQ, WQ
Jessica Audey FQ Dan Sloan FQ
Men’s Basketball Autumn Laidler Jarrod Jahnke Jen Bechtold FQ, WQ Kim Trieu FQ, WQ
Drake Diener Katie Merz Tom Kacprzynski Kate Bogdonas FQ Larry Vonckx FQ, WQ
Shana Mills Paul Lewandowski Erin Davren FQ, WQ David Walczak FQ, WQ
Women’s Basketball Cassie Ozark Jeff Perkins Lindsay Deason FQ, WQ Donnie Warner FQ, WQ
Sarah Kustok Amber Prindle Darshan Patel Ogannaya Dotson-Newman FQ
Yolanda Lewis Robert Reed Lauren Geiger FQ, WQ Women’s Cross Country and Track
Ashley Luke Softball Dan Sloan Courtney Hannel FQ, WQ Vanessa Crockett FQ, WQ
Jamie Smith Liz Bouck Kim Trieu Katie Hawkins FQ, WQ Montia Gardner FQ
Laura Sobieszczyk Lindsay Chouinard Donnie Warner Kelly Kammer WQ Megan Greeley FQ, WQ
Marta Szumska Christina Douglas Jen Kastner FQ Jessica Karlin WQ
Lenae Williams Sarah Douglas Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country Autumn Laidler FQ, WQ Marlene Key FQ, WQ
Sarah Martz Vanessa Crockett Michelle Magee WQ Shelley Knight FQ
Golf Saskia Roberson Megan Greeley Katie Merz FQ, WQ Molly Marcucci FQ, WQ
Ryan Jamison Laura Visin Jessica Karlin Shana Mills FQ, WQ Marissa Petersen FQ, WQ
Kyle Patterson Marlene Key Cassie Ozark FQ Lynsey Psimas FQ, WQ
Justin Thomas Men’s Tennis Marissa Petersen Amber Prindle FQ, WQ Diana Runnels FQ
Jevgenij Cariov Trina Knight Claire Sharkey FQ, WQ Leah Rygh FQ, WQ
Men’s Soccer Robert Kotrozco Shelley Knight Christy Young FQ, WQ Sue Stoffel WQ
Juan Aguilar David Pitsch Molly Marcucci Katie Sullivan FQ, WQ
Brian Allen Neil Johnston Erin Moffett Softball Katrina Tuska FQ, WQ
Jash Chavero Jessica Psimas Liz Bouck FQ, WQ
John Foley Women’s Tennis Leah Rygh Lindsay Chouinard FQ Volleyball
Jeff Klitzke Karen Falduto Katie Sullivan Jenny Doezie FQ Stephanie Bishop FQ, WQ
Anthony Minniti Szilvia Kelemen Katrina Tuska Christina Douglas FQ, WQ Christa Dirr FQ, WQ
Stephanie Matko Sarah Douglas FQ, WQ Katie Engel FQ, WQ
Women’s Soccer Marina Parashkevova Volleyball Dana Kenney FQ Mary Anne Flanigan WQ
Colleen Ahearn Megan Stewart Christa Dirr Katy Kukman WQ Janet Goreham FQ, WQ
Jessica Audey Janet Goreham Sarah Martz FQ, WQ Megan Griffin FQ, WQ
Jen Bechtold Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country Megan Griffin Ashley Parker FQ Amy Holmes WQ
Erin Davren Armando Aguirre Kara Jakusz Gina Ramacci FQ, WQ Kara Jakusz FQ, WQ
Lindsey Deason Salvador Andrade Eden Laurin Saskia Roberson FQ Eden Laurin FQ
Lauren Geiger Rick Britton Lara Marks Molly Sircher FQ, WQ Lara Marks FQ, WQ
Courtney Hannel Aaron Cherrington Melissa Murphy Laura Visin FQ, WQ
Chris Chiakulas Amie West Melissa Murphy FQ, WQ
Katie Hawkins
Kelly Kammer Rashard Deleston Men’s Tennis Melissa Nordine WQ
Enoete Inanga Dan Bennett FQ, WQ Amie West FQ
Jen Kastner
Jevgenij Cariov FQ, WQ