May 16, 2011

Center Valley, Pa. - Ten Patriot League student-athletes, including nine from Lehigh, have earned Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards for their success in the classroom and the field of play.

The Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar Award is given to student-athletes of color who exemplify high standards in academics, athletics, and service to the community. The winners must meet the following criteria: have completed one full academic year at their respective institutions, earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher, be an active member of an intercollegiate athletic team, and demonstrated a record of campus or community service.

The representatives from Lehigh spanned five sports, with seniors Makura Compton and Evans Kosgei and junior Ifeanyi Edochie in cross country/track and field, sophomore Tyler Lareau and junior Paola Simon in swimming and diving, juniors Jennifer Colquhoun and Julie Fernandez in softball, junior Jana Basubas in soccer and sophomore MaryLeah DiNisco in lacrosse.

Sophomore swimmer Andrew Jackson made the list from American.

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education sponsors the Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar Awards to honor undergraduate students who have excelled in the classroom as well as on the athletic field. Inspired by tennis legend Arthur Ashe, Jr.'s commitment to education as well as his love for the game of tennis, U.S. colleges and universities are invited to participate in this annual awards program by nominating their outstanding sports scholars. In addition to their athletic ability and academic performance, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars demonstrate a commitment to community service and community activism.

For the complete list of winners, go to the Diverse Education website here