Student-Athletes Honored at Saluki Scholars Banquet
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Oct. 27, 2003
More than 40 percent of student-athletes at Southern Illinois University achieved at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA during the 2002-03 academic year, and they were honored Sunday at the second annual Saluki Scholars banquet.
One hundred and thirty-one student-athletes, representing all 18 varsity sports, participated in Sunday's banquet, which also included parents, coaches, athletic administration, university administration and faculty.
The featured speaker was Mike Kelly, an SIU Alum and the sports radio voice of the University of Missouri. The master of ceremonies was Mary Jane Dwyer, a longtime friend of Saluki Athletics. Dr. John Dunn, SIU's provost & vice chancellor provided the welcome. The Saluki Scholars banquet was sponsored by 710 Bookstore, Carol Behr and Randy Johnson.
Last year, the departmental GPA was a 3.02. The Salukis had four GTE-CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, 13 academic all-district and 45 academic all conference performers.
"We're extremely proud of the academic accomplishments of our student-athletes," director of athletics Paul Kowalczyk said. "They are among the best and brightest of the student body. And we're very grateful to our banquet sponsors for providing a first-class event."