President Albrecht Presents Awards at Whitesides Luncheon

One hundred and forty-three student athletes and 10 managers and trainers were honored at the 51st Joe E. and Elma Whitesides Scholar-Athlete Luncheon April 26. Utah State University President Stan Albrecht and First Lady Joyce Albrecht attended the luncheon, and the president presented awards to the student athletes who are seniors or graduate students who are graduating and who have concluded their athletic eligibility.

To be eligible for student-athlete award, student must have obtained a 3.2 cumulative grade point average or post a 3.2 GPA in the last two semesters.

 

Tennis player Andrea Barker earned the top award when she received the Joe E. Whitesides Award. Baker, a senior majoring in exercise science, posted a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She is also a four-year letter winner on the tennis team.

 

Barker, who is the valedictorian of the College of Education and Human Services, has been accepted into graduate school at the University of Utah and will work to become a physician's assistant. She will be the youngest member of the class, which accepted just 36 of more than 600 applicants.

 

The Whitesides award was presented to Barker by David Foley, grandson of Joe E. Whitesides.

 

USU’s Executive Vice President and Provost Raymond T. Coward provided closing remarks.

 

“You are an inspiration to us,” Coward said. “Your success as an athlete and your success as a student will play well in your next stage of life. As athletes, you have a quest for excellence. This is a trait that will allow you to be successful in other venues. We are proud of you and your performance. Thank you for representing USU so well.”