ERIE, Pa. – More than a dozen student-athletes were among those who received special honors during Gannon University's annual Founders' Day Awards Convocation on Friday, May 5. The ceremony took place at the Highmark Events Center.

"We have exceptional student-athletes committed to achieving excellence in all their endeavors," said Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk. "The recognition that so many of our student-athletes received for their outstanding scholarship, leadership, and commitment to upholding the mission of Gannon University is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence."

The Golden Knights who received awards at the Founders' Day ceremony included the following:


Academic Excellence – Graduate: These awards are presented to graduating students for superior academic performance in their major, and for contributions to their department or field of study through curricular or co-curricular activities.

Business Administration – Boston McKinney, women's basketball 

Mechanical Engineering – David Gallion, men's swimming and diving, men's water polo

Applied Exercise Physiology – Gehrig Hutchison, men's wrestling

 
Academic Excellence Awards – Undergraduate: These awards are presented to graduating students for superior academic performance in their major, and for contributions to their department or field of study through curricular or co-curricular activities.

Computer Science and Software Engineering – Nikoly Dos Santos, women's wrestling

Economics, Healthcare Management – Michaela Giambrone, women's cross country

International Management – Diego Belchi Pertegaz, men's soccer

Entrepreneurship – Georgios Koutroulis, men's soccer

Mortuary Science – Sydney Williams, competitive cheer

Physician Assistant – Claire Livingston, women's cross country

Nutrition and Human Performance – Lauryn Rougeux, softball

 
Leadership Awards 

Outstanding University Ambassador – Sydney Klakeg, women's water polo 

 
Archbishop John Mark Gannon Award 

Emilie Hilliard, women's soccer

Claire Livingston, women's cross country

 
Doc Beyer Award: Awarded for outstanding achievement in scholarship and athletics. This award is in honor and memory of Dr. Richard L. "Doc" Beyer, a member of the Gannon History Department for over 20 years.

Jacob Hollo, men's water polo

Maddie Olsen, acrobatics & tumbling