HÂþ»'s Department of Athletics has announced that 89 student-athletes achieved U Sports Canada (formerly CIS) Academic All-Canadian status during the 2015-16 season.
To qualify as an Academic All-Canadian, student-athletes must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.50 during the academic year while competing in a varsity sport. In addition to excelling in the classroom, student-athletes spend a considerable amount of their time training and competing in their respective sports. They are also very active in the community, volunteering with dozens of charities and organizations.
“Being a student-athlete is excellent preparation for the life and leadership opportunities that lie ahead,†says Dal President Richard Florizone. “I commend our Academic All-Canadians on their hard work and dedication to their studies, while committing so much time and effort to their athletics and community initiatives. Their accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary.â€
Not only have these 89 student-athletes achieved a GPA of 3.50, most have surpassed that number with the average GPA of the 2015-16 Academic All-Canadians was 3.86.
“Being honoured as an Academic All-Canadian is one of the most prestigious awards a student-athlete can receive, says Tim Maloney, director of Varsity Athletics. “To have over one-third of our HÂþ» Tigers achieve this standard is something we can all take tremendous pride in.â€
Their hard work and success both on and off the playing surface will be celebrated at the 17th annual Academic All-Canadian Luncheon on Tuesday, January 18, 2017.
In addition to honouring the student-athletes, the luncheon will also celebrate the individuals who’ve helped the student-athletes achieve their goals: their parents and their academic mentors. Honourees are given the opportunity to invite their parents and a faculty member to the luncheon, who have been vital to their success as student-athletes.