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Broncos recognized for excellence in academics, athletics and citizenship

by Mat Kanan

Oct. 9, 2011 | WMU News

Photo WMU Bronco statue at entrance to campus.
KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's athletic program has received the 2010-11 Cartwright Award of the Mid-American Conference for its combined excellence in academics, athletics and citizenship. The award was formally presented yesterday during the Broncos' homecoming football game.

"I am very proud of our athletes, coaches and administrators for their ongoing commitment to excellence in the classroom, on the playing field, and through service to the community," said WMU President John M. Dunn. "This award is well deserved and consistent with Western Michigan University's tradition of leading by example."

A committee with representation from all 12 MAC schools selects the Cartwright Award winner from nominations submitted based on measurements of excellence in academics, athletics and citizenship.

"MAC member institutions value excellence in the classroom, on the field of competition and in society," said Dr. Jon Steinbrecher, MAC commissioner. "I commend Western Michigan University for this recognition by its peers. This is indeed a high honor."

In June, WMU captured its sixth Jacoby Trophy for top women's athletic program of the year in the conference, and the Broncos earned second place in the Reece Trophy standings for men's athletics.

During 2010-11, Western Michigan boasted its ninth consecutive semester with a composite grade-point average greater than 3.0 among all student-athletes. WMU raised its number of Academic All-Americans to 58, with Allyson Doyle, volleyball, and Phil Swanson, football, earning first team and second team honors, respectively.

Past winners of the Cartwright Award are Central Michigan and Kent State universities. The award is named for Dr. Carol A. Cartwright, a respected voice in higher education, who served as the president of Kent State University from 1991 to 2006 and of Bowling Green State University from 2008 to 2011. She served on the NCAA Board of Directors and is a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.

Visit wmubroncos.com for more information.

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