Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's Department of Athletics recently celebrated its Third Annual Golden W's event at the Hilberry Gateway Theatre, honoring student-athletes who have excelled both in the classroom and in their respective sports. The event featured the recognition of ten Deans' Award winners, each of whom maintained the highest cumulative grade-point average among their peers within their respective colleges.

Among the honorees was Ally Shagena from the Mike Ilitch School of Business. Shagena, a senior women's basketball player, has maintained a 3.99 GPA, excelling in both academics and athletics. Shagena "received College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District recognition last month and will be a three-time GLIAC All-Academic Excellence Team recipient."

Mattie Drennan, a senior in the College of Education, also received a Deans' Award. She has consistently achieved a 4.00 term GPA and has been recognized multiple times for her academic achievements. Drennan "competed in the GLIAC Cross Country Championships all four years, twice at the NCAA Midwest Regionals and at nationals in 2022."

Representing the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering was senior Lucas Harding. An Electrical and Computer Engineering student, Harding has been on the academic honor roll throughout his tenure. He competed in "31 regular-season meets across four seasons."

Natalie Davies from the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts received her second consecutive Deans' Award. Davies, a senior, has a 3.935 cumulative GPA and has contributed significantly to the cross country and track & field teams.

Mehreen Siddiqui of the Honors College and a women's fencer recorded an impressive academic record with a 4.00 GPA across all semesters at Wayne State. In her athletic career, she has achieved 14 wins as a sabreist.

Eli DiCerbo, a mathematics major from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was honored for the second year in a row. Despite recent injuries, DiCerbo had a significant impact as a freshman, helping lead the team "to a 15th-place team finish at the NCAA Championships."

Ashley Bower from the College of Nursing was recognized for her academic performance despite injuries limiting her basketball participation. She achieved a 4.0 GPA throughout her semesters.

Lauren Fritz of the School of Social Work was acknowledged for her excellent defensive plays and consistent academic performance since transferring from Oakland Community College.

Jaci Tubergen from the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Trevor Jones from the Graduate School were also highlighted for their exceptional academic and sporting achievements.

"The cumulative GPA for all student-athletes is 3.449," with significant portions of student-athletes holding a GPA above 3.0. This event showcased Wayne State University's commitment to fostering excellence in both athletics and academics.