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Jordon Pekrul Wins 2008 NSFA Outstanding International Student Award
April 7, 2008
ORONO, Maine - University of Maine women's soccer senior standout Jordon Pekrul (Burlington, Ontario) was recently awarded the 2008 College of Natural Sciences, Forestry & Agriculture (NSFA) Outstanding International Student Award. Pekrul is slated to graduate in May 2008 with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. "(Jordon) is one of those unusual students who has fully developed her natural talents to excel in the classroom and on the athletic field, and combined this with an ever upbeat personality to maximize her experience at UMaine and give back to the community," said Mary E. Rumpho, a Professor of Biochemistry at the University. "Perhaps what I admire most about Jordon is that she has accomplished all that she has with little fanfare, balancing her demanding schedule, sacrificing any `free' time she might have had for others, and always maintaining a positive and happy outlook." A four-year starter on the women's soccer team, Pekrul has maintained a high grade point average in a very demaning major such as biochemistry. She has been named to the Dean's List each semester, named to the America East Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll on three occassions and has been recognized as a bronze, silver and gold medal Maine Scholar-Athlete. A senior tri-captain for the Black Bears this past season, Pekrul has also been a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee on campus since her sophomore year. She has taken part in several community service events including: Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Toys for Tots, Bangor Homeless Shelter, Black Bears of Tomorrow, and coached children at local soccer clinics.
"What distinguishes (Jordon) from other student-athletes that I have coached is the fact that she is so well balanced, and possesses a perspective reflective of someone well beyond her age," said Maine women's soccer head coach Scott Atherley. "Her talent and impact on the growth of our program at the University of Maine, is rivaled only by her integrity and determination to succeed. The fiber of Jordon's character is as strong as the athlete she is."
Each year the Office of International Programs requests each college select their outstanding international student. The criteria for nomination includes: 1) a graduating senior; 2) a superior academic record; 3) special contributions to his/her area of study; 4) community service, campus involvement, and leadership experience may also be considered. Recommendations addressing the criteria were sent to College of Natural Sciences, Forestry & Agriculture Associate Dean, Alan S. Kezis, who selected the recipient of the award. For more information on Maine women's soccer, and what Black Bear student-athletes are doing in the local communities, please visit www.GoBlackBears.com(.) |
