Regis Student-Athletes Recognized for Academic Excellence

WESTON, Mass. - In an event that has become an annual tradition as part of Regis College's celebration of NCAA Division III Week, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate student-athletes performing well in the classroom were invited to the Academic Excellence Ceremony held Tuesday, April 2, in the College Hall Foyer.

In total, 95 student-athletes were invited to attend the ceremony, which featured comments from Dr. Leslie Bishop, NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, Dr. Mary Erina Driscoll, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Laura Ladino, Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. In addition, Regis College President Dr. Antoinette Hays was in attendance, as were several members of the Regis administrative staff, faculty, and coaches.

"From the moment you come here, you're engaged in (not only) the world of sports and your teams, but also your academic life. And what I like to think, anyway, is those things don't stay separate... they start to feed on one another. All the things you do that increase your knowledge, that make you a better developed, educated person, are the skills you need in life," said Dr. Driscoll.

Thalia Bowie '21, DNP'23 served as the keynote speaker and talked about the importance of student-athletes taking care of their mental health, especially asking for help if necessary. She based her doctoral thesis project on student-athlete mental health and used that research to tell the assembled crowd that "We all get better together, and normalizing discussions around mental health changes the game for everyone."

"I want you all to enjoy the journey wherever you are at in your collegiate career," Bowie continued. "Many days were long and tedious in my journey, but now I look back and miss competing so much. Please know that all these experiences are positively shaping you into the best version of yourself."

As part of the ceremony, all 95 student-athletes honored were listed on slides (seen below) corresponding to one of the four schools within Regis College. Those in attendance were welcome to be part of a group photo with Dr. Hays, with drinks and snacks part of a post-ceremony informal social gathering.

Regis College is one of 433 active Division III members of the NCAA, and the Pride compete in 19 intercollegiate sports within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.