May 4, 2005

Bethlehem, PA - Several Lehigh student-athletes were honored with major University awards at a presentation on Wednesday evening. In all four Lehigh varsity student-athletes were recognized at the 20th annual Student Life Leadership Awards. The honors were handed out on Wednesday night in the Wood Dining Room in Iacocca Hall.

Women's basketball senior Jessica DePalo was presented with the Bosey Reiter Leadership Cup, given to the student whose "leadership shall be such as to contribute primarily to the best interest of the University." DePalo was also honored with a Contribution to Student Life Award, given to a graduating senior who has "significantly contributed to the improvementof the quality of student life during their years at Lehigh," and an Alumni Association Undergraduate Merit Award for "representing the highest traditions of Lehigh University."

In addition to DePalo, several other student-athletes were honored Wednesday. Sabrina Slater, a senior on the women's rowing team, was honored with a University Service Award for her efforts in making the Lehigh community a better place to live. Slater was also recognized with a Contribution to Student Life Award, and a Student Senate Leadership Award for her "outstanding leadership skills in any aspect of student life."

Two other Mountain Hawks were honored on Wednesday evening. Mel Lepko, a junior on the field hockey team, earned a Student Senate Leadership Award. Ty Esler, a senior on the tennis team, was honored with a Contribution to Student Life Award.

The Lehigh Athletics Department will help wrap up the year on Monday, with the fifth annual Lehigh Athletics Honors Convocation inside Grace Hall. Several departmental awards will be handed out on Monday, recognizing student-athletes for service, sportsmanship, leadership, and athletics accomplishments. The convocation gets underway at 11:00 am on May 2.