Colgate

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. (6/8/10) - Colgate University senior Susan Fortkiewicz (Bloomfield, N.J.) has been selected as the Patriot League Female Sportsmanship Award winner for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Fortkiewicz was a role model who always set a positive example for her peers, leading with care and compassion for others. A consistent top finisher for the Raiders, Fortkiewicz proudly served as co-captain for the women's cross country and track and field teams. She was named to the 2009 Patriot League Women's Cross Country Academic Honor Roll, posting a 3.67 GPA. Fortkiewicz is also a two-time recipient of the Don Dunn Award for her demonstration of exceptional dedication and persistence throughout the season.

Fortkiewicz was just as helpful in her off the field activities, as she was the president of the Colgate Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). As president, she led the "Adopt-A-Classroom" initiative. Throughout this event, Fortkiewicz organized all Colgate athletes to attend a class at the local elementary and high school to speak on topics like bullying, sportsmanship, and integrity. This event was largely successful due to the time commitment and passion she put into it. As a result of all that she has done for the Colgate University athletics department, she was the recipient of this year's "Huther Award." This award is given to a student-athlete who adds to the education of others by effort, dedication and example. Fortkiewicz also served as a member of the senior class gift committee.

The Patriot League Sportsmanship Awards are in their fifth year after being created to honor student-athletes that uphold the principles on which the League was founded - fairness, equality and excellence in academics and athletics. The awards are open to all Patriot League student-athletes and each of the eight Patriot League institutions is eligible to nominate a male and female for the award.