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EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern student-athletes, athletic administrators and coaches took time last week to thank the university's professors for their campus work and dedication. With the King NU P.R.I.D.E. Program and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S A.A.C.), Northwestern hosted its Faculty Appreciation Dinner, held annually during the spring quarter.

"This event a great way to show our gratitude for those professors who help enrich the college experience of our student-athletes," said Associate Athletic Director of Academic Services and Student Development Kristin Kane. "These faculty members go above and beyond not only to help our students balance their academic and athletic responsibilities, but also to challenge them to think differently and step outside of their comfort zones. Having this event as a dinner where our student-athletes get to invite their favorite professors serves as both a means to say thank you and also a form of networking and relationship development for our young people. It is a fun evening for all involved!"

"As I have gotten older, I have come to appreciate the opportunities to bridge the gap between the athletic and academic side of my career at Northwestern," said junior cross country runner and 2016-2017 S.A.A.C. Co-President Elena Miller. "I am industrial engineering major and I have become so passionate about this field thanks to the many incredible professors that I have had."

The Faculty Appreciation Dinner is an annual opportunity for student-athletes, administrators and coaches to celebrate the superlative faculty at Northwestern University who play such a critical role in their world-class academic experience.

"I feel very honored to be invited to an event like this," Department of Spanish & Portuguese Senior Lecturer Rifka Cook said. "I have worked with many student-athletes and feel that it is a great way to encourage our students to build relationships with the faculty at Northwestern."

"Northwestern Athletics treats academics as a top priority, and I think it is something the department does very honestly and very well," said Professor of Economics Mark Witte. "The department treats academics as a very serious pursuit and it does everything possible to make the athletic and academic experiences work together."

Invited faculty toured the athletics facilities, led by S.A.A.C. members and enjoyed dinner with student-athletes and other participants. The event concluded with a short program hearing from athletic department administrators and coaches. Women's swimming and diving head coach Abby Steketee was the event's guest speaker. The first-year coach and Northwestern alumna spoke about her experiences at Northwestern and her desire to inspire others as her professors did during her tenure as a student.

The mission of S.A.A.C. is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by providing student-athletes with a platform to have a voice within the department, the Big Ten and the NCAA.

S.A.A.C. also serves in a leadership role recruiting fellow student-athletes to serve the campus, Evanston, and the surrounding area through a variety of community service programs and events. Further, S.A.A.C. Reps believe it is their privilege and responsibility to enhance the relationships between the Athletic Department and all other realms within Northwestern University.

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Northwestern University Athletics

#B1GCats Host Faculty Appreciation Dinner

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