SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Shippensburg University Athletics Department and the Office of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes will host the first National Student-Athlete Day Picnic on Wednesday, April 23. A picnic style dinner will take place at the roller hockey rink next to the intramural rec field beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m.  

The purpose of the event is to honor Shippensburg student-athletes and recognize those who have achieved success in academics and athletics while additionally making contributions to the community.

"This event will be an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our student-athletes and their commitment to academics and athletics," said Carrie Michaels, Coordinator of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes at Shippensburg University.

This year marks the 21st celebration of National Student-Athlete Day. This special event honors student-athletes across the country who have achieved excellence in academics and athletics while having made significant contributions to their schools and communities.

It has also been a time to recognize parents, teachers, coaches, advisors and administrators who have helped support student-athletes in their pursuit of balancing academics and athletics.

The picnic will become an annual event to honor the student-athletes of Shippensburg University where several student-athletes will receive recognition. Awards will be provided to those who achieved a 4.0 GPA during either the fall or spring semesters as well as student-athletes who serve as members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). 

In addition, a female and male student-athlete will be selected as the SU Student-Athlete of the Year. The selection process for the awards will be based on achievements in academics, leadership, sportsmanship, community service and athletics.

For more information on this year's event, please contact Michaels at 717-477-1699 or at camichaels@ship.edu.