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University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

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Academic Awards

General Chris Brannick

Academic Awards: The Presidential Award

The University of Central Oklahoma athletic department looks forward each year with great pride to the annual Academic Awards Banquet. The annual spring tradition, held to honor the outstanding achievements of UCO student-athletes in the classroom, is always a joyous occasion. This year, it could not happen. For reasons beyond anyone's control, the closure of campus due to a global health crisis prevented UCO from hosting one its premiere events on the calendar.
 
However, at Central we believe the recognition can and should still take place. This week, we are highlighting the accomplishments of our student-athletes. Each day, we will honor a different category that would have been highlighted at the banquet.
 
It is our hope that this method of recognition will suffice and bring a similar joy that the banquet did. And we look forward to returning to hosting the great event next spring.
 
Today, we recognize a prestigious award – The Presidential Award. The Presidential Award is given to student-athletes, male or female, of any class standing, who exhibit the highest levels of excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service to the campus and/or community. The individual must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Nominations go through the selection committee, then to the university president for final decision. The number of student-athletes who receive this award is up to the final decision of the university president.
 
And this year's winners: Erin Drewke and Ben Raulston.
 
Drewke, a senior from Edmond and member of the UCO cross country team and the track & field team, has a 3.67 grade point average while majoring in Biomedical Engineering with Pre-med concentration. She also minors in mathematics. Drewke is a 2019 Engineering & Phsyics Service Award Scholarship recipient, a Bronze Academic Scholarship recipient, an Air Force Aid Society scholarship recipient, and a Research, Creative & Scholarly Activities Grant recipient. She has been a member of the President's Honor Roll as well as the Dean's Honor Roll and the MIAA Honor Roll.
 
Drewke is a member of LOT (Leaders of Tomorrow), a Laboratory Research Assistant, a member of SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Council), VAC (Volunteer Advocacy Council), SWE (Society of Women Engineers), and is an Engineering & Physics Student Ambassador.
 
She has also logged over 500 hours of community service while attending Central.
 
Raulston, a junior from Ponca City, Oklahoma and offensive lineman for the UCO football team, is a five-time President's Honor Roll member and a two-time Dean's Honor Roll. He has a 3.92 grade point average majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
 
Raulston has been a member of the President's Leadership Council for four years and is also active in STUMO. His community service ranges from Life Church's 30-second theology to Pepper's Ranch to Deer Creek Elementary Reading Program, and more.
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Players Mentioned

Erin Drewke

Erin Drewke

Throws/Multi
5' 4"
Senior
Ben Raulston

#58 Ben Raulston

OL
6' 3"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Erin Drewke

Erin Drewke

5' 4"
Senior
Throws/Multi
Ben Raulston

#58 Ben Raulston

6' 3"
Senior
OL
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