ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Members of the RIT Athletic Department gathered last Sunday morning at the Doubletree Inn by Hilton Hotel Rochester for a breakfast honoring the student-athletes in the Class of 2024.
 
Five individual departmental award winners were recognized while all seniors were presented a gift as well as a student-athlete stole to be worn during graduation ceremonies next weekend.
 
Senior Women's Rowing team member Natalie Siwek and senior Men's Lacrosse player Dylan Bruno also offered words about their experience as RIT student-athletes, while Executive Director of Athletics Jacqueline Nicholson and Assistant Director of Athletics Olivia Winkfield also addressed the group. Longtime men's basketball coach Bob McVean, who recently announced his retirement, was also recognized for his 40 years of service. 
 
Individual award winners (in bold), along with two other finalists, were recognized with the following honors:
 
Power Den Awards
Two student-athletes are annually recognized for demonstrating a high level of competency in the weight room, and for having an enthusiasm for training while going above and beyond program requirements in their preparation.
 
MEN
Allyn French – Men's Lacrosse
Aiden Hughes – Men's Track & Field
Tommy Moore – Men's Rowing
 
WOMEN
Maggie Carey – Women's Rowing
Emily DiMarco – Women's Track & Field
Claire Templeton – Women's Lacrosse
 
A. Stephen Walls Leadership Award
Named in honor of the founder of RIT's intercollegiate athletics hall of fame, the award annually goes to a student-athlete who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities and activities within the team, the overall athletics program, and the campus community at large.
 
Ben Baker – Men's Rowing
Aidan Hughes – Men's Track & Field
Elizabeth Kisker – Women's Swimming & Diving
 
Dr. Mark Ellingson Awards
Named in honor of RIT's former wrestling coach who went on to become its fifth president, Ellingson award nominees are considered based on a combination of high achievement in both the classroom and on the field of play.
 
MEN
Dylan Bruno – Men's Lacrosse
Caleb Moretz – Men's Hockey
Keegan Ocorr – Men's Basketball
 
WOMEN
Amelia Gilbert – Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
Samantha Russell – Women's Swimming & Diving
Natalie Siwek – Women's Rowing
 
NOTE: The rest of the annual Athletic Department individual awards will be announced at a later date. Stay tuned to ritathletics.com and @RITathletics on social media for the announcements.