San Francisco, CA -- On Wednesday, the Division II Athletics Directors Association (DII ADA) announced the 2010-11 recipients of the DII ADA Academic Achievement Awards. Standing proud among the list of honorees were 17 Academy of Art University Urban Knights dedicated to being well-rounded student-athletes.

Of the 98 institutions that submitted nominees, a total of 3,676 student-athletes were recognized for their efforts this past year. The winners of the awards came from 10 different Academy of Art University sports. This select group of 17 Urban Knights earned the distinction, representing ART U among its fellow NCAA Division II institutions.

“Last year we had five student-athletes achieve the DII ADA Academic Achievement Award, our first year of eligibility. This year 17 student-athletes made the grade!” exclaimed Dr. Jamie Williams, director of athletics at the Academy of Art University. “Again, these young people highlight and illustrate the academic development we're having here as the only art institution in the NCAA. I'm proud of their effort. Be Artist. Be Athlete!”

The Academic Achievement Award winners were selected based upon a strict set of criteria. In addition to the athletics director of the Division II institution being a current dues paying member of the DII ADA, the student-athletes chosen must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work, and have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year.

Below is an alphabetical list of the Urban Knights earning the DII ADA Academic Achievement Award:

• Amy Bush – Women's Volleyball
• Edmund Boey – Men's Track & Field
• Kimberly Dauer – Softball
• Josh Garn – Men's Soccer
• Stuart Favretto – Men's Golf
• Cecilia Hedin – Women's Tennis
• Carolina Ivarsson – Women's Golf
• Julie Martin – Softball
• Tanner McCandlish – Women's Soccer
• Andrea Nieto – Women's Golf
• Diane Phan – Women's Tennis
• Spencer Roland – Baseball
• Remigius Roskosch – Men's Track & Field
• Cassandra Schumacher – Women's Track & Field
• Crystal Superal – Women's Golf
• Ian Sutherland – Men's Soccer
• Magda Torres – Women's Soccer

In addition to Academy of Art University, student-athletes from schools within the Pacific West Conference also received honors. Dixie State and Notre Dame de Namur both had names on the distinguished list.

“Congratulations to all of this year's Academic Achievement Award winners,” stated Division II ADA President Greg Waggoner, director of athletics at Western State College of Colorado. “We want to thank and congratulate those colleges and universities that took part in honoring its student-athletes and look forward to continued participation in the future.”

Click Here to see the complete list of 2010-11 DII ADA Academic Achievement Award winners!