When Mark Anderson ’09 wasn’t passing the puck or delivering a hit along the boards in Starr Rink he was pursuing a neuroscience major and conducting complex research in Olin Hall.
The Hastings, Neb., native excelled in both settings, and his passion, dedication, and work ethic was recognized by the university on Sunday when he was named the 1819 Award winner.
The award is the most selective and prestigious the university gives to a graduating senior. This year, for the first time, the award winner was announced during the senior class brunch. All the academic awards going to seniors will be presented during commencement weekend.
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Anderson earned a 3.84 grade point average and this year he was one of three finalists for the ECAC Hockey Scholar Athlete of the Year. His junior year, he was the first Raiders hockey player since 1984, and just the second in program history, to be named an Academic All-American.
In announcing him as the award winner, Dean of the College Charlotte Johnson cited these comments from a fellow student: “If you ask anyone on campus they will all say the same thing: unheard of work ethic, great character, brilliant mind, and a great friend.”
A coach said, “Simply put, when presented with problems, he is capable of providing answers. I continue to be impressed on a daily basis with his dedication and passion.”
Anderson has been accepted into George Washington Medical School, and he is excited about the prospect of exploring his options in medicine. First, though, he will pursue an opportunity to play professional hockey for a year before “hitting the books” again.
“ԱƵ was the perfect fit for me because I was able to compete in Division I ice hockey and compete for a national title every year while at the same time go through a rigorous neuroscience curriculum in small class settings,” said Anderson.
A four-year letterman, Anderson played in 128 games as a defenseman during his career and this past season he was named an assistant captain. He earned numerous academic and athletic awards during his time at ԱƵ.