April 8, 2009

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University recently named Sun Belt Conference (SBC) champion diver Lauren Harvath as the female "Student-Athlete of the Year "and soccer standout Shire Standnes as the male "Student-Athlete of the Year."

Harvath and Standnes will be honored at FAU's 40th annual Honor's Convocation today at 4 p.m. in the University Theatre, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

LAUREN HARVATH

Senior Lauren Harvath provided leadership and set the standard for FAU diving during her career while maintaining a 3.44 GPA in her major of international business and trade. Harvath has been named to the President's List several times throughout her career at FAU.

Harvath contributed to the women's two SBC championship team titles during her career and raised the bar as a senior. The St. Louis, Missouri native broke her own school records in the one-meter dive (303.55) and three-meter dive (295.55). Harvath was runner-up several times at previous conference championship meets but won her first individual conference crown in the three-meter dive at the 2009 SBC Championship meet. Harvath finished second in the one-meter dive and was named the 2009 SBC Most Outstanding Diver.

Harvath has donated time to her community with participation in the American Cancer Society Relay-For-Life, the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure, Habitat for Humanity and by delivering Christmas gifts to the residents of the Fountains Nursing Home.

"I am very grateful to have Lauren as part of this team," said Steve Ecklekamp, head coach of FAU's swimming and diving team. "Her positive attitude in and out of the pool will take her far."

Shire Standnes

Shire Standnes has one of the most decorated careers in FAU men's soccer history. The double-major (international business and trade/marketing) has maintained a 3.83 GPA. Standnes is an academic all-district second team selection for the 2008-09 season and has been named to the President's and Dean's lists every year of his academic career. The Oslo, Norway native is a multiple all-conference honoree for his abilities on the soccer field and is a 2008-09 all-academic Mid-American Conference second team selection.

Standnes' play on the field placed him on the all-time top 10 charts for shots, goals, game-winning goals, and points for a career. Additionally, Standnes was a member of FAU's first regular season and tournament conference championship team, winning the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2007.

Standnes contributed to the community by aiding the implementation of the Annual 5 v 5 FAU soccer tournament, donating blood, coaching Team Boca and other local community teams, as well as participating in the "Violence and Conflict Preventing Work," a program working to better the environment of schools, youth clubs and streets of Oslo.