MACOMB, Ill. - Eleven student-athletes were recognized as part of Western Illinois University's Spring 2008 Academic Honors Convocation Friday afternoon, including women's soccer player Julia Remes who was named the College of Arts and Sciences Scholar, Political Science Departmental Scholar, an Honors Scholar and Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate.

The Academic Honors Convocation in Western Hall honored College Scholars, Departmental Scholars, Honors Scholars and graduate candidates who have earned academic distinction throughout their undergraduate careers. Students receive a medallion for each honor, which they wear at Commencement ceremonies. In addition, College Scholars receive a $150 cash award from the WIU Foundation.

Remes, a political science major and a Pre-Law Honors minor, was one of five student-athletes graduating with highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude. Others were Melissa Jay (track/cross country), Brittany Mason (softball), Marketing Department Scholar Bess Rapp (soccer) and Walt Willis (track), comprising nearly 10 percent of the 55 students on the list.

Graduating Cum Laude were Jennifer Madgiak (swimming), Mary Olson (volleyball), Samantha Quigle (basketball) and Matthew Wrage (track). Graduating Magna Cum Laude were Angela Guy (soccer) and Delaine Pattison (soccer).

Additionally, Jay, Madgiak, Remes and Willis were named Honors Scholars.

Rapp, Jay and Remes served as marshals for their respective commencement ceremonies, held Saturday, May 10 in Western Hall. Marshals were selected based on their high academic achievement. All three earned Summa Cum Laude academic distinction, achieving grade point averages of 3.90 or higher on a 4.0 point scale.