American University President Dr. Neil Kerwin '71 has named volleyball senior student-athlete Cassandra Ricketts as the recipient of the 2011 President's Award, the University's highest award presented to undergraduate students.

“We are so proud of Cassandra's many achievements including being selected for the President's Award," Director of Athletics and Recreation Keith Gill stated. "She is an outstanding individual and personifies what it means to truly be a student-athlete. We know that she has a bright future ahead of her and we wish her well with her post-graduation endeavors.”

Ricketts will graduate summa cum laude with a major in biochemistry and a minor in psychology. Her paper, “Aspartate Aminotransferase Substrate Specificity Alteration,” was one of six winners at the University Honors Program's Honors Capstone Research Conference in April. She hopes to enter a post baccalaureate program, followed by medical school and a career in orthopedics or pediatrics. Ricketts is also a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and has participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, raised funds for cystic fibrosis, helped to conduct volleyball clinics for local students, and mentored girls participating in National Women and Sports Day.

A two-time team captain, Ricketts capped off her senior season by helping American win the 2010 Patriot League Championship and being named the Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Ricketts was also an All-Patriot League First Team honoree this season after leading the Eagles to a 29-3 record, the fourth-most wins in program history. The senior will graduate this weekend as a three-time Patriot League Champion and four-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll selection, having amassed 850 kills, 572 digs and 255 blocks.

Rickets was one of two students to receive the President's Award along with Alexander Priest, who will also graduate summa cum laude with two bachelor's degrees in communication and business administration. The President's Award is presented annually to the senior (or seniors) whose accomplishments over the course of his or her undergraduate years are truly exceptional and reflect the highest ideals of American University.