University of Minnesota Athletics
Golden Gopher Fund Celebrates Scholarships
10/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
October 20, 2015
The Golden Gopher Fund held its annual Scholarship Banquet on Monday night at TCF Bank Stadium, a celebration that brought together a crowd of more than 400 donors, coaches and student-athletes to highlight the integral role supporting scholarship funds plays in the college experience of every Gopher student-athlete.
"The support that all of you provide for scholarships does more than just allow our student-athletes to attend this great university," said Interim Director of Athletics Beth Goetz during an address to the audience. "It extends beyond those four years and beyond each of them wearing that Maroon and Gold. All of the opportunities they enjoy, in the classroom and in competition, create the chance for them to achieve greatness throughout their lives. They have those opportunities because of you."
Two student-athletes were recognized with the Patty Berg and Henry L. Williams Legacy Scholar Athlete Awards. These awards recognize one female and one male student-athlete, respectively, who excel in athletics and academics while representing the values of the athletics department.
Senior gymnast Lindsay Mable was honored with this year's Berg Legacy Award. Mable's accolades in the gym are without equal in Minnesota history. Since her Big Ten Freshman of the Year rookie season, she's racked up 31 career individual event titles, four NCAA First Team All-America selections, five Big Ten championships and held the nation's No. 1 ranking in the all-around last season as a junior, a first for any Gopher gymnast. All-around is a great way to describe Lindsay as a student-athlete as well. As she pursues her degree in elementary education in the hopes of becoming a teacher, Lindsay has piled Academic All-Big Ten, Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Academic All-America recognitions on top of her accomplishments in the gym.
"This Gopher family that is encompassed in this room and all over campus, it's amazing," said Mable, highlighting her fellow student-athletes, coaches and donors. "I'm so thankful for [my] scholarship. [Donor Peter Beniares] really made my dream come true. I feel like I've received the best education possible at the University of Minnesota, and that's what I hope to give back to future generations -- the best education possible."
Following Mable, senior offensive lineman Jon Christenson accepted the Williams Legacy Award. Christenson's story exemplifies how an athletic scholarship can transform a life. He joined the Gopher football team as a walk-on, paying his own way through school. After two seasons in the program and earning a starting spot on the team, Christenson was down to his last $200 and faced with the possibility of quitting football, leaving school or both. That scenario changed drastically when Head Coach Jerry Kill awarded him a scholarship. Not only has Christenson continued to contribute on the field since then, he has made the most of the opportunity academically. He already has a degree in Biochemistry -- with a minor in Chemistry -- and is now working on a master's in Public Health Administration and Policy.
"I thank the University for these incredible opportunities, these challenges that build character and these amazing experiences that we get to go out and have as student-athletes. It's unbelievable," said Christenson. "I want to thank the donors for all that you do [and] for allowing dreams like mine to become reality. We couldn't do this without you and we're so thankful."
Fitting with the event's focus on thanking donors, the evening also featured the presentation of the Director's Award, awarded annually to a donor or donors in honor of outstanding service and commitment to University of Minnesota Athletics and its student-athletes. Long-time fans and supporters Charlie and Kathy Cunningham received this year's award.
"Charlie and Kathy have a passion for Gopher Athletics that few others can match," said Randy Handel, associate athletics director for development. "I see them at home events around campus during every season cheering on the Gophers, something they've done for many years. They have also been tremendously generous in supporting scholarships and facilities here at Minnesota, support that has made a positive impact in the lives of many Gopher student-athletes. It was a privilege to see them accept this year's Director's Award."
Emcee Mike Grimm, the voice of Gopher football and Gopher men's basketball, led the capacity crowd through a program that not only included the presentation of three awards, but also included an introduction from Jessica Ramberg (women's swimming and diving) and Derek Wiebke (men's cross country / track and field); a question and answer session during which Goetz interviewed former Gopher great and three-time WNBA champion, Lindsay Whalen, and; a tribute to long-time Gopher coach and staff member Roy Griak, who passed away earlier this summer after more than 50 years of service to the University of Minnesota.
Players Mentioned
