Upper Iowa University has achieved notable recognition with 36 student-athletes earning the Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar Award from the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). This award honors student-athletes who maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA during the academic year. The Peacocks' 36 selections mark their second-highest total since joining GLVC, following 40 from the previous year. Multiple programs achieved their highest number of honorees, particularly volleyball, which had a record eight selections. The GLVC overall reached a total of 780 distinguished scholars, reflecting significant growth from previous years.

By the Numbers
  • 36 Upper Iowa student-athletes selected for the award.
  • GLVC's total of 780 distinguished scholars represents a 14% increase from last year.
State of Play
  • All 15 full-time and seven associate member institutions of the GLVC had representation on the list.
  • Seven UIU sports recorded their highest number of honorees since joining the conference.
What's Next

As Upper Iowa continues to foster academic excellence in athletics, future seasons may see even higher participation and recognition, potentially increasing the overall number of distinguished scholars. There鈥檚 a growing emphasis on academic achievement in collegiate sports, suggesting more student-athletes will set their sights on achieving a 4.0 GPA.

Bottom Line

This achievement underscores Upper Iowa University's commitment to academic excellence in athletics, setting a strong precedent for future student-athletes. The notable increase in distinguished scholars not only highlights individual accomplishments but also reflects positively on the university's academic culture.