(Halifax, N.S.) Dalhousie University’s Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that a record 198 student-athletes achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status during the 2020-21 season.
To qualify as an Academic All-Canadian, student-athletes must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.50 during the academic year while competing in a varsity sport. That equates to 73.6% of the student-athletes in the 2020-21 season. In addition to excelling in the classroom, student-athletes spend a considerable amount of their time training and competing in their respective sports. They are also very active in the community, volunteering with dozens of charities and organizations.
“We are thrilled to celebrate a record number of Academic All-Canadians this year at Dalhousie,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini. “In addition to academic and athletic excellence, these students give back extensively to the community through volunteer work. We are so proud of the leadership and engaged citizenship they demonstrate. They are wonderful ambassadors for the university, and I congratulate them on their achievements.”
Not only have these 198 student-athletes achieved a GPA of 3.50 or higher, most have surpassed that number with the average GPA of the 2020-21 Academic All-Canadians coming in at 3.95.
“To be honoured as an Academic All-Canadian is one of the most prestigious awards a student-athlete can receive,” says Tim Maloney, Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation. “To have nearly 75% of our Dalhousie Tigers achieve this standard is something we can all take tremendous pride in.”
Their hard work and success both on and off the playing surface will be celebrated at the 22nd annual Academic All-Canadian Celebration on Thursday, January 27, 2022.
In addition to honouring the student-athletes, the event also celebrates the individuals who’ve helped the student-athletes achieve their goals: their parents and their academic mentors. Honourees are given the opportunity to invite their parents and a faculty member to the celebration, who have been vital to their success as student-athletes.