NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Athletics department and PNC Bank honored 12 student-athletes who were selected as PNC Achievers for their academic and athletic accomplishments. Each student was recognized in a special ceremony on the court during Illinois State Men's basketball games this season and presented with a special award by a staff member of the Karin L. Bone Athletics Study Center and senior leadership from PNC Bank, including regional president Brian Ray.
"Our athletics department is extremely proud of the efforts made by our group of PNC Achievers recognized this academic year," Illinois State Assistant Athletics Director for Academics and Life Skills Joe Klausner said. "PNC's commitment to support our approach in the holistic development of our student-athletes - by recognizing them for their service, academics, and leadership - is important and aligns with the philosophy and values we look towards developing in our students."
The 2022-23 PNC Achievers include: Katherine Ashley (Soccer), Felix Van Dijk (M. Golf), Kaitlyn Donovan (Gymnastics), Ali Schrock (W. Golf), Cassidy Carey (Swimming & Diving), Kaili Chval (Softball), Arvid Hjalte (M. Tennis), Luke Cheng (Baseball) Tijana Zlatanovic (W. Tennis), Amni Austin (W. Track & Field), Joe Boyer (M. Track & Field) and Kaity Weimerskirch (Volleyball).
"PNC Achievers is about distinguishing students who work hard to be well-rounded and successful in class, on the court and in communities they are involved in," said Brian Ray, PNC regional president of central Illinois. "The recognition is meant to encourage these young adults as they move forward to become our next leaders, innovators and influencers and help make our workforce strong and our communities thrive."
Since 2014, PNC has recognized students at Illinois State with the PNC Achievers designation, a program dedicated to honoring students at nearly 20 schools and universities across the country. Honorees are selected locally by select panels at each respective school using a set of criteria which includes the three pillars of academic achievement, community service and student leadership.
"We appreciate PNC Bank's long-standing relationship with Redbird Athletics and their historic support for the university. We are grateful for the local commitment by Brian Ray and Jenna Wiesner, PNC Vice President of Client and Community Relations in central Illinois. The inaugural PNC Achiever was launched at Illinois State University nine years ago and since then, has helped elevate engagement and inspire our students and school administrators." Klausner continued.
"We would also like to thank Redbird Sports Properties and their commitment to elevate Redbird Athletics and create meaningful relationships in Bloomington-Normal and throughout central Illinois. We look forward to finding ways to honor our student athletes in partnership with Redbird Sports Properties."
Redbird Sports Properties is the official multimedia rights provider of the Redbirds.
For more information about PNC Bank, please visit www.pnc.com.
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