Bryant hosts RIAIAW Awards Ceremony

Bryant hosts RIAIAW 2012 Distinguished Student-Athletes Awards Ceremony

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University recently played host to the Rhode Island Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (RIAIAW) Distinguished Student-Athletes of the Year Ceremony, honoring nine different female student-athletes from each intercollegiate athletic association in the state of Rhode Island.

The university welcomed representatives, administrators and student-athletes from all of Rhode Island nine intercollegiate athletic institutions for the ceremony held on Thursday, May 3, at the Bello Center. Graduating senior and volleyball player Jazmin Stoner (Durango, Colo.) was recognized as Bryant's distinguished student-athlete after completing a decorated career with the Bulldogs last fall.

The RIAIAW is an organization that recognizes distinguished female student-athletes competing at any of Rhode Island's nine intercollegiate athletic institutions. Annually, the RIAIAW presents its Distinguished Athlete of the Year to one outstanding student-athlete from each college and university in the state, with the award being based upon athletic excellence, academic success, and leadership qualities.

Along with Stoner, eight other student-athletes were honored by the organization: Eliza Marshall (Brown), Ashley Olson (CCRI), Laura Furfaro (Johnson & Wales), Genevieve Lacasse (Providence College), Cynthia Gaudet (Rhode Island College), Jackie Doolin (Roger Williams University), Lindsay Shorey (Salve Regina University) and Kayla Wilson (URI).

Finally, the ceremony honored the recipient of the Lauren Anderson Lifetime Achievement Award, Arlene Gorton. A pioneer and champion of women's athletics in America, Arlene Gorton was a valued member of the Brown Athletic staff for nearly 35 years.

A Professor of Physical Education and Associate Athletic Director at Brown, Gorton started her career on the Brown staff in 1961 when she was named Director of Physical Education and Professor of Physical Education. In 1973, Gorton became Assistant Athletic Director, and in 1973 was appointed as Associate Director of Athletics. She retired in 1995.

A 1952 graduate of Pembroke College (now part of Brown), Gorton was also responsible for running the Brown Sports Camp for children. An advocate of Title IX since its inception, Gorton held several positions in state, regional and national physical education and women's athletic associations. She also received a number of awards for her work, including the prestigious Katherine Ley Award in 1990, honoring a woman in athletic administration, who demonstrated leadership abilities and was a role model for women coaches and administrators.

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