June 21, 2007

Ason, Pa. - Grand Bend, Ontario native and Neumann Knight Goaltender Brett Leonhardt has been presented with Neumann College's highest athletic honor, the John A. Phillips Award.

 

"I am humbled to receive such honors from Neumann. I had a great time here and the things I did never felt like work...they were fun and that is what college should be. I had great mentors who were willing to let me try new things and for that I am really grateful," Leonhardt said.

 

The John A. Phillips Athlete Award is bestowed annually to a graduating student-athlete who has maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0; has earned a varsity letter in an NCAA sponsored sport at Neumann College; and who best exemplifies scholarship, service for others, and commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. 

 

Leonhardt is the first men's ice hockey player to receive the honor.

 

After transferring to Neumann College from Oswego State in upstate New York, Leonhardt took up communication arts at the College where he excelled in every aspect of the program and graduated Magna Cum Laude on May 19.

 

Leonhardt was active on campus and created an energetic atmosphere wherever he went. He volunteered with the New Jersey Tree Foundation, participated in Light the Night; a cancers awareness fund raiser, and was often found lending a helping hand at many athletic events when he was not in season himself.  He was also a senior writer for the Joust, the College's campus newspaper.

 

He was a two-year member of the Knights' men's ice hockey team who recorded a .907 save percentage and was awarded the 2007 Neumann Knight Coach's award at the conclusion of his senior season.

 

The John A. Phillips Athlete Award was funded in 1997 by a friend of Neumann College to honor a Philadelphian, John A. Phillips, whose value for education as a key to responsible living and success motivated many to pursue their academic degrees.

 

Prior award winners include 2005 - Brie Ward (2005), Beth Ann Gibney (2004), Bryan Joseph Isola & Anthony Louis Maletta, (2003), Shanna Lynn O'Donnell (2002), Man M. Nguyen (2001), Susan A. Shuss (2000), Kristine R. Segich (1999), Erin C. Kennedy (1998).

Brett Leonhardt was also presented with the The John Facenda Award for Excellence in Communication Arts at the College's annual leadership awards event on May 10. The John Facenda Award for Excellence in Communication Arts is awarded annually to a graduating student majoring in communication arts who, besides remaining in good academic standing, shows competence, creativity, integrity, graciousness and demonstrates commitment to community service.

 

While at Neumann Leonhardt became an intern in the offices of sports information and media services where he developed his skills as a producer. Under the direction of Professor Martin LoMonaco, Assistant Director of Athletics Leigh Matejkovic and Coordinator of Media of Services Dan Smith, he created and produced Neumann's first coach's show called "Sports Information Live on Line". Leonhardt's legacy can be seen and heard via the www.neumannathletics.com website.

 

"Brett's work at Neumann has exemplified the excellence in communication that the name sake of the John Facenda award exemplified in his life as well as the Franciscan tradition of service to the community that the College so highly regards," stated communications professor Dr. Martin LoMonaco.