05/04/2021
Three River Hawk student-athletes were honored with 2021 Chancellor's Medals during a virtual celebration on Monday evening. The Chancellor's Medals are the University's highest honors bestowed upon graduating seniors.
UMass Lowell women's soccer back Abigail Drezek (Cumberland, R.I.) received the Chancellor's Medal for Student Service, which is awarded to graduating seniors who have made outstanding contributions to the university. Benjamin McEvoy (Dunstable, Mass.), a goaltender on the ice hockey team, was awarded the Chancellor's Medal for Community Service for making significant contributions to the public good. And finally, cross country and track and field distance runner, Benjamin Drezek (Cumberland, R.I.), rounded out the River Hawk honorees with the Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete Award for having the highest GPA among graduating student-athletes.
"These awards are a tremendous honor for these three student-athletes, who each embody what it means to be a River Hawk," said Associate Athletic Director for Academics & Student Services Alison Quandt Westgate. "We look forward to watching their success beyond UMass Lowell."
Abby Drezek is graduating with a degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology. She completed an Interprofessional Education fellowship at UMass Lowell and is co-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The women's soccer captain is also a UMass Lowell campus captain with The Hidden Opponent, a non-profit advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health. Drezek also spends time as a volunteer for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.
Ben McEvoy is graduating with a degree in business with a double concentration in finance and management info systems. A member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and the Hockey East All-Academic Team, McEvoy is the Founder and CEO of Benji Ball, a non-profit which seeks to make the game of baseball available to everyone, no matter their age or ability. McEvoy, who has volunteered with special needs athletes from a young age, was named the Rist Campus Wide DifferenceMaker for Benji Ball, and is continuing on his journey to providing an easier sports experience for children of all ages and abilities.
Ben Drezek is graduating with a degree in exercise physiology and a minor in nutrition. The SAAC Co-President is a member of the UMass Lowell Honors College and has been named an America East Elite 18 selection three times, as the participant in the league's championship with the highest GPA. He is also a six-time America East All-Academic Team honoree, and was named the AE Scholar-Athlete for both cross country and outdoor track and field in 2020.