2014-Mark Ross
Mark Ross
300 Word Statement
The Lafayette Ideal is a student who commits to a demanding schedule and is capable of not only managing his or her time to meet the requirements, but excels in the process. In addition, the Lafayette Ideal desires to excel in academics, extra-curricular activities, and socially. The Lafayette Ideal shows exceptional leadership and is well-respected on and off campus by peers, professors, administration, and the surrounding community.
Many students represent the Lafayette Ideal with their various academic abilities and talents. Being a student-athlete, I follow the motto of student first, athlete second. As a student, I set high academic goals for myself and work diligently to complete assignments. As an athlete, I put forth my best effort in every situation for the benefit of the team.
This quote recently taken from an article on April 13, 2014 by Brad Wilson of the Easton Express Times not only best represents the person I am today, but also best represents the Lafayette Ideal. Wilson writes, “If Ross, a polite and well-spoken young man, isn’t the ideal scholar-athlete, the embodiment of what the Patriot League and Lafayette stand for, he’s pretty darn close.”
Over the past four years, I have successfully managed my time and worked extremely hard to succeed as a student-athlete. I am thankful for my many accomplishments in the classroom and on the football field. Additionally, I have made lasting friendships amongst my peers. Also, interaction with college staff has been incredibly positive. I believe I represent the Lafayette Ideal.
Academic Activities/Awards – Total Years Involved
2013 Patriot League Football Scholar Athlete of the Year 1
Every year the Patriot League selects only one senior football player who excels the most in the classroom, as well as making a significant impact on their team. This is the award I am most proud of in my four years at Lafayette.
Dean’s List (6 of 7 semesters) 4
I have made Dean’s list 6 of the last 7 semesters. My first semester freshmen year was the only year I did not make Dean’s List. I attribute this to the fact that I was still adjusting to living five hours away from home and being a student-athlete. I plan on making Dean’s List 7 out of 8 semesters after this spring.
2013 Academic Football All-American Team 1
I was selected to the Academic All-American Team this past season. I am so proud of this award because it not only includes Division 1-AA football, but also Division 1. Therefore, there were approximately 20,000 student-athletes who were eligible to receive this recognition, and I was one of few who received it.
Capital One Academic All-District II Team 2
This is a regional academic award for football teams in the area that I have received the past two years.
FCS Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team 2
This award is given to Division-1AA football players who have excelled in the classroom. I have received this award the past two years.
Academic All-Patriot League 3
Every year the Patriot League recognizes the brightest football players in the conference. I have received this award the past three years.
Patriot League Academic Honor Roll 3
This award goes to student-athletes whole make honor roll at the respected college or university. I have received this award the past three years.
Gateway Student 4
I have participated in the Gateway Program for four years. I have attended workshops that teach students how to create resumes and cover letters. Additionally, I have worked closely with my career counselor to search for internships and job opportunities over the past two years.
Gateway Career Services Panel 1
I was asked to be a part of the Gateway Career Center Student Panel this semester to discuss with The Board of Trustees the positive impact that the internship stipend program has had on my.
Internship Stipend Recipient 1
I received an academic internship stipend this past summer for my internship because of my hard work in the classroom and in my job search. I went through an extensive interview process in order to received this monetary award.
Campus Service/Activities and Awards – Total Years Involved
Gateway Program 4
I have participated in the Gateway program for four years at Lafayette. I have attended workshops that have helped advance my career. Also, I have worked closely with my career counselor to help build my resumes and cover letters to help pursue job opportunities.
Spotlight Student-Athlete 1
I allowed Lafayette Athletics to access to my Twitter account to help promote students to come to Lafayette.
Community Service – Total Years Involved
Lauren’s First and Goal 4
Every year I help John Loose with Lauren’s First and Goal. Lauren’s First and Goal is a football camp held at Lafayette every summer to help raise money for children with brain tumors. My job was to set up tents the day prior to the camp. The day of the camp helped coach young high school athletes.
Bone Marrow Fundraiser 4
Every year I help with the Bone Marrow Fundraiser held on Lafayette’s quad. The goal is to get as many members of the Lafayette Community to donate samples of their own saliva to see if they are a bone marrow match for cancer patients. One of my jobs was to assist donors in the sign up process. Additionally, another part of my job was to drive around campus on a golf cart asking students and faculty if they were interested in donating. A friend of mine and former Lafayette student, Erin Murray, saved a life last year because of the success of this fundraiser. He is one of many people who have saved a life due to this fundraiser.
The Big Shave 1
I participated and donated in The Big Shave event this year. The Big Shave was an event where people shave their heads for cancer.
Athletics Activity/Award – Total Years Involved
Lafayette Football Team – Wide Receiver 4
I have played wide-receiver at the Division 1 level on the Lafayette Football team for four years. I am a thee year starter. I broke and now hold every receiving record in Lafayette history. In over 150 years of football at Lafayette, I am the all-time leader in career touchdowns (27), receptions (198), and yards (2,811).
2013 & 2012 Lafayette Football Team MVP 2
I was recognized as the Lafayette football team’s most valuable player in each of the last two seasons by my coaches.
Lafayette Football Team Wide Receiver MVP 3
I was recognized as the Lafayette football team’s most valuable wide-receiver for the past three seasons by my coaches.
First Team All-Patriot League 2
I have been recogized as a First Team All-Patriot League wide receiver the past two seasons. This means I was considered to be amongst the best football players in the Patriot League for the past two seasons.
Second Team All-Patriot League 1
I won this award my sophomore year. This means as a sophomore I was also considered to be amongst one of the best players in the Patriot League.
George L. McGaughey Memorial Award 1
This award is given to the MVP of the Lafayette vs. Bucknell game every year. I won this award my sophomore year.
2013 Patriot League Football Champions 1
My team finally achieved our goal of winning the Patriot League Championship. This was the most amazing experience and awarding feeling in my lifetime.
Intramural Basketball Championship and MVP 2
Two of the last four year my team has one the intramural basketball championship and I have received MVP honors both of those years.
Intramural Athletics 4
I have participated in intramural basketball for four years, and I have participated in floor hockey and softball for the first time this spring.
Special Interest – Total Years Involved
Piano 4
I have been playing the piano my entire life for enjoyment.