NEW HAVEN, CT (July 1, 2009) - Kim Galvin, a recent graduate of Georgian Court University, has been honored as the 2008-09 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Woman of the Year in an announcement made by Commissioner Dan Mara. Galvin, who competed in cross country for the Lions, is now eligible for the NCAA Woman of the Year award. The award honors senior student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.

Galvin, who hails from North Bergen, NJ, graduated in May with a degree in English with a 3.77 grade-point average. She was a three-time CACC All-Academic team selection and earned All-Conference status three times in cross country. Galvin helped lead the Lions to two CACC Championships, in 2006 and 2007. Her best showing at a CACC Championship was in 2006 when she earned a team-best eighth place finish as the Lions won the title by 24 points. She picked up the GCU Coaches Award as a senior and was a team captain her final two campaigns.

Galvin was very active in the Georgian Court and Lakewood, NJ, communities as a member of numerous clubs, organizations and projects. She was a member of the GCU Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) from 2006 to 2009 and was a founding member of the Latin American Student Organization. Furthermore, Galvin was a resident assistant for three years, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, and spent time reading to elementary students in Lakewood, among other endeavors.

"Georgian Court prides itself on enhancing the total student-athlete experience," said Galvin. "In addition to education the student and developing the athlete, the athletic department wishes to nourish the soul by offering service opportunities. Out of all the service projects I was a part of, I enjoyed a winter day we spent at a nearby ice skating rink with boys and girls from Big Brothers and Big Sisters. It made me think about life in a new way and encouraged me to get involved."

Galvin was named to the US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic team in 2008 and was a member of the Freshman, English and Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Societies, respectively. She was also a GCU Presidential Award winner.

"Kim has been such outstanding leader during her career at GCU.  She is truly a woman of character, graciousness, and integrity," said Georgian Court Director of Athletics, Laura Liesman. "Her dedication to Georgian Court University, not just Georgian Court Athletics, has been amazing to witness.  A strong four year competitor in cross country, Kim also excelled in the classroom, as a resident assistant, as an executive member of SAAC, and as a founding member of the Mercy Collegiate Society and the Latin American Student Organization.  Kim's ability to bring people together and guide them to new heights speaks to her strong leadership characteristics, creativity, and initiative.  This is such a deserving honor for Kim and she will represent the CACC well."