Spooner Awarded First Ever Julie Martin Scholarship

	Heather Spooner with the Martin Family Thursday night.

9/7/2006

LIVONIA, Mich. -- After five years of annual fundraisers the Madonna University athletic department reached an important goal Thursday night, handing out the first ever Julie Martin memorial scholarship to senior volleyball player Heather Spooner.

Athletic Director Bryan Rizzo made the announcement to those in attendance at the annual fundraising dinner on campus, which included the Martin family and several key donors to the cause.

The scholarship, which was endowed after the 2005 dinner will be awarded annually to a student-athlete who exhibits the characteristics of the late volleyball star.

The scholarship is named in honor of Martin, a former Madonna All-American volleyball player and graduate who died of Cancer in 2000.

"I am extremely excited and honored to present the first scholarship to a player who was a no-brainer pick for us," stated Rizzo.  "Heather Spooner exemplifies all the attributes that made Julie who she was, and there is no more deserving student-athlete to earn this scholarship."

Spooner was moved during her speech to the crowd, especially when addressing the Martin family.

"I have sat in this room for the last three years and heard all the great stories of your daughter," Spooner said.  "Although I never knew Julie, all of us who have played volleyball feel as though she is our sister, our fried, and I am humbled and honored to accept this award."

The scholarship will be awarded annually as part of the Julie Martin scholarship dinner held on the eve of the annual tournament.

For information on how you can contribute to the Julie Martin memorial scholarship fund, contact the athletic department at (734) 432-5608.

Contact:
Matt Fancett, Assistant AD - Media Relations
(734) 432-5610
mfancett@madonna.edu