USciences Rewards Athletics and Academics with 2013 Paul E. Klimitas Honorary Scholarship
Philadelphia, Pa., (May 17, 2013) – University of the Sciences athletes Courtney Spina and Kristin Waters were announced as the 2013 recipients of the first Paul E. Klimitas Honorary Scholarship. Established in 2012, the Paul E. Klimitas Honorary Scholarship bestows two awards of $1,000 annually to extraordinary intercollegiate athletes who demonstrate "strong commitment to excellence in the classroom, in athletic competition, and in the community."
Spina (Garnet Valley HS/Thornton, Pa.), a Delaware County resident, is a student in the doctor of pharmacy program. She is a member of the women's softball team and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). Spina serves on APhA's "GenerationRx," a committee that is dedicated to educating fellow students to the dangers of abusing prescription drugs. Spina has also participated in a voluntary leadership series called iLead 2.0. She was recently inducted into the pharmacy honor society, Rho Chi and was a member of the 2011 and 2012 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) spring academic teams.
The former Garnet Valley High School athlete is a two-time CACC All-Conference Softball Team honoree, earning second team accolades in 2013. Spina led the Devils to their best season in program history in 2013 winning a career-best ten games and becoming the Devils all-time leader in strikeouts with 338. Her 33 career wins are the second highest win total in program history. Spina also finished her career as the Devils all time leader in appearances (83), starts (76), innings pitched (478.2) and strikeouts looking (115).
Waters (West Genesee HS) is also a student in the doctor of pharmacy program and is a Syracuse, New York, native. She is currently the captain of the women's cross-country team, a member of the student-athlete advisory committee, and an on-campus peer mentor. Waters was also recently inducted into the pharmacy honor society, Rho Chi. She was also a member of the 2012 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference fall academic team.
The senior runner had one of her best seasons during the Fall of 2012, leading the Devils to a third place finish at the 2012 CACC Championship meet. Waters placed 20th in the meet with a season best time of 21:40. She concluded her career by participating in her fourth consecutive NCAA East Region Championship meet, recording a personal-best time of 25:20 for the 6,000-meter course. The Devils earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Honors in each of Waters' four seasons.
The scholarship was established by alumni, Peter C. Dalidowicz, class of 1990; William M. Ellis, Jr., class of 1985; and Kenneth R. Stewart, class of 1982, in honor of the long-time coach and current USciences Athletic Director Paul E. Klimitas.
At University of the Sciences, students embark on a challenging learning experience in a proving ground for successful professionals in the science and healthcare-related fields. A private institution dedicated to education, research, and service, and distinguished as the nation's first college of pharmacy, the University has produced leaders in the science and healthcare marketplaces since its founding in 1821. Students in USciences' five colleges learn to excel in scientific analysis and to apply their skills to improving healthcare in the lives of people worldwide through such disciplines as pharmacy, biology, physical therapy, healthcare business, and health policy. For more information, visit usciences.edu.