As another academic year comes to an end, the Athletic Academic Advising staff would like to take a moment to recognize the academic accomplishments of our 2020-2021 Scholar Athletes and appreciate the faculty members, our graduating seniors have named, "Difference Maker."  
 
Each year at this time, the Difference Maker award is presented to the faculty member (or members) whohave been instrumental  in assisting the student-athletes with their academic progress and making a difference in their lives.  Today we honor will honor 4 recipients.   
 
"I always looked forward to having class with KJ because I knew it would be a great experience.   He's taught me the most as a professor and he's helped me on a personal level." – Mattias Markusson, Men's Basketball
 
"I would say Eric Young.  He's not only an amazing teacher but was a professor I felt that truly had the students best interests in mind. He wrote my letter of recommendation for grad school and was super helpful when going through that process. I [would] definitely recommend him as a professor to anyone and think his work and help, especially for student athletes, should not go unnoticed." - Linnay Wilson, Softball
 
"The professor who has made a difference for me is Mitch Rufca. He is the best professor I have ever had. I am currently taking his Recruiting and Staffing class and it has shown me that I want to pursue a career in the recruiting field. He is so supportive, always engaging, has brought in great speakers, has helped me with my career path, and overall is such a pleasure to be around. Therefore, he has made a difference for me!" - Rebecca Collins. 
 
Over the last 2 years, I have had the pleasure of taking several classes with Professor Beaudion, 
Dr. Beaudion has made a significant impact in my life as a role model and a leader.  I felt she was one of the most effective teachers in terms of material learned, and retained, and her efforts certainly did not go unnoticed to me or my peers, especially when classes became virtual. Apart from being personable, kind, and a great teacher, she radiates positive energy that makes all students more comfortable and peaceful. She is part of the reason my experience at LMU has been so great, and without a doubt, she is my top selection for this nomination.  Aedan Leary Vallejo, Men's Crew
 
Congratulations to our 2020-2021 Difference Maker winners, Dr. Kevin "KJ" Peters, Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), Professor of English and Graduate Program Director.  Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics, Dr. Eric Young.  Management Lecturer, College of Business Administration, Mitchell Rufca and Assistant Professor, Dr. Stephanie Beaudion, Health and Human Sciences.  Thank you all for making the difference in the lives of our student-athletes