A total of 16 Southeastern Louisiana University student-athletes were awarded degrees during Fall Commencement at Southeastern's University Center.

Of the 16, five played football, two each came from the sports of women's basketball, track and field, baseball and tennis, with one each from men's basketball, softball and volleyball.

Two former athletes, Jennifer Jones (volleyball) and Milos Vasovic (tennis), were awarded their Master's of Business Administration.

"Our main focus as an athletics department is to provide our student athletes with the opportunity to earn a degree while competing in their respective sports at the Division I level," remarked Director of Athletics Frank Pergolizzi.

"For these 16 student-athletes, this (graduation) is a culmination of years of hard work both in the classroom and on the field."

From football, Johnathanio Conley, Alec Alexander, Kenny Johnson, Choni Francis and Kenard White earned degrees along with former Lady Lion basketball players Shanna Achord and Tai Cawthon.

Former track and field athletes Sylvida Davis and Shari Duncanson earned Bachelor of Science degrees while baseball's Trent Hebert and Rodney Story each earned degrees in general studies.

Softball great Karin Smith was also a member of the graduating class along with men's tennis standout Olivier Nussbaum.

Current Lion basketball player Jonathan Walker, a senior, also earned his degree finishing his academic requirements prior to concluding his athletic eligibility.