Gigliotti and Platte Recognized as 2024-25 Frank & Shirley Dick Award Winners

ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College Athletics Department is proud to announce the 2024-25 recipients of the Frank and Shirley Dick Award, for both male and female athletics. Alessandra Gigliotti of the Acrobatics and Tumbling team and Zachary Platte of the Men’s Wrestling team were chosen as this year’s recipients. Recognized for their academic success, involvement in extracurricular activities and commitment to the Adrian community and volunteering their time during their respective tenures as Adrian College student-athletes.  

The Frank and Shirley Dick Award began in 2011 and is given to a male and female student-athlete that has succeeded in academics while also being involved in extracurricular activities and community service. Coaches and Athletic Department staff nominate Adrian College student-athletes based on the criteria of academics, leadership, and community service. The Frank and Shirley Dick Award is voted on by the Faculty Athletic Representatives (FAR). In some cases, athletic achievements are used to settle any tie breakers.

Alessandra Gigliotti, A native of Shelby Township, Michigan Gigliotti arrived at Adrian College in 2021 and quickly distinguished herself as a model student-athlete. She graduated with honors this past spring, earning a 3.8 GPA while double majoring in Business Administration and Exercise Science. Gigliotti was named to the Dean’s List every semester and earned a spot on the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) Honor Roll throughout her academic career.

Her leadership and service did not go unnoticed, Gigliotti was awarded the President’s Leadership Award and was inducted into Mortar Board, a national honor society recognizing college seniors for their achievements in scholarship, leadership, and service. She was also named to the 2025 NCATA Division III Tournament All-Academic Team.

A four-year member of the Acrobatics and Tumbling team, Gigliotti helped lead Adrian to the Division III Invitational. She earned a spot on the 2025 NCATA DIII All-Tournament Second Team and was an All-Tournament Honorable Mention in 2024. Her teammates recognized her value and leadership by naming her Team MVP in both 2024 and 2025. Gigliotti becomes the first member of the Acrobatics and Tumbling program to be honored with the Frank and Shirley Dick Award.

Beyond athletics, Gigliotti logged over 100 hours of community service. This past year alone, she volunteered during Chi Omega’s Wish Week, assisted with homecoming preparations, the spring concert, Scholarship Day, and supported operations in the Student Life office.

“I am honored and very grateful to receive the Frank and Shirley Dick Scholar Award for the 2024-2025 academic year”, said Alessandra Gigliotti. “Being recognized for my athletic and academic excellence as well as my community service is very rewarding as my time here at Adrian college consisted of those three things. As a member of the Acrobatics and Tumbling team, I learned the power of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. All of which helped shape who I am both in and outside of the classroom. I am grateful to the faculty, my coaches, teammates, the Adrian College community, and my family for their constant support and encouragement along the way. This award inspires me to continue to strive for excellence and give back to the communities that helped me grow”.

Zachary Platte hailing from Holt, Michigan, Platte enrolled at Adrian in the fall of 2021 and pursued a Pre-Med major, graduating with a 3.5 GPA. A dedicated student, Platte was named to the MIAA Honor Roll and was a two-time Scholar All-American. He achieved Dean’s List honors in six semesters and played a key role in student engagement as the director of the Outreach Chemistry Club, frequently participating in science nights and community-based events.

In service to the Adrian community, Platte volunteered at numerous college award ceremonies, including as a valet for Goodwill Award Nights and other campus events. His leadership and character were equally evident on the mat, where he was named “Bulldog of the Year” for the men’s wrestling program. As a competitor, Platte earned First Team All-MIAA honors and was a two-time regional placer, finishing sixth and eighth in his respective appearances.

“Very proud and honored to receive such a prestigious award”, said Zachary Platte. “Could not have asked for a better community to support me my four years from professors, coaches, friends and family”

Platte becomes the first men’s wrestling athlete to be selected for the Frank and Shirley Dick Award, a testament to his relentless drive, academic dedication, and impact within the Adrian community.

The Frank and Shirley Dick Award winners will be honored during Adrian College’s 2025 Homecoming Weekend at the Hall of Fame dinner and the Homecoming football game. This year’s Homecoming Weekend will take place from September 19-21.