Golden Bears Honored At Academic Luncheon

Catharyn Hayne / KLC fotos

Multiple Cal student-athletes were honored at the Athletic Study Center’s annual Academic Honors Luncheon.

News5/6/2025 1:34 PM | By: Cal Athletics

Annual Event Acknowledges Multiple Student-Athlete Accomplishments

BERKELEY – California’s Athletic Study Center hosted its annual Academic Honors Luncheon on Wednesday at the Field Club At California Memorial Stadium, honoring a variety of accomplishments by an impressive cross-section of Cal student-athletes.
 
Ari Manrique of the Cal women’s soccer team served as the luncheon’s guest student-athlete speaker and also won the Walter A. Haas Jr. Community Service Award, along with Elana Eisenberg (field hockey) and Mayze Bryant (football).

Below is the complete list of award-winners from the luncheon:

 

Neufeld Scholar-Athlete Awards

The Neufeld Scholar-Athlete Awards are given to the graduating male and female student-athletes with the highest cumulative grade-point averages. The award was established by Cal Hall of Famer William Neufeld Sr., in honor and memory of his son, William Jr., who ran track at Cal before his untimely death in a boating accident. 

Jake Gimbel Prize & Anna Espenschade Award
The Jake Gimbel Prize and Anna Espenschade Award were established in the 1930s and 1987, respectively, to recognize a graduating male and female student-athlete for successful integration of academic and athletic pursuits. The winners of these awards exemplify the true “Golden Bear” spirit.

Joseph McDonnell Kavanagh Award
This award recognizes a student-athlete who has holistically demonstrated poise, patience, and persistence in his or her journey at Cal. The University’s endearing phrase, Fiat Lux (“Let there be light,”) is appropriate for this award, because there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. 

Walter A. Haas Jr. Community Service Award
The Walter A. Haas Jr. Community Service Award was created to honor Walter A. Haas Jr. for his commitment and service to the University and larger community. This award is given annually to a student-athlete for his or her outstanding contribution to community service. 

JAMBAR Olympic Scholar-Athlete of the Year 

Jonathan & Judy Hoff Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year
The Jonathan and Judy Hoff Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year award recognizes a football student-athlete who has dedicated himself to a holistic approach toward academic, athletic and personal development by demonstrating consistent daily routines, persistent community outreach and collaborative leadership ability. 

Golden Bear Team Award (Highest Team GPA) 

Big C Most Improved Team GPA Award 

Golden Bear Achievement Award
The Golden Bear Achievement Awards are presented to the student-athlete with the highest GPA on his or her respective team.