Webber Honored With Prestigious Boyden Award

Aug. 27, 2001

MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University senior David Webber (Farmington Hills/Detroit Country Day) has been selected as the recipient of the 2001 Bill Boyden Leadership Award. He will be honored at CMU's football game this Thursday, Aug. 30, against Eastern Kentucky.

The Boyden Award is designed to honor the athlete who is and will be an exemplary representative of CMU. It is presented annually to one CMU letterwinner who is entering their final year of eligibility. The award is not primarily an academic one. Instead, it singles out that senior to be of satisfactory academic standing whose record best combines participation in a varsity intercollegiate sport with leadership ability in campus affairs and activities, interests or accomplishments in the arts and community involvement.

Webber is an English major with a 3.22 grade point average. He has been on the honor roll each semester at CMU and has been selected three times as the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Scholar Athlete of the Week.

David is captain of the basketball team and has been selected All-MAC twice. He was the 2001 MAC "Player of the Year" and an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American after leading the conference in scoring last season.

David plays a leadership role regarding campus and community service. He gives generously of his time and many talents in raising money for youth programs, speaking to student groups and volunteering at hospitals. David is interested in the arts and helps to promote as well as participate in a number of campus activities. He is also a dedicated member of the Student Athletic Advisory Board.

Upon graduation the winning applicant is provided a cash grant of at least $3,500 for continuation of education or furtherance of other career goals. Alternatively, because of NCAA regulations, if the recipient is on athletic scholarship, he or she may direct the $3,500 cash award to any department or project within the university. The award winner's name is inscribed on the permanent plaque located prominently in Rose Arena. The honoree also is presented with an individual plaque and special gold "C" Boyden Award lapel pin.

The Bill Boyden Leadership Award was established in memory of W.B. ("Bill") Boyden. Bill was a 1935 Central graduate. His life and accomplishments demonstrated a unique blend of athletic ability, leadership, business acumen, participation in the arts and an extraordinary involvement in community activities.

Bill was a football and track star who earned recognition as most valuable backfield man in his senior year at Central and set a CMU record for the 100-yard dash in track which stood for many years. Active on campus, Bill was elected President of Central's Student Council and acted in several campus dramatic productions.

Following graduation and before embarking on a successful business career, Bill spent a rewarding year teaching and coaching baseball and basketball at Peck High School in the thumb area of Michigan. In addition to his work in the private business arena, he demonstrated a lifelong commitment to his community. He was a past president of the Muskegon YMCA, the Rotary Club, the Salvation Army Board and held leadership positions in his church.

One major focus of his attention was CMU. Some reflection of the great pride and affection Bill held for his beloved alma mater is witnessed by the considerable time, energy and service he volunteered to CMU. Until his untimely death in 1980, he was a long-time member of the University Development Board, serving twice as its chairman. As a member of that board, Bill is acknowledged as the initial motivating force behind the construction of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Bill Boyden honored Central Michigan during his life and the Boyden Award seeks to honor and continue promotion of his ideals and his university.

Former Boyden Award Recipients

1981--Cary Kipke, Baseball

1982--Terri McFarland, Basketball/SB

1983--Paul Salyers, Wrestling

1984--Kevin Egnatuk, Football

1985--Ken McDonald, Soccer

1986--Kathy Moody, Softball

1987--Dan Majerle, Basketball

1988--Rodney Lackey, Track

1989--Mark Hopkins, Football

1990--Sue Nissen, Basketball

1991--Paul Benford, Soccer