Central Michigan University Athletics
Marvin Smith Honored With Prestigious Boyden Award
6/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
June 25, 2002
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University senior defensive tackle Marvin Smith (Wellington, Fla./Suncoast Community) has been selected as the recipient of the 2002 Bill Boyden Leadership Award. He will be honored at CMU's football game against Sam Houston State on Thursday, Aug. 29.
The Boyden Award is designed to honor the student-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.
Smith is a honor roll student with a 3.21 grade point average with double majors of biology and business administration. He is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Board and a tenor in the Gospel choir. Smith is also active in Mortar Board and the Golden Key National Honor Society and was a first team academic all-district pick in 2000.
The senior was named to the Dean's List and was a nominee for both the NCAA Leadership Conference and the U.S. Academic Academy.
Smith tied for fourth on the Chippewa team last season with 68 tackles. He had nine tackles for losses of 27 yards, including one 12-yard quarterback sack. Smith also had a pass break up and a forced fumble.
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/Softball
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
1992 -- Jason Wilkie, Football
1993 -- Renee Olsen, Volleyball
1994 -- Chad Cutshall, Track
1995 -- Vicki Epple, Gymnastics
1996 -- Kary Tomaw, Track
1997 -- Greg Jones, Baseball
1998 -- C.J. Remmo, Football
1999 -- Chris Vike, Wrestling
2000 -- Jon Borovich, Basketball
2001 -- David Webber, Basketball
2002 -- Marvin Smith, Football
