June 19, 2002

LAS VEGAS - The United States Achievement Academy announced today that UNLV volleyball player Patricia Assuncao has been named an All-American Collegiate Scholar.

The USAA has established the All-American Collegiate Awards Program to offer deserved recognition to superior students who excel in the academic disciplines. The All-American Collegiate Scholars must earn a 3.3, or higher, grade point average. Only scholars selected by a school official or other qualified sponsor are accepted. These scholars are also eligible for other awards given by the USAA.

Assuncao was nominated for this national award by Senior Associate Athletics Director Jerry Koloskie.

"Recognizing and supporting our youth is more important than ever before in America's history. Certainly, winners of the All-American Collegiate Awards should be congratulated and appreciated for their dedication to excellence and achievement," said Dr. George Stevens, Executive Director of the United State Achievement Academy.

Assuncao is the daughter of Elcio and Ivone Arujo Assuncao from Sao Paulo, Brazil.