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Prescott student honored with Hildebrand Seymour-Junkman Award at UW-River Falls

May 31, 2016 -- A first-generation Health and Human Performance graduate from Prescott has been honored with the Hildebrand Seymour-Junkman Award from the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Matthew Pechacek received the award, presented to a graduating senior with the highest grade point average (GPA) in each of the four UW-River Falls colleges, at a ceremony earlier this month.

"It was a very rewarding and gratifying feeling, knowing that all my hard work and determination is being recognized," Pechacek said.

Pechacek graduated from the Health and Human Performance program with a 4.0 cumulative GPA. While studying at UW-River Falls, Pechacek lived on his parent's dairy farm, where he continued to work throughout this college career. Along with his brother, Pechacek is the first of his family to attend college. That, coupled with a lifelong love of learning, has driven him to work hard and succeed.

"Throughout high school and college, I found I have a passion for learning new material," he said.

Pechacek was also selected by the Exercise and Sport Science program faculty for this year's Outstanding Student Award, and he's a McNair Scholar. He will begin pursuing a doctor of physical therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in June.

"Matthew's hard work and dedication to his studies serves as an example to all of us," said Larry Solberg, dean of CEPS. "I wish him the best as he continues his education."

For more information, contact Solberg at 715-425-3774 or larry.c.solberg@uwrf.edu.

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