In her time at Benedictine University, women's tennis player Lina Savickas has accomplished quite a bit. The team captain has defined the term “student-athlete,” making Dean's List multiple times and participating in the Scholars program while being a standout player on the court.
 
To wrap up her college career, Savickas' hard work earned her the top award that the University bestows upon its students: the Procopian Award. The award, which signifies scholarship, leadership, and service, is given to a student who stands out in curricular and extra-curricular activities.
 
“It is such an honor to be recognized by the University and I'm truly thankful to the Honors Committee and all of my professors, coaches, mentors, and peers who have made my time here so incredible,” said Savickas.

The work ethic Savickas showed has allowed her to build quite an impressive résumé of accolades. In addition to the Procopian Award, the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major also received the American Legion Award and was selected to “Who's Who Among Students Among Colleges and Universities” this spring. Also, she received the Nordin Award for Outstanding Student Journalism as a freshman as a part of The Candor student newspaper, which was one of the many clubs and organizations she became involved with in her time as a student.
 
“I was eager to get involved in various groups on campus so that I could explore my many interests,” said Savickas. “I wanted to continue playing tennis and at Benedictine I got to experience what it was like to play at the college level. I also had the opportunity to find out what it's like to write for a newspaper with The Candor. Tri-Beta and the Summer Research Program let me delve deeper into my science education, and AMSA and Pre-Optometry Club exposed me to ideas and opportunities for after I graduate.”
 
On the court, Savickas was named Team MVP and Most Improved Player in 2011. She was also honored by the Northern Athletics Conference as a two-time All-Sportsmanship player and as a Scholar Athlete all four years. Savickas believes that her experience as a tennis player has helped her grow personally.
 
“My time on the tennis team definitely enriched my time at Benedictine,” said Savickas. “The teamwork, leadership, and dedication that I developed on the court are invaluable skills that I also used in other areas of my life, and they will continue to help me grow and develop as a person.”
 
As someone who certainly made the most of her college career, Savickas says the best thing incoming college students can do is to get involved as much as possible on campus.
 
“I'd advise incoming students to explore their interests by joining clubs, teams or other organizations,” she explained. “It's a great way to learn how to manage time, get involved on campus, and meet people and make friends. Not only that, but I think it also helps students become more well-rounded.”

With her college career behind her, Savickas is currently an optician at Naper Grove Vision Care. She plans to get more work experience and apply to optometry school, which she hopes to begin next year.