New York, N.Y.— Arguably two of the greatest student-athletes in the history of the John Jay athletics department were honored on Wednesday as four-year softball player
Danielle Bonici (Staten Island, NY, St. Peter's Girls) and four year men's basketball player
Vaughn Mason (Bronx, NY, Alfred E. Smith) received the department's graduation awards at the Graduation Departmental Awards ceremony. Bonici was the recipient of the Dr. Herbert Erlanger, MD Wellness Award, while Mason earned the John Jay College Alumni Award.
“Danielle and Vaughn have been two exceptional student-athletes at this college for many years. But not only were their athletic achievements impressive, but their grades have been as equally as remarkable,” said John Jay College Director of Athletics Dan Palumbo. “It is only fitting that two student-athletes of their caliber win awards of such significance.”
Bonici, who was named a City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) All-Star all four years she was with the softball program, earned the Dr. Herbert Erlanger, MD Wellness Award because of her contributions on the field as well as off. The award was established by Professor Dr.
Jane Katz, a swimming instructor in the Physical Education Department in honor of her husband who passed away in September 2007.
The award is given to a graduating senior who has been a member of a John Jay varsity team and has demonstrated wellness in lifestyle, sportsmanship and team spirit, outstanding individual sports achievement, and a commitment to public service, which Bonici has demonstrated numerous times.
She was a three-year captain for the softball program, was president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and has organized a toy drive during Christmas season in memory of her uncle, a police office who lost his life in 1995.
“Being a four-year athlete at John Jay I have heard so many great stories about Dr. Erlanger, how he made people feel good and feel happy,” said Bonici. “And I am so honored to have received an award in his name. Playing softball has helped me become the leader I am today. I want to thank coach Laura (Drazdowski) and coach (Dan) Palumbo for all of their support through the year and all the great advice.”
Mason, who was twice named a CUNYAC All-Star and was a team member of John Jay men's basketball's first ever conference championship team in 2008, earned the award for outstanding work in the classroom as well as on the basketball court.
The award is given to a graduating senior with academic honors who has played on a varsity team for at least two years, which Mason has clearly achieved.
Mason's cumulative grade point average is 3.412 and is John Jay's sixth all-time leading scorer with 1,283 points despite missing the second half of his junior year because of a season-ending injury.
He was a highly touted basketball player in high school, who was recruited by numerous high profile colleges.
“Coming to John Jay I never thought I was going to play on the basketball team. I really only came here originally because of the Criminology program,” said Mason. “Being at John Jay has helped me on and off the court.”
