Worcester, MA --- WPI senior rower Amanda Ruksznis (Sidney, ME) has been named to the ESPN The Magazine/College Sports Information Directors of America (Co-SIDA) Academic All-District I At-Large College Division first team. Ruksznis now moves onto the national ballot for consideration for All-American honors.

A three-time All-NEWMAC Academic selection, Ruksznis carries a 3.91 grade point average while majoring in Civil Engineering. In her independent studies for her IQP, she developed a method to count fishermen for the United States Coast Guard. For her senior MQP project, she helped design the new dormitory which is currently being constructed at WPI. Ruksznis has been a recipient of the DeFalco Civil Engineering Award.

This past season Ruksznis was instrumental in the team's silver medals at the New England Fours and ECAC Championships. Ruksznis was also tabbed to the NEWMAC Rowing All-Conference team for the second time in her career. 

In her sophomore year, Ruksznis received the Carolyn McCabe Award, which is presented to the sophomore female athlete who best exemplifies the high standards expressed in the "WPI Athlete." As a freshman track and field athlete, she set the school record in the pole vault.

Release by Steven M. Miller, Jr --- Sports Information Correspondent