WASHINGTON – Georgetown University men's track & field sophomore Josiah Laney (Sylmar, Calif. / Granada Hills) was honored on Saturday night at the 2019 Patrick Healy Dinner at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.
 
Hosted by the Georgetown University African-American Advisory Board (GUAAAB), the annual event highlights the service and accomplishments of Georgetown's African-American alumni, students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Laney was the recipient of the Patrick Healy Scholarship, which promotes diversity at Georgetown by providing assistance to students who have demonstrated financial need for scholarship aid.
 
Since its founding in June 2000, the African American Advisory Board works to ensure the necessary inclusion of African-Americans in all sectors of the Georgetown University community; foster communication and networking among African-American students, alumni, faculty and staff; and act as a key advisor to the university on policies and procedures that will positively impact the African-American experience at Georgetown.

"Being honored as the Patrick Healy Scholarship recipient, I felt embraced by a community much larger than myself," Laney said. "My night was filled with support and encouragement from alumni and faculty members who were eager to know all about me. To be told I belong amongst a crowd full of people who continue to leave a meaningful impact on Georgetown was an incredibly humbling experience. The night left me inspired to continue working hard for myself and for those around me."
 
At the Navy Invitational back in December, Laney opened his indoor season with a personal best in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.76. He followed up that performance with another personal record at the Nittany Lion Challenge in the 60-meter dash posting a time of 7.10. Last season, he was named a BIG EAST All-Academic honoree.
 
"Josiah exemplifies all that it means to be a student-athlete here at Georgetown, through his ability to be a well-rounded individual and contributing to the Georgetown community in so many areas," Associate Head Coach of Track & Field Alton McKenzie said. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to coach someone who is so driven, disciplined and persistent with his efforts to be a high achiever athletically, academically and through his work in the community. It is very fitting that he is the Patrick Healy Scholarship award winner and it is truly well deserved."
 
Laney and the Hoyas will return to the track on Friday, Jan. 25 for the Penn State National Invitational, hosted at Penn State University.