WASHINGTON – Georgetown University recognized its graduating seniors with events over the past few days as more than 200 student-athletes were honored earning bachelor's and master's degrees.  On Monday, members of the baseball, men's lacrosse and men's soccer teams participated in a private ceremony after missing graduation while competing. Two Hoya student-athletes received athletics related awards from their individual colleges during the festivities. Additionally, Georgetown men's soccer alum Dan Helfrich (SFS'98, MBA'99) was the speaker for the McDonough School of Business undergraduate ceremony and received a Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree.

Emily Gaven – Women's Lacrosse
Stephanie Waterman Medal
Walsh School of Foreign Service
The Stephanie Waterman Medal is named in memory of a student in the School of Foreign Service who was captain of the varsity tennis team and who died in Senegal in 1985. The medal is awarded to the outstanding scholar-athlete of the graduating class.

• As a Hoya, Gaven has played in 53 games with a total save percentage of .408.
• She finished her career ranked sixth in career saves for the Hoyas with 360.
• In 2022, the goalie was awarded the Kim Simons Coaches Award.
• Gaven played for the Irish National Team in 2021 and 2022.
• She earned her degree in global business.

Talati Polamalu – Football
Thomas Francis Graham Award
Georgetown College
The Thomas Francis Graham Award was founded by the Graham Family in memory of their father Thomas Francis Graham (C'1949). The honor of this award is bestowed upon a graduating senior of the College who has demonstrated throughout his or her college career concern for others, academic achievement, sportsmanship as a member of an intercollegiate team and dedication to the educational and spiritual goals of Georgetown University.

• In his career on the Hilltop, Polamalu appeared in 21 games for the Hoyas.
• He was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
• The offensive lineman earned All-Patriot League Second Team honors in both 2021 and 2022.
• Polamalu earned his degree in sociology and will return to The Hilltop to begin work on his master's degree.

The awards were distributed at Tropaia Ceremonies held by the individual school over the weekend. The word Tropaia, meaning trophy, is ancient Greek and referred to a monument constructed to celebrate a military victory.

Helfrich spoke at the McDonough School of Business undergraduate ceremony on Saturday. He focused his speech on the three H's needed in this world: Humanity, Horseshoes and Hoyas. Additionally, Helfrich spoke on one of the people that had a profound impact on his time on The Hilltop as well as making a difference in so many lives, Director of Facilities & Grounds Luis Mendez. He recognized the importance that everyone plays in a team's success.

"I approach every day with the mentality that I am a leader-in-training," Helfrich said. "It's a mindset that permissions me to be vulnerable, to change my mind, and most importantly, to learn from other people around me. So let me start with this: I hope you have the wisdom to always seek advice and the courage not to follow it."

To watch the full speech, click here.

The Class of 2023 enjoyed enormous athletic successes, appearing in a combined 16 NCAA Tournaments and bringing in more than 40 BIG EAST Team and Individual Championships home to the Hilltop.  Competing in both the BIG EAST Conference and the Patriot League, this year's senior class combined to garner more than 100 postseason all-league awards as well as being the recipients of at least 200 academic all-league honors.