The Bemidji State University Department of Athletics will host its annual Student-Athlete Appreciation Banquet sponsored by Federated Insurance Thursday, April 26 from 5-7 p.m. in the Sanford Center arena.  Parents, fans and the general public are invited to attend to celebrate the 2011-12 athletic season.

Tickets to the event can be purchased for $20 per adult or $15 for children 12 and under at the BSU Athletic Office or by calling 218-755-2941. Space is limited so please RSVP by 3 p.m. Friday, April 20.

The banquet serves as a year-end awards ceremony, as well as a time to recognize the accomplishments of the athletic teams and to honor and thank the Bemidji State seniors for their contributions to their respective programs, the department and the university as a whole. Student-athletes and coaches from BSU athletic teams, staff members, athletic administrators and university administrators will be in attendance.

Among the honors being presented at the annual event are the Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year and the Male and Female Newcomers of the Year, BSU’s Outstanding Academic Teams of 2011-12 and a new award for 2012, the Beaver Pride Volunteer of the Year. In addition, five student-athletes will be honored with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference/Myles Brand Academic with Distinction Award.  The award, named in honor of the late NCAA President Dr. Myles Brand, is bestowed to senior NSIC student-athletes who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher, are exhausting their eligibility and are on track to graduate.