PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Women's rowing's Sarah Johanek and men's soccer's Brian Shushkovsky were named the Rutgers recipients of the Big Ten's annual postgraduate scholarship, it was announced by the conference office on Thursday.
 
Two student-athletes competing in intercollegiate athletics from each of the 14 Big Ten institutions planning to continue their education at a graduate degree program were each awarded a $7,500 scholarship. Students must have maintained at least a 3.2 grade-point-average, demonstrated leadership qualities, served as an excellent role model and intend to continue their academic work beyond their baccalaureate degree at a graduate degree program.
 
A two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, Johanek has been one of the leaders for the Rutgers rowing program since her arrival. She was a key contributor in several of program's milestones, including the first-ever Big Ten Boat of the Week honors and first-time team ranking in the national polls. Johanek was a catalyst in guiding Rutgers to its best finish in the Big Ten Championship in 2018 and in that summer competed on the world stage as a member of the U.S. Under-23 rowing team. She captured a gold medal, rowing in the women's coxed four in Poland. 
 
A recipient of the prestigious Big Ten Medal of honor, Johanek was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, two-time CRCA Scholar Athlete, inductee of the Delta Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma Society and member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. The public health major carries a 3.8 GPA and has committed to spending two years in the Peace Corps.
 
"Sarah is an exemplary student-athlete and has worked incredibly hard to achieve great things throughout her collegiate career," said women's rowing head coach Justin Price. "She has consistently challenged herself in all areas and raised the bar for those around her. To be recognized for all of her hard work with this postgraduate scholarship from the Big Ten is a real honor. Sarah has been and will continue to be a great ambassador for both Rutgers University and the Big Ten Conference." 
 
Shushkovsky, a goalkeeper with the men's soccer program, was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honoree during his four years "On The Banks". Named the Male Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete award winner at the annual RAwards on Tuesday night, he will graduate with a perfect 4.00 cumulative grade point average. A finance major, Shushkovsky was inducted into the Delta Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma Society, the first national scholar-athlete society to honor collegiate student-athletes who have excelled in both the classroom and in athletic competition.
 
"To be able to achieve what Brian has done is so impressive," said men's soccer head coach Jim McElderry. "Being a 4.0 student while being a full-time Division I athlete in the Big Ten is incredible. We could not be more proud to have him forever be associated with Rutgers soccer."

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