Baker Award Winners | Brogger Award Winners
 
The Aquinas College Athletic Department is pleased to announce the winners of the Joseph G. Baker and Sister Helen Louise Brogger Awards, which were presented recently at the Aquinas Students in Action Awards virtual ceremony. The Joseph G. Baker Award was received by Connor McGee, while Anna Putnam earned the Sister Helen Louise Brogger Award.
 
The Baker and Brogger awards are given annually to senior student-athletes who meet the requirements established by the Alumni Association Leadership Council. These criteria include academic strength, service to the campus and community, and athletic involvement and success.
 
2021 Joseph G. Baker Memorial Award Winner:
 
The Joseph Baker Award is given annually to the most outstanding senior male student-athlete. Baker exemplified dedication and leadership skills throughout his life. This award is given to the male student-athlete that best exemplifies excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in service to others. 
 
Connor McGee was chosen because of his outstanding performance in the classroom and contributions to the AQ cross county and track and field program. He is a member of the 2018 WHAC Champion men's cross country team and is a two-time NAIA Indoor Track & Field All-American. Connor played a large role in the 4x800 meter relay team's national runner-up finish at the 2020 Indoor National Championships and led the 2021 4x800 meter relay team to a third-place national finish. A 2020 NAIA Academic All-American, he is also a five-time WHAC All-Academic selection during his Aquinas career. Connor has contributed to the community by volunteering with after-school athletic programs at Congress Elementary and hosting events on campus to educate people on personal wellness. He also volunteered by hanging flyers on the doors of Grand Rapids area residents to educate voters in Kent County.
 
2021 Sister Helen Louise Brogger Memorial Award Winner:
 
The Sr. Helen Louise Brogger Award is given annually to the most outstanding female student-athlete. It was dedicated to Brogger for her enthusiasm toward Aquinas College and the AQ Athletic Department. It is given to the female student-athlete that exemplifies excellence in the classroom, on the playing field, and in service to others. 
 
Anna Putnam earned four NAIA All-America honors for the Saints dance team, including being named a 2020 All-America selection and collecting Honorable Mention accolades in 2018, 2019, and 2021. She helped Aquinas qualify for the NAIA National Championships all four years, including a third-place national finish in 2019. Anna earned NAIA Academic All-America honors in 2020 and 2021 and was both a WHAC All-Academic selection and an All-WHAC recipient during those years, as well. In service to her community, Anna volunteers at her church (Cornerstone) and frequently volunteers to dance at services. She has worked with ICCF (Inner City Christian Federation, which helps the affordable housing crisis in Grand Rapids) and her church to help fix a house for a family in need. A member of the math club at AQ and a part of the Insignis Honors program, Anna also volunteers at her dance studio, for the Make-A-Wish Foundation Walk for Wishes, and the Special Olympics walk, and fosters cats.
 
Congratulations to Connor and Anna on their outstanding success academically, athletically, and in the community during their time at Aquinas College.