MACOMB, Ill.  — On Saturday, 25 Fighting Leathernecks will be awarded their degrees for completing their studies at Western Illinois University.

The 2010 Winter commencement ceremony will honor 22 student-athletes who will receive their Bachelor's degree and three students who will receive their Master's degree.

In addition to the 25 graduates, a special degree will be awarded posthumously to former Leatherneck pitcher Devin VanBrooker, who tragically passed away on May 4, 2010 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. The degree will be given to VanBrooker's parents, Daniel and Susan and his brother, Tony.

Van Brooker was studying Law Enforcement and Justice Administration at Western Illinois and would have been a senior during the 2010-11 academic year.

"Western Illinois University and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics have continued their tradition of bringing to campus athletes who excel in the classroom and on the field," said Lisa Melz, Director of Athletic Academic Services and Senior Woman Administrator.

Earlier this year, Western Illinois student-athletes posted a 3.19 cumulative GPA during the Spring, the highest GPA ever recorded in the athletic department's history.

In October, the department announced that 10 of its athletic programs saw a graduation success rate of 80 percent or higher. Seven of those programs graduated better than 90 percent of their student-athletes.

"The 25 student-athletes who are graduating on Saturday represent 18 different degree programs. Their academic achievements are well noted, as there are two Honors College Scholars and an English departmental scholar," said Melz. "I couldn't be more proud of what these student athletes have accomplished during their careers at Western Illinois University."  

The following athletes will receive their bachelor's degrees at the winter commencement:

Chris Anderson, baseball
Paul Anderson, football/track & field
Eric Anerino, track & field
Kyle Austin, track & field
Stephanie Baumer, women's tennis
Shawn Bernaky, football
Martin Browne, Jr., men's soccer
Sam Dancer, football
Eric Eden, baseball
Matt Hulbert, football
Katie Jay, track & field
Brianne Marriott, track & field
Jordon O'Brien, women's basketball
Stephen Paterson, men's soccer
Kyle Peterman, men's golf
Brian Pinta, track & field
James Raabe, men's soccer
John Sneegas, baseball
Noah Suter, men's soccer
Kyle Thierry, football
Mitch Thompson, track & field
Meghan Tyk, women's soccer

The following athletes will receive their master's degrees at the winter commencement:

Luke Miller, track & field
David Nurse, men's basketball
Trokon Tompo, football