DETROIT -- The end of the 2011-12 season proved to be a very successful one for the University of Detroit Mercy student-athletes in the classroom with some strong performances by individuals and by teams.

Overall, UDM ended the semester with a 3.18 GPA as an athletic department.

“The Titan coaches do a terrific job recruiting amazing student-athletes who are committed to academic excellence, leadership and service and we have dedicated faculty and staff who educate and mentor them,” said Associate Vice President and Athletic Director Keri Gaither. “This, along with the important role their families have played in raising them with values and a wonderful work ethic, makes seeing these results very gratifying for all of us.  I am very proud of the achievements of these fine young men and women. “

Led by senior Susan Kalkstein (New Kensington, PA/Burell) of the women's track and field team - who was Co-Valedictorian for the Class of 2012 – 186 Titan student-athletes (65%) posted a GPA of at least 3.0 for the second semester, with 106 student-athletes (37%) tallying a 3.5 or above.

Sixteen (16) Titan student-athletes also achieved perfection in the spring semester with a 4.0 GPA.

As the 2011-12 year came to an end, 12 Titan programs (based out of 15) have a cumulative team GPA of 3.0 or better with softball currently atop that list with a 3.471 GPA.

“I couldn't be happier with the effort all the students-athletes put in this year,” said Amy Gasahl Academic Coordinator and Assistant Director of Compliance. “To have nearly 70% of our student-athletes with a 3.0 GPA is great and it speaks to the character of the student-athletes we have here.”