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Student Sean Kelly Earns Esports Excellence Award

Respawn Gaming Supplier Rewards Kelly for Esports Leadership, Dedication

Shenandoah student Sean Kelly has been recognized for his involvement and excellence in esports by the gaming products supplier Respawn.

Respawn has announced it will recognize outstanding students each semester with the Respawn Products Student of Excellence award. This award will be handed out each semester to students in the esports program at Shenandoah, along with other partner universities that have Respawn products.

Kelly ’22, is a double major in esports management and business administration and is the inaugural recipient of the award. He is the student lead in broadcast production for the Shenandoah esports program, and he works on the content creation and live event production as well.

The word that comes to mind is extremely grateful. This is something I want to do for the rest of my life, and to already be recognized for the work I’ve done feels great. It has been an amazing experience to have such a lead role in this program, and I look forward to everything else that this program and I can accomplish in the future in esports.”

Sean Kelly ’22

According to Respawn, the Respawn Esports Student of Excellence Award is presented to a student involved with esports at Shenandoah University who exemplifies excellence inside, and out of, the classroom. Within the classroom, the student enhances the overall experience through their engagement and mentorship of peers. Additionally, their “superb” academic performance is reflected in their semester and cumulative GPA.

“Outside of the classroom, this student has shown a dedication and involvement that far surpasses the expectations of faculty, staff, and peers,” according to the award description. “Through their engagement, this student has been able to positively impact the community and implement long-lasting, tangible strategies to prolong the success of the program. The student’s contributions have enriched the experience of their colleagues and has set the example for student leadership. The student truly exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of Shenandoah Esports and displays how life within esports goes beyond gaming.”

Kelly will receive a trophy, sweatshirt, Respawn gaming chair, and Respawn gaming desk in recognition of the award.

We felt that Sean is the perfect example of a student of excellence with the work he has put into the esports program in the classroom and in the production booth. He goes above and beyond what is expected of students and is one of the reasons the esports program here at SU is one of the top programs in the country. His work has also led to him receiving numerous job opportunities and industry connections. Sean exemplifies what it means when we say that Shenandoah Esports goes beyond gaming.”

Joey Gawrysiak, Ph.D. | Shenandoah Director of Esports

Kelly said he hopes to stay within the esports industry and help it grow.

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