George Washington University

April 15, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC - Senior outfielder Gavin Swanson will be the 2009 receipient of the Jackie Robinson award for exhibiting qualities that reflect the attributes of the legendary sports hero. Washington Post columnist, Michael Wilbon, WJLA-TV news anchor Maureen Bunyan, and civil rights activist Franklin Kameny will also be honored on the 62nd anniversary of Jackie Robinson's integration of Major League Baseball.

The event will take place at 5 pm on April 16, 2009, in the Jack Morton Auditorium of GW's School of Media and Public Affairs Building, 805 21st St., NW. The event takes place on the same day President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862.

"Michael Wilbon, Maureen Bunyan and Franklin Kameny provide us with living examples of the passion, perseverance and commitment to social justice that made Jackie Robinson legendary," said Richard Zamoff, adjunct associate professor of sociology and faculty advisor to GW's Jackie Robinson Society. "For the past 12 years, George Washington University students have had the opportunity to examine the legacy of Jackie Robinson through several lenses and these awards are one way to recognize how his legacy continues in the Washington metropolitan area."

The featured autograph guest is Andre Collins, director of retired players for the National Football League Players Association. Collins was an All-American linebacker at Pennsylvania State University and played 10 seasons in the NFL. He was the Washington Redskins' first round draft pick in 1990 and a starter on the Super Bowl XXVI championship team. Collins also is the author of the highly acclaimed children's book What Teammates Do. He will sign photos, sportscards, and copies of his book before the program and during the reception.

Founded in 1999, the Jackie Robinson Society sponsors discussions about Robinson, and members participate in community service projects associating his name and life's work with good deeds. GW students were sparked to form the society after taking a course titled Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports, and the American Dream. The class, which is offered each fall semester by Zamoff, explores the impact of Jackie Robinson's entry into major league baseball, to the game of baseball and to American society.

Members of the media can RSVP to Nick Massella at 202-994-3087 or massella@gwu.edu.

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