Lauren Acker, a senior from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., has been named the John W. Elrod General of the Year.

Announcement of Acker's award was made today (May 10) in Elrod Commons. She is one of the 21 Washington and Lee students who were recognized with General of the Month awards during the 2011-2012 academic year through the Celebrating Student Success program. The General of the Year was selected by a vote of those monthly winners.

Acker is majoring in sociology and anthropology, with an emphasis on anthropology. She belongs to Omicron Delta Kappa, Lambda Alpha national honor society for anthropology, Phi Eta Sigma freshman honor society and the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III academic honor society. She is a W&L Scholar-Athlete.

Acker has served as captain of the W&L women's lacrosse team, which captured the Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament. A defensive player, she started all 20 games for the Generals. In addition, she is president and student founder of 23, a student-run organization dedicated to a united community of student-athletes. It seeks to strengthen a sense of personal responsibility and wellness through risk reduction and bystander intervention.

The Celebrating Student Success (CSS) Initiative, sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, recognizes those students who bring both depth and breadth to the University community. CSS is a joint student-staff committee.

Source: Washington and Lee University