Wittenberg University senior Corey Stump doesn't mince words when reflecting upon his latest - and perhaps most significant - achievement as a college student.

Stump is the recipient of a postgraduate scholarship from the NCAA for the 2015-16 school year, one of the most prestigious awards a collegiate student-athlete can achieve. A record-setting wide receiver for the Tiger football team over the last four years, Stump will receive a one-time renewable $7,500 scholarship that he can apply to graduate studies toward his goal of becoming a doctor starting in August 2016.

Stump is among 29 male student-athletes from across the country involved in a fall intercollegiate sport to be selected for the scholarship. A total of 174 student-athletes will earn NCAA postgraduate scholarships during the 2015-16 school year.

"This award means the absolute world to me," said Stump, who has maintained a 3.88 grade point average while studying biology at Wittenberg. "I believe this award reflects my passion and dedication for success on the field and off the field. From the beginning of my career at Wittenberg, I knew hard work would pay off in the end and if I took advantage of every opportunity that was at hand, I would succeed.

"I would like to thank my family, coaches, administrators and friends who all believed in me and supported me through all four years here at Wittenberg. Specifically, I would like to thank Dr. Brian Yontz in the Education Department, Dr. Cathy Pederson in the Biology Department, Dr. Gary Williams in the Athletics Department, and Head Coach Joe Fincham of the football team - all of these individuals wrote letters of recommendation for me towards the application process for the scholarship and also pushed me to be the best that I can be and truly believed in my ability.

Stump didn't stop there, mentioning his parents' contributions to his success. "My Mom and Dad have sacrificed so much for me to go to this school and always provided for me," he said. "I would not be who I am or where I am without their love and never-ending support."

Stump was awarded three varsity letters after earning Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year as a freshman for the Tigers. Wittenberg won three North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) titles in his four years in the Red & White, compiling a sparkling overall record of 37-8. Stump was a starting wide receiver in each of his last two seasons, battling through injuries to record 127 career receptions, which ranks 10th in program history.

Stump caught an NCAC-best 74 passes in 2015, the second-best total in program history, and he picked up first-team All-NCAC honors. Stump set the school record for receptions in a game on Oct. 24 against Hiram as he hauled in 16 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns.

His work in the classroom has been just as impressive, starting with an appearance on the university's Dean's List following each semester. He earned a spot on the NCAC Academic Honor Roll in 2014 and 2015, he has been inducted into Wittenberg's chapter of Chi Sigma Alpha honors society, and Stump was recognized with the 2014 Biology Excellence Honors Award. In addition, Stump has performed volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity during his collegiate career.

"Corey is a well-rounded, intelligent, capable person who will make a wonderful physician," said Pederson, a professor of neurobiology/physiology, human anatomy and physiology. "He has a wonderful work ethic and friendly personality. Corey combines his natural intellect with hard work and was easily the top student in the courses that he took with me."

In December 2015, Stump earned second-team Capital One Academic All-America honors for the combination of his athletic and academic performance. He is the first Tiger football player to earn Academic All-America honors since Dan Corfman in 1995.

"Corey is one amazing young man, and I am so proud of him for all that he has accomplished as a student and athlete," said Williams, director of athletics and recreation at Wittenberg. "Corey is a tremendous student, an exceptional athlete, and an even stronger young man of character, leadership, and integrity.

"While we celebrate Corey, his example is just one of so many of our students that epitomizes the ideals of the Division III athlete - the balance and commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. I am thankful for all that our tremendous faculty do every day to support students like Corey to excel as both students and athletes."

Stump is the fifth Wittenberg student-athlete to earn an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. He joins Scott Schwartz (men's basketball) in 1996, Kent Rafey (football) in 1998, Dawn Reinhardt (women's volleyball) in 1999, and Skip Ivery (football/track and field) in 2004.

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship was created in 1964 to promote and encourage postgraduate education by rewarding the NCAA's most accomplished student-athletes. Nominees must maintain at least a 3.2 grade point average and perform with "distinction" in intercollegiate competition. The student-athlete must also intend to continue academic work beyond the baccalaureate degree as a part-time or full-time graduate student.

"This award is evidence of the beauty of Division III athletics, especially athletics at Wittenberg," said Yontz, one of Wittenberg's faculty athletics representatives. "Coach Fincham and his staff have pushed Corey to achieve at the highest level in the classroom and likewise, Corey has been taught by faculty members who have supported him as a record-setting football player. It's clear to me that Corey's academic achievement and personal development was enhanced by his involvement in athletics.

"Wittenberg's mission was actualized in Corey. At Wittenberg, we talk a lot about passing on our light, this Postgraduate Scholarship from the NCAA will help Corey do that - but selfishly I'm happy that Corey earned this award because his legacy at Wittenberg will be an example to future student-athletes that we are uniquely positioned, with a talented faculty and coaching staff, to maximize academic performance and athletic achievement."