Student-Athlete of the Year Videos: John Robertson | Katrin Heider | Photo Gallery

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova athletics celebrated its 2015 graduating class on Thursday evening at the Senior Student-Athlete Reception. The ceremony was hosted in the Connelly Center on campus where the senior class was recognized on the night before Commencement.

John Robertson from football was selected as the Male Senior Student-Athlete of the Year and Katrin Heider from women's swimming received the Female Senior Student-Athlete of the Year honor. The Sister Mary Margaret Cribben Award was presented to Aaron Dennis of the men's soccer team.

Each year the Male and Female Senior Student-Athlete of the Year awards are given to a senior who has excelled in both athletics and academics in addition to making a positive impact through community service. The winner must have a high grade-point average in addition to being a significant contributor to his/her team.

The Sister Mary Margaret Cribben Award has been presented each year since 1985 and is awarded to the student-athlete who unselfishly sacrifices time, effort, body and soul to lead and motivate their teammates, and whose efforts on and off the field inspire those around them to excel.

Male Senior Student-Athlete of the Year - John Robertson (Football)
Senior John Robertson led Villanova football to the FCS Quarterfinals this season as the Wildcats compiled an 11-3 record. Robertson has received a plethora of honors and accolades throughout his time at Villanova.

After redshirting in 2011, Robertson won the Jerry Rice Award, given to the top freshman in FCS football, in his first full season. He also earned CAA and ECAC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors that season while being named Third Team All-CAA.

In 2013, the Paramus, New Jersey native earned Second Team All-CAA honors while setting a school record with a 68.4 competition percentage. Robertson started all 11 games during his sophomore year with 1,957 passing yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 1,405 yards with an additional 20 scores.

Most recently during the 2014 campaign, Robertson racked up the offensive achievements. In addition to being named the CAA Offensive Player of the Year, the senior won the Walter Payton Award, which is given to the top player in FCS football. Robertson also earned AFCA All-America and Walter Camps FCS All-America Team honors as well as being an FCS ADA All-American selection.

Robertson has played in 37 career games and completed 518-of-801 passes (64.6%) with 62 touchdowns and 17 interceptions to go with 633 carries for 3,505 yards (5.5 avg.) and 45 touchdowns. In a second round playoff win over Liberty on Dec. 6, he became Villanova's all-time total offense leader with 10,273 yards.

Robertson will return to Villanova next year as a 2015 captain in his final year of eligibility after redshirting in 2011.

Entering play next season, Robertson ranks second in school history in career rushing yards (3,505), total touchdowns (45), rushing touchdowns (45), scoring (272 points) and career 100-yard rushing games (15) and he is fourth in both career passing yards (6,768) and passing touchdowns (62).

Female Senior Student-Athlete of the Year - Katrin Heider (Women's Swimming)
Senior Katrin Heider came to the Main Live from Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. Her contributions as a teammate helped the Wildcats win back-to-back BIG EAST Championships while her accomplishments in the classroom will help her pursue a career in medical research moving forward.

Heider was a 10-time BIG EAST medalist while being named to every All-BIG EAST Team since 2011-12.

Heider majorly contributed to the success of the program as a junior when Villanova won its first BIG EAST title since 1996 during the 2013-14 campaign. Heider was named the BIG EAST Women's Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete Sport Excellence Award winner that year, which recognizes academic, athletic and community service achievements. She was also named the 2014 Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Performer of the Year for women's swimming.

As the Wildcats secured its second conference championships this season, Heider helped the squad by medaling in all four of her events including first-place victories in the 200, 400 and 800 freestyle relays. The German native also finished third in the 200 freestyle. The team's 400 freestyle relay time of 3:22.35 helped break a school record.

Heider broke the Villanova 800 freestyle relay mark of 7:12.73 back at the 2013 BIG EAST Championships as a sophomore as well.

Internationally, Heider competed at the German Short Course Nationals in November 2012.

Sister Mary Margaret Cribben Award - Aaron Dennis (Men's Soccer)
Dennis was a loyal member of the men's soccer team during his four years on campus. Making 72 career appearances with 69 starts, the Elmont, New York native was a consistent offensive piece for the Wildcats. As a senior, Dennis was named to the second team All-BIG EAST Team. He led the Wildcats in goals both his senior and freshman season. In total, Dennis notched 15 goals, four assists and 34 points across his four-year career as a Wildcat.