PROVO -- Brian Rowley, the starting libero on the BYU men's volleyball team, was named the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Co-Outstanding Graduate last week at a department banquet. Each year the department chooses an outstanding graduating student based on GPA, service, contribution to the department and extracurricular activities.
"I was pretty honored and humbled at the same time," he said. "To be considered outstanding out of so many great students is quite an honor. I've had a lot of help from my wife and my professors, especially Dr. Nelson, that have pointed me in the right direction and kept me motivated."
Professor Jim Nelson, with whom Rowley has worked as an undergraduate research assistant, said he is very deserving of the honor.
"Brian is multitalented," Nelson said. "It doesn't surprise me that he is such an excellent volleyball player because he is excellent at everything he tries. He's personable and great to work with."
BYU coach Tom Peterson said he is impressed with all of Rowley's accomplishments.
"Brian is one of the best all around student athletes I have ever been associated with," he said. "He has a wonderful personality on and off the court. Knowing how intelligent and how dedicated to everything he is, it's not surprising that he's a huge success in other areas of life in addition to volleyball."
Rowley is the owner of an impressive 3.88 GPA and was recognized in August 2004 by the Association of State Dam Safety officials for his academic excellence and work experience. Along with his outstanding GPA and recognition, he was involved in developing Watershed Modeling System software and helped conduct a training course on the software at the University of Chile. As a junior, he was named an Edwin S. Hinckley scholar and a BYU Scholar Athlete.
"It's really hard to maintain that high of a GPA and all of the things he has to juggle," Peterson said. "To be a starting player on our team and to have that honor is something you just don't see very often."
On the volleyball court, Rowley leads the Cougars in total digs and digs per game at 159 and 1.87. He is one of only two BYU players who have appeared in every game of every match.