(North Canton, OH – Apr. 6, 2009) – Stark State College's Dave Sigmund was named to the USA TODAY’s 2009 All-USA Community College Academic Team Monday, honoring him for his intellectual achievement and leadership. He was also named the 2009 New Century Scholar recognizing him as the highest-scoring Ohio student among the applicants for the All-USA Team.

Sigmund, an applied industrial technology major carrying a 4.0 grade point average, is one of 20 scholars representing two-year colleges to earn this year’s recognition. A total of 1,450 students from 800 colleges across the country were nominated. Each recipient receives a $2,500 cash award.

Created in 1991, the All-USA Community College Academic Team honors academic achievement, campus leadership and service, and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa - the national honor society for community colleges. “Dave is an outstanding role model for students of all ages and he exemplifies each of the qualities set forth in this honor,” said Cherie Barth, student life coordinator.

Sigmund, an electrician with The Timken Co., began his studies as part of an apprenticeship training program Stark State offered in partnership with The Timken Co. That program led to Sigmund entering the applied technology program and has led to a leadership role for him at Stark State, where he currently serves as student government president and is a member of President’s Cabinet.

An active member of Phi Theta Kappa, Sigmund as received numerous awards from the honor society. Most recently, he was named a 2009 Guistwhite Scholar and will be recognized during the Phi Theta Kappa Convention in Dallas April 16-18 where he will receive a $5000 scholarship to continue his education at the baccalaureate level.

Sigmund is a member of and legislative liaison for the Sandy Valley Local Board of Education; volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and volunteer for Relay for Life. A resident of East Sparta, he and his wife Kathleen are parents of three adult children.