Hingham resident Abigail Mayer receives highest academic honor from Connecticut College

NEW LONDON, CT (02/24/2010)(readMedia)-- Abigail Mayer, a senior at Connecticut College, has been named a Winthrop Scholar, the highest academic honor bestowed by the college. Winthrop Scholars are members of the senior class who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, personal fitness and promise.

Mayer, a 2006 graduate of Noble & Greenough School, is the daughter of Leslie Mayer of Hingham and William Mayer of Boston.

At Connecticut College, Mayer is a history and philosophy major.

Mayer was one of 15 Winthrop Scholars recognized at a ceremony Feb. 16.

"I am extremely proud of our Winthrop Scholars, who have all demonstrated exceptional scholarship," Connecticut College President Leo I. Higdon Jr. said. "Their academic achievements are significant, and their leadership on campus shows they are taking advantage of all Connecticut College has to offer."

Connecticut College instituted the practice of honoring Winthrop Scholars in May 1928. The award is named for John Winthrop the Younger (1606-1676), who is credited with founding the city of New London and served as governor of Connecticut. He was a remarkable scholar, one of the most learned and versatile men in New England.

Winthrop Scholars are also selected for membership in the Delta of Connecticut Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa society.

About Connecticut College

Situated on the coast of southern New England, Connecticut College is a highly selective private liberal arts college with 1900 students from all across the country and throughout the world. On the college's 750-acre arboretum campus overlooking Long Island Sound, students and faculty create a vibrant social, cultural and intellectual community enriched by diverse perspectives. The college, founded in 1911, is known for its unique combination of interdisciplinary studies, international programs, funded internships, student-faculty research and service learning. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.