TOPEKA – Washburn University recently awarded the September Student Life Achieving Excellence Award to Patti Bender, assistant professor, health, physical education, and exercise science. When presented her award, she was acknowledged for guiding individual students along their career path, getting to know students, and taking time outside the classroom to offer support. The Student Life Achieving Excellence Award is an ongoing award presented to a student advisor, faculty or staff member, or community leader who demonstrates excellence in working with individual students, student groups and organizations and who reflects the guiding principles of the student life area. For more information regarding the award, call the Washburn student life office at (785) 670-2100.