Moon Township, Pa. - Senior Jasmine Tate (Columbus, Ohio / Harvest Prep), a guard on the Robert Morris University women's basketball team, received the Rising Star Award at last night's President's Council Dinner at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The award is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates academic success, individuality, determination, passion and potential in his or her field of study. It recognizes that thanks to RMU's professional focus and emphasis on engaged learning, success at this university has always been a strong predictor of a successful career - one of the many ways in which Robert Morris changes its students' lives.

"Jasmine is an extraordinary young woman who demonstrates how RMU has become a university of choice for academically talented students who want the opportunities for leadership that RMU provides," said RMU President Gregory Dell'Omo, Ph.D. "Jasmine epitomizes the RMU experience of today, and how the university enables students to use their intellect and all of their talents to make a positive impact on the world."

Tate is involved in nearly every aspect of college life. In addition to playing point guard for the Colonials' Division I basketball team, she is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. She picked up the craft on her own, learning one chord at a time. She's come a long way and has been writing songs and posting them on her YouTube page ever since.

Her enthusiasm for expressing her spiritual side through music has given her the opportunity to participate in groups such as the Antioch Overflow Experiment and the Music and Art Alliance of Pittsburgh.

A corporate communications major, Tate carries a 3.8 grade point average, earning a spot on the Dean's List every semester of her college career. She plans on pursuing a career behind the scenes in the media. But in her online series "The Outcry", Tate is front and center, playing the host on a show that highlights different ways in which young people celebrate their spirituality.

"It is very fitting that Jasmine received such a prestigious leadership award," said 10th year RMU women's basketball head coach Sal Buscaglia. "Having known and coached Jasmine over the last four years, she has become one of the finest leaders of the many fine players that I have had the privilege to coach over my 35 years. Associate head coach Charlie Buscaglia and myself are so proud that we were able to attract Jasmine to RMU four years ago."

After seeing action on the hardwood in 28 games as a sophomore, Tate's on-the-court contributions were limited by concussion symptoms most of her junior campaign. Still, she found a way to give what she could, becoming the team's biggest fan and a positive voice that kept the bench enthusiastic throughout the games.

Her role on the team has expanded as a senior, once again, not just on the court, but off it as well. She volunteers at children's basketball camps and has taken the lead role among the players as the team implements an anti-bullying campaign at elementary schools both locally and when the team is on the road.

Regardless of where her latest tribulations lead her - she injured her knee in the Colonials' most recent game against Duquesne - you know Tate will make the best of it, attacking the situation with the same positive energy that she uses in all phases of her life.