Spartanburg, S.C. -- The Southern Conference today named Davidson distance runner Brenna Burns as the TIAA-CREF Southern Conference Student-Athlete of the Week for the week of April 11.

Burns, a junior from Weaverville, N.C., ran an NCAA qualifying time of 16:51.35 in the 5000 meters at the Duke Asics Invitational over the weekend.  Burns finished sixth and set a new school record in the event.  She is the first woman Davidson runner and second Wildcat to qualify for the NCAA regional this season, joining freshman Kristen Meister (high jump).

In the classroom Burns boasts a 3.979 GPA and is majoring in psychology.  She is a member of the Southern Conference Academic All-Conference team.

Other top performers include Elon’s Gustaf Asplund (men’s tennis), Furman’s Laura Gioia (women’s tennis) and Wofford’s John Brandt (baseball).

For more than 85 years, TIAA-CREF has been helping millions of people working in the academic, medical and cultural fields plan for their retirement. The organization’s clear and long-held commitment to serve those who dedicate themselves to the benefit and enlightenment of others remains unchanged.

With a non-profit heritage, TIAA-CREF has long subscribed to a different set of guiding principles. Principles directly influenced by the people they serve. With over $380 billion in combined assets as of June 30, 2004, their approach to investing goes beyond sound portfolio management. Visit TIAA-CREF.org or call 800-842-2776.