[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/koeverden.jpg” caption=”Adam van Koeverden (centre) at the World Cup Championship in Szeged, Hungary. Photo courtesy of Adam van Koeverden.”]Star student and Olympic medal winner Adam van Koeverden can add valedictorian to his long list of accomplishments. The kinesiology student will deliver the valedictory address during the afternoon convocation ceremony for the Faculty of Science at Hamilton Place on June 5.

“It's a huge honour and privilege to be representing such a distinguished group of students,” said van Koeverden. “It's a little daunting to consider all the incredible things these individuals will accomplish in their lives, but I'm really excited to have the opportunity to address everyone.”

In addition to his academic workload, which earned him Dean's Honour List standing, van Koeverden also trained for about 30 hours a week. He credits his coach for helping him balance his academic and athletic responsibilities.

“They take up a considerable amount of time and effort, and sometimes the schedules don't agree 100 per cent, but I've always had the most incredible support from McMaster, and my coach knows that school is important,” he said.

Van Koeverden has won 14 World Cup Championships and brought home a gold medal in the men's 500-metre kayak single and a bronze in the 1000-metre kayak single from the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. He was also Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremonies.

When he isn't busy with school or training, he serves as the ambassador for Right to Play and the David Suzuki Foundation.

“We are very proud of Adam and his many accomplishments and have no doubt that he will continue to achieve many extraordinary successes in all aspects of his life,” said John Capone, dean of the Faculty of Science.

After graduation, van Koeverden plans to continue training for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and possibly return to academia afterwards.

More than 4,500 undergraduate, graduate and diploma students will graduate from McMaster during convocation ceremonies at Hamilton Place from June 4 to 7.