April 13, 1999

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Former Deacon golfer Beth Daniels, who was instrumental in establishing the first Wake Forest women's golf team in 1972, has been chosen as this year's female recipient of the prestigious Rolex Achievement Award, given annually by the College Golf Foundation and Rolex Watch U.S.A.

Both Daniels and this year's male recipient, Western Illinois' Eric Gleacher, will be presented with the awards by legendary WFU alumnus Arnold Palmer during the Wake Forest University Pro-Am reception at Bridger Field House on Sunday , April 18.

Daniels graduated from Wake Forest Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in politics in 1975. She went on to earn her law degree at Florida State in 1979, and joined the law firm of Johnson, Blakely, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns upon graduation. She was made a partner in the firm in 1984 , developing a respected practice as a commercial litigator. In 1987, Daniels was named president of the Clearwater (Fla.) Bar Association, becoming the first woman ever to hold the position.

Daniels was instrumental in assisting with the salvage of the Atocha Treasure, a Spanish galleon that sank off of Key West in 1622 along with 40 tons of precious metals and jewels. She is also an accomplished opera singer, having been a member of Florida Opera West, the Tampa Bay Opera Company, and presently, the Sunstate Opera Society. Daniels is still an avid golfer.

The Rolex Achievement Awards honor former varsity collegiate golfers who have achieved excellence in their chosen career (outside of golf) and have made a special contribution to society. Each winner receives a Rolex engraved timepiece and a framed certificate, while their alma mater receives a $2,500 donation to their golf program from Rolex and the College Golf Foundation. Previous winners include former vice president Dan Quayle (DePauw '69) and Leslie Greis (Harvard '80), Mark McCormack (William & Mary '51) and Paula Zahn (Stephens '78), and Capt. David Leestma (Navy '71)and Leslee Subak, M.D. (Dartmouth '83).

The Pro-Am Reception and Rolex Awards ceremony are closed to the public and the media.