University of Minnesota’s senior gymnast Aaron Fortunato has been named a Nissen-Emery finalist, which is considered the "Heisman Trophy" of gymnastics, and is presented at the NCAA Championships.

Fortunato is a two-time captain, and currently No. 4 in the Nation on the high bar and No. 7 all-around.

Fortunato works just as hard in classes and has earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and College Gymnastics Association All-Academic recognition for three straight years.

In 2009, Fortunato was on the first-team All-Big Ten team and finished fifth in the all-around.

To be awarded the Nissen-Emery Award, gymnasts must have good sportsmanship and fair play, and maintain a high scholarship throughout his college career.