Posted June 25, 2012
Nicola Andersen of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in art history with a minor in Italian. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Andersen won the Modern Languages Award for Italian Studies. She belonged to the campus chapter of Kiwanis International’s Circle K Club.
Nicholas R. Apicella of Peekskill, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in math. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Apicella won the Wagner College Prize in Mathematics. He was a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the math honor society, and served as a peer tutor. He was a member of the men’s tennis team and was active on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
Kevin A. Austin of La Crescenta, Cal. won Wagner College’s Education Department Chair Award for Distinction in Teaching at the school’s annual senior banquet last month. A dual major in English and education, Austin served as vice president of Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society. He is scheduled to graduate this August.
Chelsea N. Beck of Reading, Pa. graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and childhood/special education. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Beck won two awards: the Education Department Award for outstanding academic achievement and the Ann H. & Norbert H. Leeseberg Education Award for scholarship and community service. A Dean’s List student, Beck was a member of the women’s swim and water polo teams, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and the Promising Student Society. She was inducted into three student honor societies: Kappa Delta Pi (education), Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership) and Psi Chi (psychology).
Izabela Blach of Scotch Plains, N.J. graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in psychology with minors in chemistry and sociology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Blach won the Robert deCsipkes Memorial Prize for Outstanding Research in Psychology. She was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity, the women’s volleyball team and Wagner College Republicans. Blach had been inducted into two student honor societies: Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership) and Psi Chi (psychology). Blach’s research abilities were demonstrated in a departmental honors project examining how different interview styles affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
Daria Boyarinova of Moscow, Russia graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Boyarinova won the Business Administration Award, given to the business student with the highest GPA. Boyarinova was a Dean’s List student who served as business manager for the Wagnerian student newspaper. She was a wealth management intern at UBS Financial Services, and she worked as marketing assistant in the college’s Campus Life Office.
Violeta Capric of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Capric won four prizes:
- the Joseph T. Gabrielline Memorial Award for superior leadership, honor, scholarship and service
- the Juliette Tyor Outstanding Student Employee Award
- the Sir Peter L. Cardiello Award
- the Kevin Sheehy Award in Biology for the highest GPA among graduating biology students
Capric served during her senior year as president of the Student Government Association. She was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity and was inducted into two honor societies: Beta Beta Beta (biology) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership). She was recognized in previous years by the college with the Bloomquist Memorial Award in Biology and the Megerle Scholar Prize for Science Achievement. As a student employee for the Biology Department, Capric was responsible for the lab’s mosquito research colony. Her excellent performance last summer as a research intern at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine led to the full-time position she took up at Johns Hopkins after graduation.
Christian S. Carey of Philadelphia, Pa. graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Carey won the Socrates Prize, given to a student for outstanding thought with application to human concerns in a community. Carey participated in the Wagner College Band, Pre-Law Society, Student Government Association and Nubian Student Union. He is also a Kenneth & Frances Goehl Scholar, a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon economics honor society, and has made the Dean’s List numerous times.
Adrianna B. Castillo of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of science degree in biology with a Spanish minor. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Castillo earned a certificate recognizing her Competence in Intercultural Engagement. She belonged to the Pre-Dental Society and the college’s Community Standards Review Board. Castillo says that her personal definition of culture changed over the course of her life experiences in Manhattan, Costa Rica, and at Wagner. She brought some of those rich cultural traditions to campus earlier this year with the first International Food Fair, which included music and food from India, China, Italy, Mexico and Thailand.
Alexis M. Cate of Wethersheld, Conn. graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Cate won two awards: the Robert deCsipkes Memorial Prize for Outstanding Clinical Potential in Psychology, and the Panhellenic Council Award for exemplary service and leadership. Cate was president of Wagner College’s chapter of Psi Chi, the international psychology honor society. She was deeply committed to promoting awareness and education regarding sexual assault and domestic violence, both on campus through an organization called the Red Riding Hood Project, and in the community through her work as an intern at Staten Island Legal Services, as well as assisting with the development of anti-bullying programs at several local high schools. Cate co-authored a conference paper on irrational beliefs and domestic violence. Cate also served as president of the Tau Kappa Sigma sorority and the Panhellenic Council.
Carolyn Clark of Syracuse, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Clark won the Alpha Omicron Pi Award, given to recognize academic excellence in business administration and exemplary participation in campus activities.
Erin Clark of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Clark won the Jane Bacher Award, given to the student with the highest grade point average in the college’s Community Health Nursing program. Clark was a member of the Promising Student Society, the Sigma Theta Tau national nursing honor society, and the Student Nurses Association. Known as an exemplary scholar and clinician who was compassionate and caring, Clark completed her senior capstone hours at Staten Island University Hospital in the Cardiac Care ICU while maintaining a high classroom GPA.
Kelly A. Clark of Neptune, N.J. graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in math and childhood education. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Clark won the Kappa Mu Epsilon Award, given to a mathematics or computer science major who excels in service and leadership. Clark was a member of the women’s basketball team, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and the Nubian Student Union.
Giovanna M. Colasanto of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in history and psychology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Colasanto won the Christian P. Holmstrup History Award for the history student with the highest grade point average. Colasanto belonged to the Pre-Law Club and two student honor societies, Phi Alpha Theta (history) and Psi Chi (psychology). She served internships at a law office and the Staten Island Museum. Colasanto wrote her senior thesis on Margaret Sanger and the political and legal controversies surrounding the early birth control movement. She will be studying history this fall at the William and Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Va.
Leighann B. Colin of Munford, Tenn. graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in theatre. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Colin won the Nathan and Ruth Wolff Prize, given for excellence in the study of dance. Colin spent one semester studying abroad in London. Over the course of 4 years, she was a peer leader and a member of the Dance Club, participating in performances ranging from “Smokey Joe’s Café” to the principal role of Penelope/Persephone in “Goddess Wheel,” all while managing to remain on the Dean’s List every semester.
Michael D’Amico of Manalapan, N.J. graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in theatre. At the college’s annual senior banquet, D’Amico won the Theatre Award in Performance, given in recognition of excellence in theater performance.
Jaclyn Dalessio of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and childhood/special education. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Dalessio won the Michele Connors Tellefsen ’71 Alpha Delta Pi Leadership Award, given to a leader in the college’s Gamma Pi chapter as she transitions from active to alumnae membership. A member of the women’s soccer team, Dalessio was also active in Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society, and the Psychology Club.
Danielle N. Dallaco of White Plains, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Dallaco won the Theatre Award for Performance. A Dean’s List student with a minor in marketing, Dallaco was active on campus as a DJ for the college radio station, sound designing the Stage One production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and leading efforts to link marketing classes with the audience development efforts of Wagner College Theatre. Dallaco performed feature roles in “Cinderella,” “Smokey Joe’s Café” and the Stage One production of “Lysistrata” as well as the lead role of Lysistrata in the world premiere production of “Goddess Wheel.”
Marissa L. DiBartolo of Mastic Beach, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in English with a minor in journalism. At the college’s annual senior banquet, DiBartolo won the Thomas Kendris Award in Expository & Journalistic Writing, given for outstanding work in writing courses and student journalism. Editor for two years of the Wagnerian student newspaper, DiBartolo also interned in the newsroom of the Staten Island Advance. She studied abroad in Italy and had been inducted into two student honor societies, Sigma Tau Delta (English) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership).
Michael A. Diomede of Staten Island won the Constance Byron Award, given at last month’s senior banquet by the college’s Nursing Department to recognize academic merit, leadership qualities, tenacious spirit, thoughtfulness and caring for others. Diomede graduated in December with a B.S. in nursing and is currently enrolled in Wagner’s graduate nursing program.
At Wagner College’s annual senior banquet last month, Lauren M. DiSchiavi of Staten Island won the Accounting Society Award, given to a student with outstanding achievement in accounting studies, high standards of leadership and good moral character. A business administration major and Dean’s List student, DiSchiavi belongs to the Accounting Club, Pre-Law Society and Wagner College Republicans. She has been inducted into Delta Mu Delta, the business honor society. She is scheduled for graduation in August with a bachelor of science degree.
Cody R. Dulock of Elm Mott, Texas graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in government & politics with minors in history and economics. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Dulock won the Verrazano Memorial Prize in Government and Politics for outstanding academic achievement. While maintaining a 3.92 GPA, he was active both at Wagner and in the community. He served as a Student Government Association senator, a student representative for the Port Richmond Partnership, and a resident assistant. He was also involved with the Wagnerian student newspaper, the Campus Activities Board, the History Club, and Wagner College Republicans. Dulock studied abroad in South Korea, interned last summer for a United States senator in Washington, and recently completed an internship for a local U.S. congressman.
Victoria A. Felix of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in psychology with minors in biology and sociology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Felix won the Psychology Department Award for academic excellence. Felix was president of the Psychology Club and had been inducted into three student honor societies: Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), Beta Beta Beta (biology) and Psi Chi (psychology). A member of the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity, Felix also participated in two student activity clubs, Sit and Knit and the Maintaining Outdoor Fitness Organization. She served as the student coordinator of the Psychology Department’s research participant pool, and she co-authored a conference paper on irrational beliefs and perfectionism.
Patrick J. Flanagan of Babylon, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of arts degree in history. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Flanagan won the Verrazano Memorial Prize in History for outstanding academic achievement. Flanagan was a member of the Wagner College Choir, Completely Student Productions and the History Club, and he worked as a resident assistant. Flanagan helped to create a close-knit group of history students while also nurturing his theatrical and civic ambitions. His senior internship was at Baldanado & Associates, an entertainment law firm with such high-profile clients like G-Unit, Joanna Mosco and Mark Anthony. His senior thesis, “Why the Soviet Union Invaded Afghanistan in 1979,” demonstrated how his history training could be used to uncover primary sources and materials to answer questions about international politics. He volunteered on four Alternative Spring Breaks, most recently in Haiti.
Lacey N. Flint of Pine Bush, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in history and childhood/special education. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Flint won the Verrazano Memorial Prize in History, given in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. Flint was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and the Wagner College Choir. She belonged to the History Club and had been inducted into two student honor societies, Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership) and Kappa Delta Pi (education). As a history student, Flint used archival materials, unpublished autobiographies, newspapers and films to trace subjects as diverse as Jewish-American soldiers in the Holocaust, the 1970s Italian feminist film director Lina Wertmüller, and public school integration on Staten Island. She intends to pursue a career in public history, where she can share her passion for historic artifacts with museum audiences.
John F. Garrish Jr. of Sylvester, Ga. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Garrish won the Ministerial Prize, given to a ministerial student who has made singular progress in her or her chosen field of study. Garrish was on both the track and football teams for men and was active in the college’s student radio station and the Pre-Health Society. In addition, Garrish portrayed important roles in the Wagner College Theatre productions of “Jesus Christ Super Star” and “Goddess Wheel.”
Gina M. Giglia of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in natural science and childhood/special education. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Giglia earned a certificate recognizing her Competence in Leadership. Giglia was a member of two national honor societies, Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership) and Kappa Delta Pi (education). Through her experiences as a peer leader, Alpha Sigma Alpha sister, student teacher and freshman orientation coordinator, Giglia demonstrated her capacities as a leader.
Christine M. Gomez of Baldwin, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of science degree in natural science and childhood/special education. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Gomez won the Undergraduate Merit Award, given in recognition for outstanding service, loyalty, and dedication to the Wagner College community through participation in organizations and activities. Gomez was member of the Dance Club and Promising Students Society, and she had been inducted into two honor societies: Kappa Delta Pi (education) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership).
Elizabeth R. Hawley of New Preston, Conn. graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics with minors in physics and art. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Hawley won the Kurt Goedel Award for Excellence in Mathematics, given to a student with outstanding performance and achievement in the field of mathematics. Hawley, a member of the Kappa Mu Epsilon math honor society, was on the Dean’s List every semester of her undergraduate career. She was an active member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.
Courtney M. Heiserman of Nazareth, Pa. graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and psychology with a minor in gender studies and a concentration in family studies/social work. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Heiserman won the Hertha Troll Meyer Memorial Award, given to recognize exemplary scholarship and service in the study of sociology and anthropology. Heiserman had been inducted into three honor societies: Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), Psi Chi (psychology) and Alpha Kappa Delta (sociology). She was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity, the Psychology Club, Art for a Cure, and the Civic Engagement Certificate Program. Heiserman worked closely as a student volunteer with the Staten Island Legal Task Force on behalf of those experiencing domestic violence. She plans to take a year off from school to continue her work in the area of domestic violence before pursuing a master’s degree in social work.
Jennifer L. Herbach of Monmouth Junction, N.J., graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Herbach won the Julia M. Barchitta Award for Civic Engagement, which is presented to a graduating senior who has excelled at bridging academic achievement and contributions to the community through participation in the Civic Engagement Certificate Program. A member of the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity, Herbach also belonged to the Student Nurses Association and Art for a Cure. She served as vice president of community service for the campus chapter of Kiwanis International’s Circle K.
Jennifer A. Ida of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology with minors in Spanish and microbiology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Ida won the Anita Volland Award in Anthropology, given to the senior who most embraces the centrality of the culture concept and demonstrates great intellectual curiosity. In addition to her outstanding course work, she has engaged in experiential activities well beyond most undergraduates. Ida completed an independent study of primates at the Staten Island Zoo and earned highly competitive internships with the Philadelphia Zoo and the Cayo Santiago Primate Research Center in Puerto Rico. Her honors thesis was accepted for podium presentation at the National Meetings of the American Anthropological Association, where her co-panelists were all Ph.D.s. She is currently conducting independent research with Wagner College professors Gagnon and Richardson, and she has been nominated by the Anthropology Department to receive the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society’s Senior Scholarship.
Alexander P. Kazanecki of Dumont, N.J. graduated last month from Wagner College with bachelor of science degree in arts administration. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Kazanecki won the Wagner College Instrumental Music Award, given for outstanding musical talent and exemplary dedication to the bands of Wagner College. Kazanecki played in the college’s Concert Band, Music Society and Jazz Ensemble. He belonged to Theta Chi fraternity and sat on the Interfraternity Council.
Kaitlin R. Lehmann of Belle Mead, N.J. graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with a minor in educational studies and German. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Lehmann won the Modern Languages Award for German, given to recognize outstanding academic achievement. Lehmann was a member of the Psychology Club, the History Club, Art for a Cure and the Muslim Student Association. She had been inducted into two student honor societies: Psi Chi (psychology) and Kappa Delta Pi (education) and belonged to the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority.
Sierra A. Marantz of Forestville, Cal. graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and minors in English and political science. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Marantz won the Diversity Action Council Award, given to a student who has furthered, exemplified or supported diversity issues at Wagner College. She studied abroad in both Israel and Spain. Marantz served on the college’s Campus Activity Board and was a member of the Spanish Club and the Earth Club. She had been inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society. Marantz had several volunteer commitments in the community: teaching art to elementary school students, teaching a Spanish class and translating immigrant narratives at El Centro del Inmigrante in the Staten Island community of Port Richmond. Marantz interned in the office of New York City Councilwoman Debi Rose, who represents the North Shore of Staten Island.
Jessica L. Melillo of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Melillo won the Robert deCsipkes Memorial Prize for Outstanding Clinical Potential in Psychology. Melillo belonged to the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity and the Psychology Club. She had been inducted into Psi Chi, the psychology honor society.
Ashley A. Nati of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in biopsychology with a chemistry minor. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Nati won the Dr. Norman L. Freilich Memorial Award, given to a student accepted into medical or dental school. A member of the Pre-Health Society, Nati had been inducted into two student honor societies: Psi Chi (psychology) and Beta Beta Beta (biology). She will attend Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in the fall.
Lauren J. Pettinato of Montpelier, Vermont graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a minor in biology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Pettinato won the Ellen Horrmann Award, given to a student who demonstrates academic excellence in nursing during the clinical experience. Pettinato was president of the Student Nurses Association and a member of the women’s soccer team and the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity. She had been inducted into two student honor societies, Sigma Theta Tau (nursing) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), and she held the highest grade point average in her graduating class. Pettinato completed her senior capstone hours in the Cardiac Cath Unit at Mount Sinai Medical Center. She is working as a nurse at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Kelsey A. Pierce of Mountain View, Cal. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of science degree in arts administration with a combined arts concentration. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Pierce won the Sigvart J. Steen Scholarship Award in Music, given to recognize excellence in choir performance. Pierce sang in the women’s a cappella group, Vocal Synergy, and the Wagner College Choir. She was also active in the Music Society, the Art Club and Nimbus, the student literary magazine.
John Prato of Massapequa, N.Y., who graduated in December from Wagner College with a bachelor of science degree in nursing, won the Mary Burr Award at the college’s annual senior banquet, held last month. The award is given for the highest cumulative grade point average among graduating nursing students.
Jessica K. Ramsey of Cheyenne, Wyo. graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in arts administration and French with a minor in Italian. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Ramsey won the Simone de Beauvoir French Award, given to a French Studies major who has achieved the highest distinction in the study of French or Francophone literature. Ramsey spent a semester abroad in Lyon, France, and studied for a summer in Perugia, Italy. A member of the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity, Ramsey sang in the Wagner College Choir and worked on the Wagnerian student newspaper and WCBG, Wagner College’s student radio station. She was inducted into Alpha Mu Theta, the arts administration honor society.
William A. Rivera of Staten Island won the Microbiology Award for outstanding scholastic achievement at Wagner College’s annual senior banquet, held last month. Rivera has won the Megerle Scholarship for scientific achievement for the past two years, and has consistently been listed on the Dean’s List. He is a member of Biology Club and the Pre-Health Society. He has been inducted into two student honor societies: Beta Beta Beta (biology) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), for which he serves as treasurer. He is scheduled to graduate in August.
Louis M. Russo of Albertson, N.Y., graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in economics and government & politics. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Russo won two prizes: the Economics Department Award and the Phyllis Andors Award for Government and Politics. In 2011, Russo was awarded the Douglas Gee Morton Memorial Award in Economics and the Verrazano Memorial Prize for studies in government and politics. Russo belonged to the Pre-Law Society Club and College Republicans, and served as president of the Wagner Student Investment Group. He interned at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As the Wagner College representative, Russo was instrumental in launching and operating the Staten Island Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office, or CLARO, a service that provides legal advice to unrepresented debtor-defendants on consumer debt issues. He also founded the Wagner College Moot Court team, which competed successfully in three intercollegiate matches. He was inducted into Omicron Delta Epsilon, the economics honor society. Russo will be attending Fordham University School of Law in the fall.
Brianna Samson of Enfield, Conn. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of science degree from the physician assistant program. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Samson won the Physician Assistant Award, given to the senior with the highest GPA in the P.A. program. Samson was a member of the Campus Activities Board, Physician Assistant Association, Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity, and Art for a Cure. She was inducted into two student honor societies: Beta Beta Beta (biology) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership).
Brittney Santoro of Cranston, R.I. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of arts degree. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Santoro won the Bob Gabriel Memorial Endowed Award for Theatre, given to a student who has been an exceptional performer and has demonstrated an interest in Italian Culture. Santoro performed in the Wagner College Theatre productions of “Little Women,” “Catholic School Girls” and “Urinetown: The Musical.”
Andrew E. Sarti of North Caldwell, N.J. graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in economics with a minor in Italian. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Sarti won the Economics Department Award for academic excellence. A member of the Theta Chi fraternity, Sarti was inducted into two student honor societies: Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership). He studied abroad for one semester in Rome, Italy. Last year, Sarti won the L. Willard Knight Award, given to the fraternity member with the highest academic average, and the Douglas Gee Morton Award in Economics.
Lisa N. Schneider of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration and a minor in biology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Schneider won the Frank K. Bobbitt Memorial Award in Chemistry for scholastic achievement. She was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity, Art for a Cure, the Pre-Health Society, the Pre-Dental Society and Hillel. Schneider was inducted into three student honor societies: Beta Beta Beta (biology), Kappa Mu Epsilon (math) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership). She plans to enroll in dental school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in the fall.
Alyssa G. Spivak of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in biopsychology with a chemistry minor. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Spivak won the Dr. Norman L. Freilich Memorial Award, given to a student accepted into medical or dental school. A regular Dean’s List student, she will enroll in dental school at New York University in the fall.
Elena Stekolchik of Brooklyn, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry with a minor in psychology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Stekolchik won the Dreyfus Prize, given to a student who has done academically outstanding work in the Chemistry Department. She belonged to the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity, the Biology and Psychology clubs, the Campus Activities Board and the Pre-Health Society. Stekolchik served as president of Wagner’s Hillel chapter. She had been inducted into three student honor societies: Kappa Mu Epsilon (math), Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership).
Paige C. Strothmann of Maywood, N.J. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of arts degree. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Strothmann won the Theatre Award in Design, Technology and Management. She served as assistant stage manager for three Wagner College Theatre Main Stage musicals, stage managed “Spelling Bee” and finished her college career as the assistant director on the new musical “Goddess Wheel.” She writes and produces her own plays in Manhattan and directed the student-produced musical “Hair.” Strothmann took on a leadership role in the student organization, Completely Student Productions, including its new play festival, all while volunteering at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Sarah F. Sutliff of Burnt Hills, N.Y., graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies with minors in gender studies and art. Sutliff won two awards at the college’s annual senior banquet: the Socrates Prize, given by the Department of Philosophy & Religion to a student for outstanding thought with application to human concerns in a community, and the George G. Hackman Prize in Religious Studies. Sutliff participated in a wide range of campus activity during her college career, including Wagner College Choir, the Kallista yearbook, Art Club, the Nimbus student literary magazine, Nubian Student Union, the a cappella group Vocal Synergy, Wagner Opera Workshop, Completely Student Productions and the Students Empowering Change peer education program. She was inducted into two student honor societies: Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics), and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership).
Breanne P. Sweeney of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Sweeney won the Special Education Award, given to recognize a student who has done outstanding work in the field of special education studies. A member of the women’s swim team as well as Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), Kappa Delta Pi (education) and Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics).
Jaclyn M. Toscano of Staten Island graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of science degree in nursing with a minor in psychology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Toscano won the Community Health Nursing Award. She was a member of the Student Nurses Association and Up ’Til Dawn, which raises funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Toscano had been inducted into two student honor societies: Sigma Theta Tau (nursing) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership).
Melanie D. Valencia of Ecuador graduated last month from Wagner College at the top of her class, summa cum laude, with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry with double minors in biology and environmental studies with a concentration in environmental chemistry. Her cumulative grade point average was a nearly perfect 3.99. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Valencia won four awards:
- Community Service Award
- Periclean Senior Award for social responsibility and civic concern
- Thomas Carroll Award for Environmental Sustainability
- Dr. Donald W. Spiro Award for Best Academic and Co-Curricular Achievement
The Spiro Award is Wagner College’s most prestigious distinction, recognizing outstanding academic and co-curricular achievements over the whole course of a student’s career at the college.
“From her scholarship, to her involvement in campus organizations, to her commitment to civic engagement and service, Melanie has made a tremendous impact on the Wagner College campus that has extended into the community,” said Wagner College President Richard Guarasci in presenting the award at the annual senior banquet.
Valencia clearly exhibited a commitment to civic engagement through her many involvements, both on and off campus. She provided leadership in the Civic Engagement Certificate Program, Pre-Health Society, Nubian Student Union, Psychology Club, Earth Club and Art Club. Her extensive resume included work with Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, the Co-Curricular Competency in Global Stewardship and the Students Empowering Change peer education program. Valencia was also instrumental in ensuring that Wagner College committed to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Her academic and co-curricular achievements led to her induction into four honor societies: Beta Beta Beta (biology), Kappa Mu Epsilon (math), Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership). Valencia’s extraordinary leadership and service were recognized in previous years with the Diversity Action Council Award, the Community Service Award, the Co-Curricular Competency Program Award and the Wagner College Award in Chemistry.
Chelsea A. Vann of Trabuco Canyon, Cal. graduated last month from Wagner College cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Vann won the Theatre Award for Performance. A Dean’s List student and vice president of the college’s Theatre Advisory Board, Vann was cast as a first-semester student in the ensemble of “Annie Get Your Gun.” Since then she has been a featured singer in “Smokey Joe’s Café,” played the lead in a Stage One production of “Burn This,” and performed the title role of Eliza Doolittle in this year’s “My Fair Lady.” Vann also organized cast members from “My Fair Lady” to travel to White Plains, N.Y. to sing tunes from the popular show to residents at a veterans home.
Jessica M. Verderosa of Brooklyn, N.Y., who graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in English, won two awards at the annual senior banquet.
The first was the Academics for Activism Graduate School Fund Award, given to Wagner College English majors applying to Ph.D. programs in English and/or women’s or gender studies that focus on issues concerning women, gender and sexuality, and/or marginalized groups. Verderosa had demonstrated great commitment to women’s rights and the task of rethinking gender, as evidenced in her senior honors thesis, “Vampires as Home-wreckers: Gender Roles in ‘Camilla,’ ‘Dracula’ and ‘Coraline.’ ”
Verderosa also won the English Literature Prize, given to a student with the highest distinction in English literature. The citation for this award said, “Jessica has had a stellar Wagner career, during which she has produced deeply insightful and original work on topics as far-ranging as fairy tales, Oscar Wilde, and critical theory. A leader and role model in the classroom, and a beautiful writer, we are honored to present Jessica with this award.”
In the fall, Verderosa will pursue graduate studies in English at Fordham University.
Erica M. Vuolle of Sparta, N.J. graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and childhood/special education. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Vuolle won the Ann H. & Norbert H. Leeseberg Education Award, given by the Education Department for academic scholarship and community spirit. Her involvement on campus includes membership in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, the Promising Student Society, Wagner College Choir, Art for a Cure and the Panhellenic Council. Vuolle had been inducted into two student honor societies: Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership) and Psi Chi (psychology).
Amy M. Wallisch of Pittsburgh, Pa. graduated last month from Wagner College summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and childhood education. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Wallisch won the Norval Calhoun Award, given by the Education Department for distinguished academic and teaching performance. She was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society, and was a member of the Student Leadership Team of Wagner College’s chapter of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She was commended for her outstanding performance as a student teacher at P.S. 13 this semester, where she was recognized for her high level of professionalism and caring teaching style.
Angela M. Willis of Horseheads, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and childhood & special education with an English minor. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Willis won the Internationalization Action Council Award and a Certificate for Distinguished Competence in Intercultural Engagement. Willis spent a semester studying abroad in Spain, is a member of the Spanish Club, and has traveled to Japan, Guatemala, Colombia and Haiti. She served on the college’s Internationalization Action Council for the past 3 years and volunteered in the Staten Island community of Port Richmond at three nonprofits that serve Hispanic immigrants: El Centro del Inmigrante, Make the Road New York and Project Hospitality.
Jamie L. Worker of New Port Richey, Fla. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Worker won the Outstanding Service in Communication Award for distinguished service to one or more campus media organizations. Worker’s award was based on her phenomenal work as editor-in-chief of Kallista, the college yearbook. She joined the yearbook staff in March 2011; within just two months, she had designed the yearbook, written copy and compiled pictures, and she recruited a staff of 15 motivated and committed students to produce the next yearbook. Worker was a Wagner College cheerleader and a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Employed during her undergraduate career as a resident assistant, Worker will pursue a graduate degree at Wagner College this fall.
Rachel Zampelli of Maspeth, N.Y. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Zampelli won the Julia M. Barchitta Award for Civic Engagement, given to a graduating senior who has excelled at bridging academic achievement and contributions to the community through participation in the college’s Civic Engagement Certificate Program. Zampelli belonged to the Student Nurses’ Association, Art for a Cure and the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity. In 2010, she won a Community Service Award.
Arianna L. Zizza of Clark, N.J. graduated last month from Wagner College with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. At the college’s annual senior banquet, Zizza won the Wagner College Student Nurse Association of Award. She served as secretary of the Student Nurses Association and had been inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society. She completed her senior capstone hours at New York University Langone Medical Center on a medical surgical post-op unit.