College of Professional Studies' Evening of Celebration
Awards, Honors, and Recognition of the Class of 2024
Commencement Week activities were a hub of excitement as the entire Villanova University community came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2024 graduates across all six colleges. The College of Professional Studies was pleased to recognize its students' accomplishments, including 33 bachelor’s degrees, 4 associate degree students, and credit and non-credit certificate students.
On Thursday, May 17, the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts hosted the CPS Evening of Celebration, a momentous occasion for students and their guests to celebrate accomplishments with CPS faculty and staff. The evening’s ceremony included remarks and congratulations from distinguished Villanova and CPS leaders, including Dean Christine Kelleher Palus, PhD, and University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD. Other noted speakers included CPS Associate Dean Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD; Assistant Dean Susan Leighton, MBA; and Professor of the Practice Alexis Coulter, PhD.
Tracey Barnes – Inspiring Student Speaker Shares Her CPS Journey
A particular highlight of the evening was a poignant address from student speaker Tracey Barnes. Tracey’s journey, marked by strength, tenacity, drive, and passion, is a testament to the exemplary students in CPS. Despite facing formidable challenges that would deter others, Tracey remained steadfast in her pursuit of education. As a single mother working full time, the odds were against Tracey, but she leaned in on her life motto, “With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible,” and pressed on.
Tracey's path to Villanova’s College of Professional Studies began with earning her associate’s degree at the Community College of Philadelphia. In the spring of 2023, she took a leap of faith and enrolled in CPS, completing her degree in twelve months. This spring, she graduates with a bachelor’s degree in general studies. Tracey is already looking forward to her next steps and aspires to earn her master’s degree while continuing to work in the healthcare industry as a passionate advocate for patient health.
Medallions of Academic Excellence
The Outstanding Student Medallion, a symbol of excellence, is awarded to undergraduate degree students who have excelled academically, with a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and have achieved the highest academic standing in their major area of study. This year, CPS proudly bestows outstanding student medallions to the following students for their exceptional achievements:
Tracey Barnes ‘24 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, General Studies
Jesus Molinos ‘24 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Information Systems and Technology
Ronald Pierce ‘24 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Organizational Development and Management
Anthony Ragni ‘23 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Human Resource Management
Madeline Smith ‘24 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Information Systems
Grit Award
The Grit Award celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional passion, courage, persistence, commitment, and strength of character during their academic studies at Villanova. The nominee pool for this year’s award was strong, and the College of Professional Studies was pleased to select Gabriela Escobar Battle as the recipient.
Fueled by first-hand experience, Gaby’s passion is helping and advocating for those experiencing challenges created by the immigration process. Her work is driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals adversely impacted by the system. Gaby began working on the nonprofit side of immigration advocacy after completing her associate’s degree and accepting a position as a paralegal at Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law.
Gaby graduates from the College of Professional Studies this year with a bachelor’s degree in general studies and a double minor in Latin American studies and sustainability studies. She has used her time and courses in CPS to explore the intersections of environment, gender, and race and the impacts of sustainable agricultural practices in U.S. and Latin American communities. Gaby looks forward to continuing her work in immigration advocacy with her degree.
Stephen R. Merritt Award
Each year, the Stephen R. Merritt Award is given to a university faculty member, staff member, or administrator who supports the College of Professional Studies’ mission and demonstrates commitment to students’ personal, intellectual, and professional growth. Named after one of the most beloved and influential administrators at Villanova, Dean Stephen Merritt, the award celebrates a deep and lasting commitment to living out the Villanova virtues of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas in supporting the students of CPS. This year’s award winner is Susan Leighton, MBA, Assistant Dean of Academic Programs in CPS.
Susan has been with Villanova for twenty years, and throughout her time at Villanova, she has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of all students. She is a passionate and fierce advocate everywhere she goes. A creative problem solver, team builder, and dedicated and humble leader, Susan invests significant time and effort into nurturing the skills of those around her and championing her team’s goals and aspirations. She embodies what it means to be a servant leader, empowering all who work with her to ignite change.
University Core Values Deeply Ingrained in CPS Students
In his closing remarks, University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, expressed praise and thanksgiving for the contributions made by this year’s 2024 class, which, in their pursuit of leaving the world a better place, demonstrated Villanova’s core values of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas in both their academic studies and their strength of character. As adult learners, CPS students pursue truth in education, not because they have to but because they want to.
The Evening of Celebration is a testament to the exceptional students of CPS and recognizes the distinguished honors and awards presented to those with remarkable achievements. The momentous occasion underscores the importance of student contributions to Villanova’s academic community and the surrounding communities where they work and live.
CPS is proud of the class of 2024 and looks forward to seeing what comes next for each student. Congratulations!
About Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies: Founded in 2014, the College of Professional Studies (CPS) provides academically rigorous yet flexible educational pathways to high-achieving adult learners who are balancing professional and educational aspirations with life’s commitments. The CPS experience embodies Villanova’s century-long commitment to making academic excellence accessible to students at all stages of life. Students in CPS programs engage with world-class Villanova faculty, including scholars and practitioners, explore innovative educational technologies and experiences, and join an influential network of passionate alumni. In addition to its industry-leading programs at the nexus of theory and practice, CPS has built a reputation for its personal approach and supportive community that empowers adult students to enrich their lives, enhance their value in the workplace, and embark on new careers.
PURSUE THE NEXT YOU™ and visit cps.villanova.edu for more information about the college, including a full list of education and program offerings.