College of Engineering Class of 2010 Graduates

The College of Engineering celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2010 at a special Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 15. The graduates joined their peers from across the University for the 2010 Commencement Ceremony the following day.

This year, the College conferred 206 Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil, Chemical, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. Thirty-six Master of Science degrees were also awarded, as well as one doctoral degree.

And while graduation is certainly cause for celebration, graduates were also encouraged to remember the non-engineering lessons learned during their time at Villanova. In her Recognition Ceremony Address, Stefanie McDermott ChE ’10 challenged her fellow engineers to remember the importance of compassion as they pursue their professional goals.

“Our current society is plagued by scandal, fraud, and deception. What are desperately needed in the world right now are dedicated and intelligent people with real compassion and true integrity,” McDermott said. “All of us have learned the value of compassion during our time here at Villanova. Whether you are a chemical, civil, computer, or mechanical engineer, you can bring compassion and integrity back home and into your new life.”

The College also awarded recognition medallions to students who have not only excelled academically, but also have demonstrated leadership. This year’s winners included:

• Erik J. Sheets, who received The Robert E. White Chemical Engineering Award, which is presented to a graduating senior who best combines performance in Chemical Engineering studies with scholarship, dedication, leadership, and other qualities desirable for the successful application of an engineering education.
• David R. Rounce, who received The Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Award, which is presented to a graduating Civil Engineering student who has achieved academic excellence and has freely given his/her time, energy, and talents to fulfill the mission of the University.
• Danielle N. Bisconti, who received The Computer Engineering Outstanding Student Award, which is presented to a student who has shown superior academic performance in his/her studies as a Computer Engineering student, along with outstanding commitment and leadership demonstrated in co-curricular activities.
• Francis L. DeFanti, who received The Electrical Engineering Outstanding Student Award, which is presented to a student who has shown superior academic performance in his/her studies as an Electrical Engineering student, along with outstanding commitment and leadership demonstrated in co-curricular activities.
• Kent M. Grosh, who received The Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Achievement Award, which is presented to a Mechanical Engineering student who has shown professionalism as evidenced by exemplary effort, character, and service, combined with academic achievement. Grosh also received The Robert D. Lynch Award, named for Dr. R. D. Lynch, former Dean of the College of Engineering, and given by the Engineering Alumni Society. This award acknowledges a graduating senior for his/her outstanding academic achievements and exemplary dedication to serving the community, thus representing the highest values of Villanova University and the College of Engineering.
• Ronald J. Warzoha, who received The College of Engineering Outstanding Graduate Student Award, which is presented to a graduating Ph.D. or master’s degree student who has achieved distinction through outstanding graduate academics and research, and through exemplary leadership and service to Villanova University and the College of Engineering.