SUPPORTING SUCCESS: STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
By Megan Walsh-Boyle
Sean Wade ’25 CLAS
Guided by his experiences in the Marine Corps, Sean Wade ’25 CLAS came to Villanova to pursue a degree in Political Science, with law school as his next goal. He surpassed his own expectations and earned acceptance to Yale Law School. Committed to advocating for veterans and servicemembers, Sean has already made an impact in his local community—winning election to the Horsham Township Council in November 2021 and joining the board of a nonprofit dedicated to building an adaptive sports field for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. “It’s a way to give back,” says Sean. “If I can play a role in helping others like me—giving them opportunities to explore their potential—then I’ve done something worthwhile.”
J’Ney Simmons ’25 CLAS
For someone who loves to be outside in nature and getting her hands dirty, J’Ney Simmons ’25 CLAS couldn’t be more excited about what’s next after graduation. As a volunteer for Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, J’Ney will spend a year in Seattle, serving as a sustainability services and education coordinator. Her role will include facilitating youth and senior programming, coordinating horticultural workshops and field trips, and maintaining a community garden. “Everyone should have the opportunity and access to garden sustainably and regeneratively,” she says. “Connecting residents with the land that nurtures us is a beautiful thing.”
Hailey Falzone ’26 FCN
For Hailey Falzone ’26 FCN, joining the student group LEVEL was a turning point—shaping not only her time on campus but also her career path. A Nursing major and vice president of the Villanova chapter of the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania, Hailey traveled with a group of LEVEL students to the University of Notre Dame for a rare-diseases symposium. That opportunity inspired her to pursue a career in pediatric oncology. “The experience changed my entire view on nursing,” she says. “I became passionate about the impact I could make on the lives of children and their families facing cancer.” Following a rigorous application process, Hailey earned a Flynn Fellowship that begins this summer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Sofia Ruiz ’27 CLAS
Sofia Ruiz ’27 CLAS, a Communications major with a Political Science minor and a member of Villanova's chapter of Delta Alpha Pi honor society, came to the University for two things: academic enrichment and a sense of community. As a second-year transfer student, she has found both in her pursuit of becoming a film director and screenwriter, while also engaging in opportunities across scholarly, social and advocacy areas. Her greatest source of fulfillment comes from her involvement with Villanova's Special Olympics Committee. “Special Olympics Fall Fest is the best weekend at Villanova,” she says. “It’s such a positive atmosphere and makes you feel like part of a family who truly cares.”
Gabe Donovan ’26 CLAS
Like many first-year students, Gabe Donovan ’26 CLAS was still searching for his place on campus, even as he felt confident in his academics. A Presidential Scholar with a double major in Public Service and Administration and Humanities, and minors in Deaf and Disability Studies and Philosophy, Gabe found a true sense of community when he discovered LEVEL—a student group dedicated to bridging the gap between students of all abilities and disabilities. He recalls instantly clicking with the group during a game night and feeling welcomed by executive board members who sat with him at a movie. “It’s these tiny things that have such a big impact,” says Gabe, who now, as LEVEL’s outreach coordinator, makes it a priority to ensure first-year students feel included as he once was.
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