A Word from the President - Villanova University

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The College Honors Its Exceptional Graduating Seniors
Father Donohue addresses graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences during its
annual Academic Medallion Ceremony on May 17 in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church.
Rich in disciplinary breadth and
depth, the College of Liberal Arts
and Sciences proudly celebrated
the academic achievements of its top
graduating students from the Class of
2008 at its annual Academic Medallion
Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, in the
St. Thomas of Villanova Church.
Graduating seniors who have excelled
in their major received a special
medallion with their name engraved on
the back. In addition, students who have
been awarded prestigious national
scholarships were presented with a
special Dean’s Award in recognition of
their significant accomplishment.
Joining the Rev. Peter M. Donohue,
O.S.A., ’75 A&S, University president;
John R. Johannes, Ph.D., vice president
for Academic Affairs; and the Rev. Kail
C. Ellis, O.S.A., Ph.D., ’69 G.S., dean of
the College, were the parents, families
and friends of the College’s most
distinguished graduates.
Helen K. Lafferty, Ph.D., the
University’s first college professor in
liberal arts and sciences, served as the
master of ceremonies. Graduating senior
Margaret A. Lafferty ’08 A&S, Biology,
delivered the student speech, and Brian
P. Mehler ’08 A&S, English and senior
class poet, recited his original work,
“Stopping for a Crash on Rt. 80 While
Moving to Tahoe.”
Father Ellis congratulated the
graduates on receiving this honor and
explained to them that a liberal
education is both a privilege and a
responsibility, one that not everyone is
fortunate enough to experience fully.
The medallion, designed by Mary V.
Sentner, a graduate who majored in the
Bachelor of Fine Arts program, was
created for the purpose of honoring
those who have excelled in their fields of
study or work.
About the Medallion
The Sun encircles and supports the other
symbols of this medallion.
The Faces, illuminated by the Sun,
represent all those who are receiving
this medallion of excellence.
The Cross represents the nature and
character of the College of Liberal Arts
and Sciences, indeed of the entire
University, one that is Christian and catholic
in its view of education. It is the universal representation
of victory over trial, pain and suffering.
The Landscape represents the familial, social and academic
backgrounds of the recipients, powerful factors that
influence behavior.
The Stars and the Moon symbolize the providential power
of God and the goals and aspirations yet to be achieved by
the recipients.
Summer 2008 27