91̽»¨

AWARDS

Congratulations to our 2025 student award winners!

The medallion of excellence award winners are Elaineh Paulino-Fernandez (criminology) and Emily Robinson (sociology). The McGarry award winners are Julia Conforti (criminology) and Rechelle Febrer (criminology).

Elaineh Paulino-Fernandez earned The Edward Sutherland  Medallion for Academic Excellence

Elaineh Paulino-Fernandez

"I am extremely honored to receive the Edward Sutherland Medallion of Excellence in Criminology. The field of criminology challenges us to examine the root causes of crime, assess the effectiveness of policies, and advocate for equitable solutions grounded in evidence-based research. Through this rigorous inquiry, we move closer to a justice system that is not only fair, but also compassionate and informed. I am deeply grateful to my professors for the passion and dedication they exemplify and bring to their teaching. Thank you for helping me develop a deeper understanding of the world. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I have gained as I pursue my goal of becoming an attorney. "

Emily Robinson earned the W.E.B. Du Bois Medallion of Excellence in Sociology.

Emily Robinson

"It is an immense honor to be the recipient of the W.E.B. Du Bois Medallion of Excellence in Sociology. The four years I spent studying Sociology under the department faculty have instilled an immense level of critical thinking within me, which has truly altered the ways in which I perceive the world around me. Even more than that, I have fallen in love with this field of study. I am beyond grateful for all who have supported me during my intellectual development at Villanova, especially my professors and peers, who have challenged and encouraged me to always be the best student, friend, and citizen that I can be. As I look ahead, I am excited to take what I have learned into graduate school, and contribute to the creation of a more just and equitable society."

 

Julia Conforti earned the Lawrence J. McGarry Award

Julia Conforti

"I am incredibly honored to receive the 2025 Lawrence J. McGarry Award. My time at 91̽»¨as a Criminology and Political Science major with a Peace & Justice minor has profoundly shaped the person I am today. I’ve been challenged to think critically, act with compassion, and lead with purpose. I want to thank my professors and classmates for inspiring me and helping me grow—both inside and outside the classroom. To my family and friends, your unwavering support has meant the world to me. As I look ahead, I will continue to ground my work in service, justice, and the values that have guided me throughout my 91̽»¨journey. My commitment to social justice is only just beginning."

Rechelle Febrer  earned the Lawrence J. McGarry Award

Rechelle Febrer

"I am honored to be one of the recipients of this year's Lawrence J. McGarry Award. My love for service has only grown in my time here at 91̽»¨due to the many opportunities and experiences I've had, in addition to the excellent education provided. As a first-generation college student, my college experience has been challenging.  However, thanks to the support of my loved ones and my professors who have constantly cheered me on, we did it! I keep all of them in mind as I continue my journey. Beyond Villanova, I hope to dedicate my life and career to help build a world of peace and justice utilizing all of the skills and experiences I've gained in my 4 years here. The future is still unknown, but I'm excited to make it my own! "

 

LISTING OF AWARDS

The W.E.B. Du Bois award is named after a leading scholar in sociology. This award is presented to a graduating Sociology major who exhibits excellence in academics.

Past Winners Include:

2024Ìý ÌýÌýFikayo AjeigbeÌýÌýÌýÌý

2023Ìý ÌýÌýMatt Rosenberg

2022Ìý ÌýÌýChristiana HolguinÌý

2021Ìý Ìý Meagan BurkeÌýÌýÌýÌý

2020Ìý ÌýÌýMeagan Murray

2019ÌýÌýÌýÌýSarah Knowles

2018ÌýÌýÌý Anna DalCortivo

2017ÌýÌýÌý Jorna Sojati

2016 ÌýÌýÌýEmily Walthouse

2015ÌýÌýÌýÌýStephanie Uibel

2014ÌýÌýÌýÌýCorina Balsamo

2013ÌýÌýÌý Kristen DiGloria

2012ÌýÌýÌý Kristen E. Valosky

2011ÌýÌýÌý Alissa C. Ricci

2010ÌýÌýÌý Caitrin L. Coccoma

2009ÌýÌýÌý Jacquelin Giacobbe

2008ÌýÌýÌý Maggie T. Grace

2007ÌýÌýÌý Brianne M. Orner

The Edwin Sutherland Award is named after a leading figure in criminology theory and research. The award is given to a graduating major in Criminology who exhibits excellence in academics.

2024    Paisley Hahn

2023    Isabel Vierra

2022    Lydia Becker

2021    Samantha Decarlo

2020    Lailany Viera

2019    Sarah Rizos

2018    Mackenzie Niness

2017    Meaghan Fabian

2016    Morgan Scully

2015    Angelica Lieto

2014    Jessica Dittmer

2013    Nicole Frisch

2012    Christopher M. Putvinski

2011    Chelsea K. Moylan

2010    Richard R. Baccare

2009    Kelly Kreider

2008    Ashley R. Newman

2007    Katie D. Baranek

This award is presented to a graduating student who best combines "Academic Excellence with a Commitment to Social Justice." Dr. McGarry was a member of the Sociology Department from 1963 until 2004. A deeply spiritual man, Dr. McGarry was a quiet yet relentless advocate for social justice. Generosity and a deep-seated concern for others were two of the outstanding qualities that made him a special human being. Each year he made significant contributions to a number of a non-profit organizations serving the poor. He always maintained a cordial and helpful relationship with his students, never failing to greet each of them with a smile. He was an esteemed colleague and an excellent teacher who was respected by four generations of students. His colleagues honored him for his commitment to his students and the less fortunate by establishing this award.

Past Winners Include:

2024    Jameson Ford

2023    Ajee Robinson & Ezekiel Hopkins       

2022    Anjini Patel        

2021    Madalyn Sullivan       

2020    Isabella Carrano & Meagan Murray

2019    Noelle Gambale, Kaitlyn Murray, Bethany Ho, & Avery Takaha

2018    Nora Charidah, Anna DalCortivo, Jocelin Rocha, & Abigail Smith

2017    Jorna Sojati

2016    Daniel Shea

2015    Jessica Flynn

2014    Meagan McCullough

2013    Melissa Madden, Amanda Mathew, & Molly Sapia

2012    Wendy K. Worjroh

2011    Mary Anna McCabe

2010    Diondra T. Burney & Caitrin L. Coccoma 

2009   Jaclyn McNamee

2008   Lauren E. Thum

2007   Kristyna N. Carroll

Department Chair:
Dr. Allison Payne
Office:
 SAC 204
Phone: 610-519-5299

Administrative Assistants:
Mary Ann Hostler
Sociology
Phone
: (610) 519-4742

Shelly DuBois
Criminology
Phone
: (610) 519-4786