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
"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
"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
"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
"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