College of Professional Studies Holds Evening of Celebration to Honor Class of 2025
Awards, Honors and Recognition For the Class of 2025
91̽»¨University's College of Professional Studies (CPS) held its annual Evening of Celebration, recognizing students who have completed their studies at Villanova. CPS was pleased to recognize its students' accomplishments, including 48 bachelor’s degrees, six associate degrees, and eight members of the VUnited Scholars program.
On Thursday, May 17, the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts hosted the CPS Evening of Celebration, a momentous occasion for students and their guests to celebrate accomplishments with CPS faculty and staff. The evening’s ceremony included remarks and congratulations from distinguished 91̽»¨and CPS leaders, including Dean Christine Kelleher Palus, PhD, and University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD.Ìý
Francis Schlupp – Student Speaker Inspires Fellow Graduates
Speaking to his peers in the Class of 2025, Frank Schulpp implored them to spread Villanova's values outward into the rest of their lives. Schlupp, who graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors and was awarded the Bohdan P. Procko Award for Best Undergraduate History Paper by Villanova’s Department of History, looked fondly back on his time at 91̽»¨in his address.
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Jeremiah Robinson-Earl Recognized as Student Speaker for Undergraduate Commencement
Former 91̽»¨Men's Basketball star Jeremiah Robinson-Earl returned to campus, joining his fellow graduates in the CPS Class of 2025. Robinson-Earl had been selected by the University to deliver the student address at Commencement the following afternoon, the first CPS student ever honored to do so.Ìý
"I took a year off from school to focus on being full-time in my career. 91̽»¨then welcomed me back home, and although virtual, I felt that I had never skipped a beat," Robinson-Earl said. "Teachers checking in, my advisors ensuring I felt included, and being able to come back to the campus I love so much, realizing that this was crucial for me to continue to experience the personal and cultural growth alongside my fellow students."
Medallions of Academic Excellence
The Outstanding Student Medallion, a symbol of excellence, is awarded to undergraduate degree students who have excelled academically, with a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and have achieved the highest academic standing in their major area of study. This year, CPS proudly bestows outstanding student medallions to the following students for their exceptional achievements:
Izabella Cipresso '24 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, General Studies
Jason Smith ‘24 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Information Systems and Technology
Matthew Keen ‘24 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Organizational Development and Management
Jennifer Villalobos ‘24 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Human Resource Management
Jay Decker ‘25 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Entrepreneurship
Grit Award
The Grit Award celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional passion, courage, persistence, commitment and strength of character during their academic studies at Villanova. The nominee pool for this year’s award was strong, and the College of Professional Studies was pleased to select Hermena Wilson as the recipient.
Hermena completed her studies as the mother of two young daughters, while working for the Juvenile Justice Center. Her commitment to her education inspires the next generation of her own family, while she postively impacts the lives of many in our community.
Caritas Award
The Caritas Award was newly introduced this year, as a peer-nominated honor given toÌý a student at completion of their program, who has been a source of encouragement, motivation and inspiration for their peers. This student embodies the Augustinian mission and core value of Caritas through their commitment to the well-being of others.
The inaugural recipient of the Caritas Award was Jay Decker, a military veteran who brought an uplifting mindset to those around him in the classroom.Ìý
Stephen R. Merritt Award
The Stephen R. Merritt Award is given to a university faculty member, staff member or administrator who supports the CPS mission and demonstrates commitment to students’ personal, intellectual and professional growth. Named after one of the most beloved and influential administrators at Villanova, Dean Stephen Merritt, the award celebrates a deep and lasting commitment to living out the 91̽»¨virtues of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas in supporting the students of CPS. This year’s award winner is Craig Wheeland, Sr. Vice Provost for Academics and Professor of Public Administration.
A 91̽»¨employee for 35 years, Dr. Wheeland was critical to the creation of the College of Professional Studies, the expansion of its offerings on campus and online and the development of the Public Service and Administration major offered in CPS.
VUnited Scholars
In addition to those earning degrees, the College of Professional Studies honored and celebrated its co-hort of students completing the VUnited Scholars program. This group of students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities excelled throughout a two-year, on campus residential program. The group took classes, interned in a wide variety of roles and learned valuable life skills.
Earlier in the day, the VUnited Scholars shared their memories and experiences at a brunch, welcoming their families and 91̽»¨staff members to wish them well.
About 91̽»¨University’s College of Professional Studies: Founded in 2014, the College of Professional Studies (CPS) provides academically rigorous yet flexible educational pathways to high-achieving adult learners who are balancing professional and educational aspirations with life’s commitments. The CPS experience embodies Villanova’s century-long commitment to making academic excellence accessible to students at all stages of life. Students in CPS programs engage with world-class 91̽»¨faculty, including scholars and practitioners, explore innovative educational technologies and experiences, and join an influential network of passionate alumni. In addition to its industry-leading programs at the nexus of theory and practice, CPS has built a reputation for its personal approach and supportive community that empowers adult students to enrich their lives, enhance their value in the workplace, and embark on new careers.
PURSUE THE NEXT YOUâ„¢ and visit cps.villanova.edu for more information about the college, including a full list of education and program offerings.