Villanova University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

From Sept. 9 through 13, 2024, the Venerable Losang Samten, a renowned Tibetan scholar and a former Buddhist monk, will visit Villanova University to create a Tibetan sand mandala in the Driscoll Hall Atrium.

The Ven. Samten was born in Chung Ribuce, in central Tibet. In 1959, he and his family fled to Nepal and later moved to Dharamsala, India. In 1985, he earned the highest degree awarded by Namgyal Monastery, the monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama, in Buddhist Philosophy, Sutra and Ta**ra. In 1994, Samten received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Art from the Maine College of Art in 1995. He taught Tibetan Language at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia from 1994–1997. His work was recognized with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2002, and in 2004, he was awarded a Pew Fellowship in the Arts.

At Villanova, the Ven. Samten will create a Medicine Buddha mandala, a sacred design that represents the healing power of wisdom and compassion. The Medicine Buddha is believed to have the power to heal physical, mental and emotional illnesses, as well as to promote spiritual well-being.

The public and campus community are welcome to visit or access the livestream to watch as the Ven. Samten works on the mandala in the Driscoll Hall Atrium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the week, with a break for lunch. For more information and the full schedule of complementary events, check out the link in bio.

Our next feature highlights Emma Blenke ’24 CLAS, Political Science major with minors in Business, Ethics and Peace and Justice!

Emma’s time at Villanova is marked by leadership and service. She served as a secretary of Blue Key and campus activities chair for the Admitted Students Day committee. She also volunteered as a tutor for Northern Children’s Services and ACLAMO, and actively participated in the pre-law society. Her passion for social justice led her to internships at nonprofit organizations focusing on election reform, immigration legal services and combating human trafficking.

A pivotal moment in Emma’s academic journey was her experience in The Good Life course taught by Mark Doorley, PhD, director of the Ethics Program. “I was taught the basics of having respectful conversation despite differing opinions through classroom discussions, which became extremely helpful in and out of the classroom,” Emma explains. “This class was the foundation that built my curiosity to learn about different perspectives and my want to find ethical solutions to modern day problems.”

As an English Teaching Assistant in the Czech Republic, Emma looks forward to working towards her goal of earning her Juris Doctor and working in the court system as a judge. “Through my time in Czechia, I will expand my perspectives by learning about various value systems, which will help me make more just and ethical decisions as a judge,” says Emma.

Emma is particularly excited about exploring Karlovy Vary, a picturesque town known for its hot springs. “I am hoping to rekindle my love for film photography and photograph this next year on film!” she adds.

Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences launches the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) this fall 2024 semester. The Center will help undergraduate and graduate students with limited financial means participate in experiential learning and academic enrichment opportunities, including immersion programs, study abroad, faculty-mentored research, unpaid internships and academic or professional conferences.

Learn more about the Center at the link in bio.

Congratulations to our next feature, Madeline Barber ’24 CLAS!

With a BS in Comprehensive Science and minors in Global Health and Business, Madeline has shown that her passion for health sciences goes beyond the classroom. During her time at Villanova, she collaborated with communities in Panama and Peru as a medical intern with VAW Global Health Alliances. Madeline also conducted research for an entrepreneurial College of Engineering partnership, served as a physical therapy aide, and researched legislative and regulatory health issues in government affairs.

In addition to her studies, Madeline was a member of the varsity volleyball team and served as a co-representative to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee on behalf of the program. “The Sports and Spirituality class taught by Dr. Hastings was my most memorable academic experience as a CLAS student,” says Madeline. “This course allowed me to reflect upon my experience as a volleyball team member and my spirituality, grounding me as I navigated the transition into post-graduation life.”

Madeline is excited to continue her journey in Spain, where she will serve as an English Teaching Assistant. “My Fulbright assignment offers me the opportunity to engage in community building, refine my leadership abilities and advance my Spanish language skills while in Spain,” she shares. “I am most excited to immerse myself in the culture of Asturians, learning from both students and community members alike. This experience will enrich my understanding of global health practices and cultural diversity as I pursue a career in public health.”

Gavin Woodin ’24 CLAS is our next feature! A double major in Biology and Spanish Studies along with minors in Global Health, Latin American Studies, and Peace and Justice, Gavin received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Uruguay.

The most memorable academic experience Gavin recalls was working in the field with Biology Professor Samantha Chapman, PhD, to study the effects of mangroves on coastal wetlands in northern Florida. “During the summer before my senior year, I had the privilege of staying at Villanova to do research with the lab, which entailed a two-week trip to St. Augustine, Florida,” he says. “There, I got to see the research in practice. This experience really inspired in me a love for field work, and continued my interest in environmental health and how it intersects with so many other disciplines.”

Gavin’s future goal is to work in public health, specifically implementing project solutions to major public health issues, and potentially pursuing a career as a professor. For now, Gavin is most excited to immerse himself in the Uruguayan culture through his teaching assistantship, photography and learning how to cook their signature dishes.

Meet Nick Wiggenhorn ’24 CLAS, our next feature! With a double major in Political Science and Public Service and Administration, as well as a minor in Criminology, Nick was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grant in Spain.

The Vocation of Public Service and Overview of the Non-Profit Sector courses with Assistant Teaching Professor of Public Administration Wesley Proctor, EdD, stand out to Nick as his favorite and most memorable CLAS academic experiences. “Dr. Proctor would invite guests who had dedicated their lives to public service into class to share their story, their work and their advice to us as we discerned our paths in life,” he says. “We were able to engage deeper with the ideas and topics surrounding the field of public service and administration, as well as plan our career paths with more precision.”

Nick decided to decline his Fulbright award to further his education as a law student at the University of Pennsylvania. He plans to apply for Fulbright grants in the future to improve his Spanish language and teaching skills. “Through my volunteer experience, I learned how challenging it can be for non-English speaking communities to deal with the American legal system,” he shares. “I hope to not only assist members of immigrant and non-English speaking communities with legal issues but also help them gain a better understanding of the legal system and the tools available to overcome present and future challenges.”

This week in our summer miniseries, we’re highlighting Natalie Schirmacher ’24 CLAS, double major in Latin American Studies and Spanish Language and Literature, and minors in Peace and Justice, Political Science, Naval Science, and Arab and Islamic Studies. Natalie is the recipient of the Fulbright-Tampere University Graduate Award at Tampere University in Finland, where she will pursue a master’s degree in Peace, Mediation and Conflict.

Reflecting on her time as a CLAS student, Natalie’s most memorable experience was studying abroad in Argentina. “Though my Global Interdisciplinary Studies: Latin American Studies major, I was required to study abroad, which led me to spending a semester in Buenos Aires studying social movements and human rights,” she explains. “It was an incredibly fulfilling and enriching opportunity, especially as I was able to bring what I had learned overseas into my Villanova classes. I ended up focusing my senior thesis on an extension of my research in Buenos Aires.”

Looking ahead, Natalie is most excited to explore a new country, culture and language. “While in Finland, I will connect with Dr. Elise Ferron to continue my research on the overlap of military power and human rights, genocide and reconciliation efforts after conflict,” Natalie says. “At this point in time, I am not sure where my career will take me, but I hope to do something that makes positive change in the world.”

Next up in our summer miniseries, we’re shining a light on Anthony McCarthy ’24 CLAS, Astronomy and Astrophysics major and Physics and Mathematics double minor!

When reflecting on his most memorable academic experience as a CLAS student, Anthony recalls his final project for Observational Lab, a comprehensive, required course for Astronomy and Astrophysics majors. “This project was very independent, and it incorporated concepts from Observational Lab, as well as other physics, math and astronomy courses I had taken,” Anthony explains. “I faced numerous obstacles over the course of the project, making it very gratifying when I finally completed it. It was only after the successful completion of this project that I began to internalize that I'm capable of conducting authentic astronomical research.”

Now, as he is about to embark on his Fulbright journey in South Korea, Anthony is excited to research galaxy clusters at Seoul National University. “While my passion for astronomy has driven much of my academic journey, I've also made a conscious effort to engage with the arts and humanities to avoid the common STEM pitfall of neglecting these areas,” he says. “This led me to develop a deep interest in Korean language and culture during my undergraduate years. The Fulbright assignment is an ideal fit for my career aspirations as it allows me to integrate my love for astronomy with these cultural interests of mine. Thus, I am most excited about the opportunity to deeply engage with Korean culture while still contributing meaningfully to the field of astronomy, fostering an interdisciplinary and globally informed perspective.”

This week marks the beginning of our summer miniseries , where we shine a spotlight on our 2024-2025 CLAS Fulbright Scholars! Our first story highlights Kaitlyn Parrinello ’24 CLAS, Astronomy and Astrophysics and Italian Studies double major. Kaitlyn is also the recipient of the Dante Alighieri Medal of Excellence in Italian Studies Award which honors the famed poet, writer and philosopher.

In high school, Kaitlyn discovered she could combine her interests in astronomy and physics to pursue a career in astrophysics. “At that point, I had been learning Italian since middle school, and I knew I wanted to continue with it through college,” she explains. “With those two goals in mind, I pursued Astronomy and Astrophysics and Italian Studies at Villanova.”

The stars aligned for Kaitlyn during a summer in Trieste, Italy, where she was able to blend her passions for science and language, researching on behalf of a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics. Kaitlyn will return to Italy this year on her Fulbright Research Grant to research gamma-ray astronomy.

In her studies, Kaitlyn is most proud of her research project with Joey Neilsen, PhD, assistant professor of Physics, on X-ray binary systems called GRS 1915+105. “I started the project in my freshman year and continued it through senior year,” Kaitlyn explains. “In 2023, I presented my work at the 242nd American Astronomical Society conference, but that did not mean the research was done. In fact, I plan to write the paper for journal submission over the summer.”

Kaitlyn advises students to not be afraid to pursue opportunities and reminds them that professors are ready to help every step of the way. “Take that leap of faith,” Kaitlyn says, “because you may end up with something amazing.”

For our final feature in our student medallion series, we are highlighting History and Political Science double major and Spanish and Naval Science minor, Joe Young ’24 CLAS, recipient of the Christopher Dawson Award for academic excellence in History!
When Joe received an NROTC scholarship to Villanova, he decided to pursue studies in history and political science to gain a better understanding of our country’s systems.

“Upon the completion of my studies, I will be commissioned into the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as a Second Lieutenant,” Joe explains. “As an officer in our armed forces, I swear an oath to our Constitution, and I believe that it is my duty to understand the history behind it.”

Throughout his time in CLAS, Joe’s biggest takeaway is experiencing different academic disciplines and meeting professors who have greatly impacted his life. “If it weren’t for CLAS, I never would have taken courses in Russian history or political theory where I’ve had some of the most formative experiences with excellent teachers who changed my understanding of the world and made me realize my biases,” he says.

He is most proud of his essay for his history senior seminar about the history of pacification and the USMC in the Vietnam War. “While today many of us are familiar with the pacification efforts in the Middle East, I wanted to examine earlier documented US efforts of this wartime strategy,” Joe explains.

Joe advises students to take every course seriously regardless of whether it is required or an elective, as these courses make well-rounded citizens and scholars. “I would never have been able to achieve what I did in the last four years had it not been for the teachers who took a special interest in me and helped me become the best version of myself,” he shares.

Ellie Holt ’24 CLAS graduated in May with a double major in Spanish and Criminology and three minors in Latin American Studies, Peace and Justice, and Business. Along with her studies, she is the recipient of the Teresa of Ávila Award for academic excellence in Spanish.

Ellie’s passion for Spanish began in her elementary school years where she attended a Spanish immersion school. “After elementary school, where I spoke Spanish daily, I made it a priority to maintain my abilities and value the gift of being bilingual,” she explains. “My decision to major in Spanish was deeply rooted in my desire to gain real-world experiences that would serve me in any career path post-graduation.”

“When I first came to Villanova, I was unsure exactly what career path to pursue, but incorporating Spanish into my education was of great importance to me,” Ellie says. “Not only did the holistic academic curriculum within CLAS allow me to explore a variety of studies, but the CLAS faculty encouraged me to pursue my natural intellectual curiosity.”

One of Ellie’s memorable experiences was the semester she spent abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “Studying abroad was an incredible experience because it granted me the opportunity to take what I had learned inside the Villanova classroom and apply it internationally,” she explains. “My Spanish language abilities improved, and I gained a deeper admiration for Latin American culture.”

Ellie advises students to approach the CLAS core curriculum as an opportunity to try new classes. “I signed up to take Introduction to Criminology, which was the class that ultimately inspired me to pursue a second major in Criminology,” Ellie says. “College is a time for personal exploration and academic advancement, so I encourage everyone to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available.”

Our spotlight this week is on Sociology and Criminology Assistant Professor Glenn Bracey, PhD! Dr. Bracey and his colleague Michael Emerson, PhD, of Rice University, recently published their new book, "The Religion of Whiteness: How Racism Distorts Christian Faith."

"The Religion of Whiteness" builds on Dr. Emerson’s work, "Divided by Faith" (2000), which examines how evangelical views on race divide white and Black Christians. In the nearly 25 years since its publication, the racial landscape within American Christianity has evolved, but significant divides persist. Drs. Bracey and Emerson seek to update and expand on the initial research, incorporating perspectives from Black, Latino and Asian Christian communities.

Drs. Bracey and Emerson conducted extensive research, including a survey of over 3,000 Christians from diverse backgrounds, interviews with over 100 Christian leaders and 25 focus groups, as well as ethnographies in churches across the United States. Their findings reveal a devotion to whiteness among many white Christians, which influences their religious practices and attitudes toward race.

“What we saw is there is tremendous hurt and pain among Christian leaders of color after experiencing what we call ‘betrayal trauma,’” explains Dr. Bracey. “They took a chance on building a multicultural community of faith with white Christians but have been abandoned and even opposed on explicit racial grounds. As we kept digging, the data revealed that the divide between white Christians—especially white evangelicals—and people of color was happening in the same way it occurred over 20 years ago. In other words, everyday white non-Christians and Black non-Christians are closer together in their attitudes than white Christians and Black Christians. There is an aspect of being Christian that is dividing individuals on racial grounds.”

Congratulations to Peter Keepman ’24 CLAS, Humanities, Philosophy and Theology triple major, on receiving the St. Augustine De Trinitate Medallion for excellence in Theology and Religious Studies!

“I had a deep desire to pursue truth, understand the beauty of the world, and come to know the goodness of God,” Peter says. “These studies allowed me to examine the often-unexamined ground that constitutes the human experience."

Peter’s greatest takeaway from his time in CLAS is the power of the university setting and its ability to unite those who share a love of learning. “It’s special because it allows for the formation of the whole person: intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and otherwise,” he explains. “With this in mind, the project I am most proud of from my time in CLAS is my philosophy senior thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Camacho. The thesis explores St. Augustine’s understanding of interiority and ‘the self’ and is the culmination of much of what I’ve been thinking about in my four years at Villanova.”

Peter passes on the inspirational advice he received as a first-year student: don’t major in fear. “Attending college is a great privilege and a unique opportunity to pursue what you’re passionate about,” he shares. “Don’t be afraid to pursue a course of study that you are truly interested in even if there doesn’t seem to be a clear career path. Chances are, there is an avenue from studying what you love to a fulfilling career, it just may be an avenue that is underrepresented.”

“The Catholic academic and poet, St. John Henry Newman, wrote that every human being uniquely has ‘some work’ and ‘some definite service’ to bring into the world,” Peter says. “I am so grateful to Villanova for helping me and others to understand what that ‘definite service’ is for each of us.”

As the Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Lead for the Consumer Product Division at L’Oréal USA, Morgan Hagney ’07 CLAS is passionate about working toward a more just, equitable and sustainable future. “I have the privilege to work at the world’s largest beauty company; given our size, scale and brands, when we make positive change, it has a large, compounding impact,” Hagney explains. “Wearing a great red lipstick while doing good is an added bonus.”

Hagney credits her Villanova education with fostering intellectual courage and ethical leadership, which have been pivotal in her career. “It was important to take classes that offered new and/or different perspectives from my own,” says Hagney. “Fast forward 17 years, I’m required to listen to different viewpoints and create solutions that, at times, may challenge a dominant way of thinking.”

Among her experiences within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Hagney highlights her appreciation for a foundational public speaking course. The ability to communicate effectively is vital in her role, where rallying teams around shared sustainability goals requires a unified language and a common understanding. Hagney enjoys sharing her experiences with fellow Wildcats, most recently hosting the 2024 Villanova at the Agency student cohort at L’Oréal in New York City.

Hagney’s advice to new graduates is to cultivate self-awareness about their most valuable strengths, weaknesses and deeply held values. “If you need help identifying these, get curious about what lights you up,” she adds. “It could be something as small as a single project, conversation or lecture. When you find those moments, lean into them.”

This week, we are highlighting Public Service and Administration major CJ Sferlazza ’24 CLAS for receiving the Medallion of Academic Excellence in Public Administration Award!

Taking courses by public service and administration faculty Col. Kenneth DeTreux, MPA, and Lauren Miltenberger, PhD, inspired CJ to pursue this new major at Villanova. “Although I had no idea what public administration was or what it entailed, I found myself genuinely interested in the subject matter concerning how public policy is a collaborative process involving both public and private stakeholders,” CJ explained.

CJ’s biggest takeaway from his experience with CLAS is the importance of a holistic education, especially for aspiring professionals in public policy. “I am most proud of my recent capstone project that explores the theme of social entrepreneurship and how private companies can provide social services to promote the public benefit,” he says.

CJ’s advice to other students is to expand their horizons. “Students within CLAS can find it very easy and accessible to expand their field of study. Take advantage of the opportunity to declare new majors or minors so that you are better equipped to confront real-world challenges,” he says. “Thank you to the Department of Public Administration and Villanova University for making the Public Service and Administration major available to undergraduate students!”

Ryan Maloney ’24 CLAS, Education and Mathematics double major, received the Joseph A. Burns, OSA, Award for academic excellence in Education.

“I wanted to be a teacher since early elementary school,” says Ryan. “CLAS made it incredibly easy to double major and continue my pursuit of these passions. I am interested in making math an exciting and accessible subject for all learners. My Villanova coursework has allowed me to become an expert in my subject area while simultaneously developing the pedagogical skills necessary to teach!”

One of Ryan’s biggest takeaways from his CLAS experience is recognizing the skills a liberal arts education develops. “With a clear vision for my career path early on, it could have been easy to throw all of my effort at my major classes and glide through the core curriculum,” he explains. “Yet, these classes offered me opportunities to step outside my comfort zone, build solid communication skills, practice breaking complex problems down into parts, develop a personal set of values/a sense of mission, and collaborate with a diverse group of peers.”

Reflecting on his educational journey, Ryan is most proud of completing his student teaching placement this semester. “This placement allowed me a space to learn from a mentor teacher, develop my own lessons, establish my teaching style, and connect all of the theory I learned in the classroom to real practice,” Ryan explains. “I am so grateful that CLAS has incorporated this type of experience directly into the curriculum. I feel so prepared to apply to my first teaching jobs upon graduation!”

Ryan’s advice to students is to become your own advocate. “Developing strong self-advocacy skills increases confidence and allows for greater success in both academic and social settings,” he explains. “Now is the time to develop these skills and take advantage of all Villanova has to offer!”

Congratulations to Fikayo Ajeigbe ’24 CLAS, Sociology and Economics double major, on receiving the W.E.B. Du Bois Medallion of Academic Excellence in Sociology!

Interested in economic equity and intellectual property law, Fikayo found that her interdisciplinary education allowed her to understand the social factors that can lead to disadvantages and inequality in economic opportunities. “As a Sociology major, I have learned about some of the root causes of economic disparities and social factors that may lead to systemic inequalities,” she says. “Additionally, my Economics degree lays the foundation for understanding the markets and how different variables work together to impact the economy."

Fikayo’s biggest takeaway from her time in CLAS is the value of a diverse learning community. “Taking classes with people who were not in my major truly enriched my perspective,” she explains. “Being able to talk with people of different backgrounds about their experiences from home and in college has allowed for a lot of personal growth.” In addition to Fikayo’s experience in the classroom, her proudest achievement takes place outside of the classroom. Fikayo organized the Black History Month Networking Brunch, an event that connected professionals from law, engineering, nursing and business fields with Black undergraduate students. “It was amazing to watch my classmates learn about other potential routes for their careers, as well as connect with people who were willing to be mentors. This event highlighted the power of networking and making connections and I am so happy that I could spearhead it,” Fikayo says.

"The advice I would give to other students is to be comfortable with being uncomfortable!” Fikayo says. “The most growth comes from situations that you do not know the most and are learning. So, whether that be making friends or learning a new subject, I think that a level of discomfort is normal and even necessary.”

According to Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, PhD, ’05 CLAS, ’07 MA and Gianmarc Grazioli, PhD, ’02 CLAS, ’07 MS, Villanova University is a place where transformation occurs. Ruiz-Mesa and Grazioli met at the University as undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and were married in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church in 2006.

“Taking classes at Villanova honed our critical thinking skills and exposed us to new ideas and ways of understanding who we are, who we could be and how we must work together to improve the lives of those around us,” the couple says.

Ruiz-Mesa and Grazioli believe the University’s core Augustinian Catholic values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas have guided them in their professional paths as university professors and researchers. They give back by doing all they can to support incoming and current Villanovans, including their involvement with the St. Thomas of Villanova Scholars (STOVS) program.

In 2008, Ruiz-Mesa founded the pre-college bridge program STOVS, which is designed to ease first-year students' transition to the University and support their academic success. The program offers incoming students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the campus, begin college level courses, and build their network. Since its creation, the STOVS program has supported more than 250 students. Ruiz-Mesa served as STOVS program director from its founding until 2018, while Grazioli has taught several math sections for the program.

Based in California, Ruiz-Mesa is now a professor of Communication Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, while Grazioli is an assistant professor of Computational Chemistry at San José State University. They enjoy spending time with their dog, Lalo, and going for drives along the Pacific Coast Highway.

This week, we are congratulating Mikaela Oh ’24 CLAS, Comprehensive Science major and Global Health minor, on receiving the James J. Markham Medallion! This award is named in honor of James J. Markham, the founder of the Comprehensive Science Program at Villanova.

Mikaela’s interest in Comprehensive Science stemmed from the program’s unique flexibility that allowed her to tailor her studies to the pre-Physician Assistant track and her Global Health minor. “Through the major’s interdisciplinary curriculum, I not only built a robust foundation in the physical and life sciences but also enhanced my analytical skills through courses in mathematics and computer science,” she says.

More broadly, Mikaela has found her CLAS experience to be both personally and academically transformative. “CLAS equipped me with a strong education, reinforced my love of learning, and instilled in me a sense of purpose in contributing to the greater good,” she explains. “I am beyond grateful to the CLAS faculty for their dedication to creating a welcoming learning environment for all students, and to my CLAS professors for their mentorship throughout my academic journey.”

Mikaela cites her Comprehensive Science capstone course, Readings in Epidemiology, with Robert Leggiadro, MD, Biology and Geography and the Environment, as one of her major takeaways from the program. Her term paper, "Toward a Paradigm of Global Mental Health Equity," delves into global disparities in mental health experiences and access to care. “Through this paper, I hope to amplify the long-lived cries of global mental health injustice and urge sustainable, collaborative action toward a world where these cries have been heard, understood and met with compassion,” says Mikaela.

With graduation around the corner, Mikaela advises students to “strive for excellence, but the knowledge you retain, the challenges you overcome, and the relationships you cultivate will take you farther than a grade ever will.”