CHARLES WIDGER SCHOOL OF LAW
Two Thousand Twenty-Six Wednesday, May 20, 2026
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Ten in the Morning
PRESIDING
BAGPIPES
PROCESSIONAL
The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, BA, MA, MDiv, PhD President of the University
Douglas M. Conners Lia Fail Pipe Band
Andrew Lund, BA, JD MARSHALS Vice Dean and Professor of Law
Heather D. Baum, BA, JD Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law
Teressa E. Ravenell, BA, JD Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Development and Professor of Law
Stephen J. Olsen, BA, JD, LLM Faculty Director of the Graduate Tax Program and Professor of Practice
INVOCATION
NATIONAL ANTHEM
GREETINGS
Reverend Aldo Potencio, OSA Villanova Mission and Ministry and Law School Chaplain
Charissa Wilson Program Administrator, Faculty Support
Mark C. Alexander, BA, JD
The Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law
PRESENTATION OF THE President Donohue MEDALLION AWARD
Dean Alexander Vice Dean Lund
ADDRESS
STUDENT ADDRESS
Chief Justice Stuart Rabner, BA, JD Supreme Court of New Jersey
Bradley Edwards Class of 2026
PRESENTATION OF Dean Alexander CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS
Dean Alexander
Associate Dean Baum
Professor Olsen
Dean Nuñez
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
DEAN'S ADDRESS
BLESSING
RECESSIONAL
President Donohue
Dean Alexander
President Donohue
OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY
The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, BA, MA, MDiv, PhD, President
Patrick G. Maggitti, BS, MBA, PhD, Provost
Roger Demareski, BS, MBA, Executive Vice President
Kevin Noller, BA, MBA, Vice President for University Advancement
E. Michael Zubey Jr., BA, JD, Vice President and General Counsel
Christine Adams, BA, MBA, Interim Vice President for University Communication & Marketing
Kathleen J. Byrnes, BA, MA, JD, Vice President for the Division of Student Life
The Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, OSA, PhD, Vice President for Mission and Ministry
Tej Patel, BS, Vice President for Technology and Chief Information Officer
Marilou Smith, BS, MBA, Vice President for Facilities Management
Neil J. Horgan, BS, MT, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Craig M. Wheeland, BA, MPA, PhD, Senior Vice Provost for Academics
Ariella Robbins, BASc, MS, Vice President for UNITAS: Community Enrichment
LAW SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Mark C. Alexander, BA, JD, The Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law
Andrew Lund, BA, JD, Vice Dean and Professor of Law
Heather D. Baum, BA, JD, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law
Teressa E. Ravenell, BA, JD, Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Professor of Law
Jennifer Henfey, BS, JD, Associate Dean for Professional Development and Leadership
Doug Stuart, BS, MS, Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations
Kimberly A. Reinagel, BA, MPA, Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration
UNIVERSITY DEANS
Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD, Dean, College of Professional Studies
Donna S. Havens, PhD, RN, FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Adele Lindenmeyr, BA, PhD, William and Julia Moulden Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Wen Mao, BA, MA, PhD, The Helen and William O’Toole Dean, Villanova School of Business
Michele Marcolongo, BS, MS, PhD, Drosdick Endowed Dean, College of Engineering
Manuel Nuñez, BA, MBA, Associate Dean, Graduate Programs, Villanova School of Business
Emory H. Woodard IV, BA, MA, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
LAW FACULTY
Todd Aagaard, BA, MS, JD, Heller McGuinness Leadership Chair and Professor of Law
Caitlin Barry, BA, JD, Director of the Farmworker Legal Aid Clinic and Professor of Law
Leslie M. Book, BA, JD, LLM, John H. Buhsmer Esq. ’84 Professor of Law
Richard A. Booth, AB, JD, Martin G. McGuinn Chair in Business Law Emeritus and Professor of Law
Andrew Brandt, BA, JD, Executive Director of The Jeffrey S. Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law and Professor of Practice
Patrick McKinley Brennan, BA, MA, JD, DHL, John F. Scarpa Chair in Catholic Legal Studies and Professor of Law
Doris DelTosto Brogan, BA, JD, Heller McGuinness Leadership Chair and Professor of Law
John Cannan, BA, JD, MLS, Faculty Scholarship Librarian and Legal Research Instructor
David S. Caudill, BA, JD, PhD, Arthur M. Goldberg Family Chair in Law and Professor of Law
Steven L. Chanenson, BA, MS, JD, Director of The David F. and Constance B. Girard–diCarlo Center for Ethics, Integrity and Compliance and Professor of Law
Lori Strickler Corso, BA, BS, JD, MLIS, Head of Staff Development and Legal Research Instructor
Daniel Cortes, BS, JD, Director of the Clinic for Asylum, Refugee and Emigrant Services and Assistant Professor of Law
Michelle Madden Dempsey, BA, JD, LLM, DPhil, Harold Reuschlein Scholar Chair and Professor of Law
Amy Emerson, BA, JD, MLS, Assistant Dean for Library and Information Services and Professor of Law
Amy Feinberg, BA, MA, JD, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law
Paul Figley, BA, JD, Visiting Professor of Law
Brenner Fissell, BS, MPhil, JD, Professor of Law
Brett Frischmann, BA, MS, JD, The Charles Widger Endowed University Professor in Law, Business and Economics
Michael Furey, BA, JD, Head of Emerging Law Practice Technology
Nikola Hajdin, LLB, LLM, PhD, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law
Deeya Haldar, BS, JD, Director of the Clinical Program, Director of the Civil Justice Clinic and Professor of Law
Jason Happ, BA, JD, MLS, Head of Digital Initiatives and Legal Research Instructor
Robert Hegadorn, BA, JD, MLS, Foreign, Comparative and International Law Librarian and Legal Research Instructor
Ann Carey Juliano, BA, JD, Professor of Law
Emma Kearney, BA, JD, MLS, Access Services Librarian and Legal Research Instructor
Won Kidane, LLB, LLM, JD, SJD, Director of the International Entrepreneurship Program in South Africa and Professor of Law
Preston Lim, AB, MGA, JD, Assistant Professor of Law
Marlee McCadden, BA, JD, Clinical Fellow
MarySheila E. McDonald, BA, JD, Director of the John F. Scarpa Center for Entrepreneurship and Law, Director of the Reza Taleghani JD/MBA Program and John F. Scarpa Professor of Entrepreneurship
Matthew McGovern, BS, JD, MSLIS, Director of Experiential Learning and Legal Research Instructor
Christine G. Mooney, BS, BA, JD, Director of Professional Skills and Professor of Law
Waseem Moorad, BS, JD, Director of the Intellectual Property Law Clinic and Assistant Professor of Law
Bradley Moore, BA, MS, JD, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law
Michael P. Moreland, BA, MA, JD, PhD, Director of The Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy and University Professor of Law and Religion
Joy Sabino Mullane, BA, JD, LLM, Professor of Law
Mitchell Nathanson, BA, JD, Professor of Law
Jennifer O’Hare, BS, JD, Martin G. McGuinn Chair in Business Law and Professor of Law
Stephen J. Olsen, BA, JD, LLM, Faculty Director of Graduate Tax Program and Professor of Practice
Jacqueline Penrod, BS, MBA, JD, Director of the Interdisciplinary Mental and Physical Health Law Clinic and Visiting Professor of Law
Michele R. Pistone, BS, JD, LLM, Professor of Law
Itay Ravid, LLB, LLM, JSM, JSD, Reuschlein Emerging Scholar and Associate Professor of Law
Luke Repici, BA, JD, Associate Professor of Law
Anton Robinson, BS, JD, Director of the Caritas Clemency Clinic and Associate Professor of Law
Ana Santos Rutschman, LLB, LLM, LLM, SJD, Faculty Director of the Health Innovation Lab and Professor of Law
Chaim N. Saiman, BBS, JD, Chair in Jewish Law and Professor of Law
Tuan Samahon, BA, JD, Director of International Programs and Professor of Law
Jean Sbarge, BS, JD, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law
Emily Stolzenberg, BA, MPhil, JD, Reuschlein Emerging Scholar and Associate Professor of Law
Komal Vaidya, BS, JD, Director of the Clinic for Law and Entrepreneurship and Associate Professor of Law
Kate Vengraitis, BA, MPH, JD, Anti-Poverty Fellow
Jane Voegele, BA, BS, JD, Director of the Duane Morris LLP Legal Writing Program and Associate Professor of Law
Jessica Webb, BA, JD, Professor of Law
BOARD OF CONSULTORS
Dean Mark C. Alexander, BA, JD
Diane E. Ambler, BA, JD
Jerome E. Bogutz, BS, LLB
J. Gordon Cooney Jr., BA, JD
Joseph V. Del Raso, BS, JD
Cynthia D. DiBartolo, BA, JD
Mark S. Dichter, BSEE, JD
Israel J. Floyd, BA, JD
Thomas M. Gallagher, BA, JD
James P. Garland, AB, LLB
Ambassador David F. Girard–diCarlo, BS, JD
Michael J. Heller, BS, JD
Thomas Jackson, BS, MBA, JD
Arthur J. Kania, BS, LLB
The Honorable Mark A. Kearney, BA, JD
The Honorable Kathryn S. Lewis, BA, JD
John T. Lutz, BBA, JD, LLM
Ashley R. Lynam, BA, JD
Fred H. Martínez, BS, LLB
Martin G. McGuinn, BA, JD
Maryfrances Metrick, BA, JD
Jeffrey S. Moorad, BA, JD
Edward R. Murphy, AB, JD
Patrick J. O’Connor, BA, JD
Jeffrey A. Pott, BA, JD
Thomas A. Riley III, BS, LLB
H. Teymour Salaam, BA, MSc, JD
The Honorable Juan R. Sánchez, BA, JD
John F. Scarpa
Jody G. Seibert, BA, JD
Kathleen M. Shay, BA, JD
Reza Taleghani, BA, MBA, JD
Joseph A. Tate, BA, LLB
Ann S. Torregrossa, BA, JD
Sol H. Weiss, BA, JD
Charles Widger, BA, JD, LLM
Alexa Pappas Zannetos, BA, JD
LAW SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Kristin Archibald, BA, JD, Director of Career Strategy and Recruitment
Julia C. Moscato Besselman, BS, MA, Director of Professional Development and Leadership
Anthony Cancelli, BS, MBA, Director of Business Services
Matthew Carluzzo, AB, JD, Assistant Dean of Students and Academic Success
Ashanti Crawford, BA, JD, Assistant Dean for Career Strategy and Advancement
Bernadette Duffy, BS, Director of Events
Daniel Guertin, BA, MA, Director of the Graduate Tax Program
Janine Dunlap Kiah, BA, JD, Director of Public Service and Pro Bono Initiatives
Kimberly Madden, BS, Director of Alumni Relations
Joseph Mariani, Director of Operations
Susan Mesick, BA, Registrar
Melissa Nyman, BA, MFA, Director of Communications and Marketing
The Rev. Aldo Potencio, OSA, Villanova Campus Ministry and Law School Chaplain
Shea Rhodes, BA, JD, Director of the Villanova Law Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Susanna Warren, BA, Director of Admissions
Nancy A. Whalen, AB, MS, Director of Student Affairs and Wellbeing
Kristina Wilhelm–Nelson, BS, MS, Director of Financial Aid
Coni Zingarelli, BA, MBA, Assistant Dean for Admissions
CONFERRING OF THE MEDALLION AWARD
The Medallion Award is conferred by Villanova University in recognition of the outstanding achievements of the recipient.
CHIEF JUSTICE STUART RABNER, BA, JD
Presented by Vice Dean Andrew Lund
Chief Justice Stuart Rabner is the eighth chief justice to lead the New Jersey Supreme Court since the 1948 state constitution.
Chief Justice Rabner was nominated to the Supreme Court by Governor Jon S. Corzine and sworn in on June 29, 2007. He was nominated for tenure by Governor Chris Christie and sworn in on June 20, 2014.
Born on June 30, 1960, Chief Justice Rabner grew up in Passaic. He graduated summa cum laude from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University in 1982 and cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1985. He served as a law clerk to US District Court Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise before joining the US Attorney's Office in Newark in 1986.
After beginning his career as an assistant US attorney, Chief Justice Rabner worked in a number of positions including first assistant US attorney and chief of the terrorism unit. He was chief of the office's criminal division when he was named chief counsel to Governor Corzine in January 2006. He was named New Jersey attorney general in September 2006 and served in that position until he joined the Court.
Chief Justice Rabner is a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Judicial Administration at New York University School of Law. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices from 2010 to 2012.
HONOR GRADUATES
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
Paul Matthew Cooke Jr.
Ry Sara Stratton
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Margo Whiting Chapin
Justin Frank D'Alessandro
Allison Ann Jedrzejek
Hannah Kelly
Tyler Clair Lee
Kristen Marie Libonati
Zachary Mouzakes
CUM LAUDE
Spencer Scott Aydelotte
Ashlyn Kelsey Campagna
Mason Stone Cole
Alysse Margaret Danyi
Gabriel Isaac Dash
Lauren Kelly Devletian
Nikolette Catherine Dusevic
Bradley Edwards
Arielle Taylor Eldridge
Garrett David Oliver
Noah Ryan
Nicholas Paul Santangelo
Mitchell Roger Towne
Bryce Edward Walsh
Mathew Widzins
Elizabeth Rose Ellick
Piper N. Evans
Emily Louisa Kemmerer
Nilsson Locke Lawrence
Elizabeth Ann Lieb
Brett Matthew Mastrangelo
Gabriella Grace Mudd
Jack Lawrence Pilon
Meghan Marie Rodick
Elizabeth Anne Schultz
Julia Ailse Snyder
Keenan Matthew Troy
Elayna Marie Tsiouplis
Karina Noel Zakarian
ORDER OF THE COIF
The Order of the Coif is the national honor society devoted to the encouragement of high standards of legal scholarship with chapters in leading law schools throughout the country. Graduates in the top ten percent of the class are eligible for election to the Order of the Coif.
The Order takes its name from the word used to designate the cap which all members of the Order were required to wear. This cap or coif was originally of white linen or silk, forming a close–fitting hood, seen today in old engravings, pictures and effigies of distinguished Judges and Serjeants. Serjeants were an order of the highest rank of barrister at the English or Irish bar. By the ancient privileges of the Serjeants, this coif was not to be taken off, even in the royal presence. When wigs came into fashion the coif was changed, no longer worn as a complete hood, but merely as a circular piece of white linen fastened to the top of the wig.
Margo Whiting Chapin
Paul Matthew Cooke Jr.
Justin Frank D'Alessandro
Gabriel Isaac Dash
Allison Ann Jedrzejek
Hannah Kelly
Tyler Clair Lee
Kristen Marie Libonati
Zachary Mouzakes
Garrett David Oliver
Noah Ryan
Nicholas Paul Santangelo
Ry Sara Stratton
Mitchell Roger Towne
Bryce Edward Walsh
Mathew Widzins
THE DOROTHY DAY AWARD FOR PRO BONO SERVICE
The Dorothy Day Award for Pro Bono Service honors students who have volunteered at least 60 hours of pro bono service during their three years of law school. The award is named for Dorothy Day (1897-1980), who, in 1933, co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement—a faith-based, grassroots movement for peace and social justice earned through nonviolent direct action. Day’s work is showcased through houses of hospitality in which the poor and homeless are welcomed as guests rather than clients.
Sofia Lee Acchione
Eliz Ruth Baydar
Edie Bradley
Marina Campo
Margo Whiting Chapin
Julianna Cleere
Alysse Margaret Danyi
Gabriel Isaac Dash
Arielle Taylor Eldridge
Maria Elisa Escobar Acosta
Steven Irvin Jr.
Caitlin Alzate McElwee
Morgan Jayla Nash
Sadie Lynn Richardson
Sydney Grace Ryan
Sidney Sponer
George Gavin Tamer
Alexandra Panico Taylor
Samantha Marie Thompson-Hickey
Mitchell Roger Towne
THE AWARD OF PRIZES
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MATRIMONIAL LAWYERS (AAML) ERIC D. TURNER AWARD
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Eric D. Turner Award is presented by the Pennsylvania Chapter of AAML and is awarded to the graduating student who, in the opinion of the Law School’s faculty, best exemplifies the positive attributes of a family lawyer.
ANNE BOWEN POULIN AWARD FOR PRO BONO SERVICE
The Villanova Law Alumni Association Anne Bowen Poulin Award for Pro Bono Service is given annually by the Alumni Association to the third–year student who has contributed the most meaningful pro bono service to those in need.
ARTHUR J. KANIA PRIZE IN PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
The Arthur J. Kania Prize in Professional Ethics, established by Constance B. Girard–diCarlo ’74, is given annually to the graduating student who, in the judgment of the faculty, best demonstrates commitment to professional ethics and integrity, as exemplified by the life and career of Arthur J. Kania ’56.
BEST MEMORANDUM AWARD
The Best Memorandum Award is given to the first–year students who, in the opinion of the Legal Writing Faculty, wrote the best memorandum in the first–year legal writing class.
CLINICAL LEGAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (CLEA) AWARD
This award is presented to the clinic student who demonstrated excellence in the field work component of the clinical course and the students’ contributions to the clinical community.
DAVID G. BUTTERWORTH EDITOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The David G. Butterworth Editor Achievement Award is given annually to the Villanova Environmental Law Journal editor who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to the Journal.
DR. ARTHUR CLEMENT PULLING AWARD
The Dr. Arthur Clement Pulling Award was established by Neale F. Hooley, Esquire ’56, in memory of the distinguished first Librarian of the Law School. It is given annually to the student who has contributed the most to the current issue of the Villanova Law Review
ELLEN WERTHEIMER AWARD
The Ellen Wertheimer Award, established by the family of Professor Wertheimer, a member of the Law School faculty until her retirement in 2022, is given annually to the graduating students who excelled in Torts studies.
Meghan Bachi Chawla
Caitlin Alzate McElwee
Caitlin Alzate McElwee
Morgan Alexis Valla Blunt
Sadie Lynn Richardson
Margo Whiting Chapin
Paul Matthew Cooke Jr.
Elizabeth Rose Ellick
Brett Matthew Mastrangelo
Mathew Widzins
Jagger Reid Zrada
Tyler Clair Lee
Ava Marie Donatucci
Alysse Margaret Danyi
Paul Matthew Cooke Jr.
Noah Ryan
Ry Sara Stratton
EVE BISKIND KLOTHEN LAW STUDENT
PUBLIC INTEREST AWARD
The Eve Biskind Klothen Law Student Public Interest Award is presented by the Philadelphia Bar Association in recognition of three students from each of the Philadelphia area law schools for their outstanding pro bono and public interest achievements.
FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARD
This special award is presented to the graduating students who, in the opinion of the faculty, have contributed greatly to the life of the Law School.
FIRST-YEAR TRIAL ADVOCACY AWARD
The First-Year Trial Advocacy Award is given annually to the winners of the National Trial Team's internal 1L competition.
HERMAN J. OBERT AWARD
The Herman J. Obert Award is given annually to the students who attained the highest grades in Business Organizations.
HERMAN MITCHELL SCHWARTZ AWARD
The Herman Mitchell Schwartz Award is given by Shirley Schwartz Weisman ’71, in memory of her father, to the student in the graduating class who, in the opinion of the faculty, has contributed the most in the achievement of equality of opportunity and treatment for women in the Law School, in the legal profession or in society at large.
HYMAN–GOODMAN AWARD
The Hyman–Goodman Award, established by the family of Myron A. Hyman ’64, is given annually to the graduating student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has done the most for the class and the Law School through both academic and extracurricular achievement.
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF TRIAL LAWYERS
STUDENT ADVOCACY AWARD
The International Academy of Trial Lawyers Student Advocacy Award is given annually to the graduating student who excelled in trial practice.
JEFFREY S. MOORAD SPORTS LAW JOURNAL
BEST EDITOR AWARD
The Editorial Board Achievement Award is given in recognition of an outstanding member of the Executive Board.
JOHN J. DUFFY ’62 ADVOCACY CUP
This award is given each year to the winners of the annual Honorable Theodore L. Reimel ’24 CLAS Moot Court Competition.
JOHN M. HYSON ENVIRONMENTAL LAW JOURNAL STAFF
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The staff achievement award is given to the member of the board of editors of the Villanova Environmental Law Journal who has made outstanding contributions of an editorial and administrative nature.
Sidney Sponer
George Gavin Tamer
Alexandra Panico Taylor
Amira Monét Martin
Brianne Elizabeth Quinlan
Gabriel Isaac Dash
Conor Joseph Whitlark
Paul Matthew Cooke Jr.
Ry Sara Stratton
Maria Elisa Escobar Acosta
Ry Sara Stratton
Conor Joseph Whitlark
Caitlin Alzate McElwee
Margo Whiting Chapin
Ry Sara Stratton
William Barry Gale
JOSEPH
R. WENK AWARD
The Joseph R. Wenk Award, established in memory of Professor Wenk ’69, a member of the Law School faculty until his death in 1979, is given to the graduating student who has made the greatest contribution to the Civil Justice Clinic.
LEONARD LEVIN MEMORIAL AWARD
This award is given annually to the graduating student who attained the highest grade in the Decedents’ Estates and Trusts course.
LOUIS DEL DUCA MEMORIAL AWARD IN BUSINESS LAW
This award is presented by the Business Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association to the graduating students who demonstrates academic excellence in business law.
MOOT COURT BOARD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The Distinguished Service Award is given to the member of the Moot Court Board who has made an outstanding contribution to the work of the board. The recipient is selected by vote of all members of the Board.
PHILADELPHIA TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
JAMES J. MANDERINO AWARD FOR TRIAL ADVOCACY
The James J. Manderino Award for Trial Advocacy is given each year by the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association to a graduating student in recognition of outstanding achievement in trial advocacy. James Manderino was a brilliant orator and was a renowned advocate for the less fortunate, the poor, the unemployed and the victims of society. In that sense he was viewed by trial lawyers as the embodiment of the highest ideals to which a trial lawyer may ascribe.
PUBLIC INTEREST SECTION LAW STUDENT AWARD
The Public Interest Section Law Student Award is presented by the Philadelphia Bar Association in recognition of one graduating student from each of the six Philadelphia area schools with a demonstrated commitment to public service.
RAYNES MCCARTY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEGAL WRITING
Awarded to the students who wrote the best brief in the first–year Legal Writing Program.
Awarded to the students who wrote the best appellate brief in the Legal Writing III: Reimel Competition.
THE REVEREND JOSEPH ULLMAN AWARD
The Reverend Joseph Ullman Award is given to students who attained the highest grades in Criminal Law.
Kris Stancavage
Kristen Marie Libonati
Julia Ailse Snyder
Spencer Scott Aydelotte
George Gavin Tamer
Matthew Albert Peipher
Caitlin Alzate McElwee
Piper N. Evans
Lindsey Lynn Ling
Brett Matthew Mastrangelo
Trishual P. Patel
Jack Lawrence Pilon
Ry Sara Stratton
Margo Whiting Chapin
Ry Sara Stratton
Paul Matthew Cooke Jr.
Rohan Sebastian Nanda
Noah Ryan
ROBERT P. GARBARINO DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
This award is given to the second–year staff member of the Jeffrey S. Moorad Sports Law Journal who has exhibited excellence in writing and who contributed to the success of the Journal.
SAINT IVES MEDAL
The Saint Ives Medal is awarded annually by the faculty of the Law School to the graduate attaining the highest cumulative average for the three years of law study.
SCHOLARSHIP AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award is presented to the graduating students who best represent combination of scholarship and leadership.
SCRIBES AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LEGAL WRITING AND EDITING
The Scribes Award is given to the graduating member of the Villanova Law Review who has, in the opinion of the editor–in–chief, demonstrated an ability to do outstanding legal writing and editing.
STEVEN P. FRANKINO DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The Distinguished Service Award is given to a graduating member of the board of editors of the Villanova Law Review who has made an outstanding contribution of an editorial and administrative nature.
VERITAS, UNITAS AND CARITAS COMMUNITY AWARD
This award honors individuals who support a belonging community through their respect for colleagues, commitment to supporting the community, attendance and planning of events and other distinguished contributions of time, effort and passion for Veritas, Unitas and Caritas
VILLANOVA ENVIRONMENTAL LAW JOURNAL SPIRIT AWARD
This award is given to the members of the Villanova Environmental Law Journal who have consistently maintained outward enthusiasm for participation on the Journal, and have continued to demonstrate integrity and excellence in their positions.
VILLANOVA LAW REVIEW DEDICATION AWARD
This award is given to the member of the Villanova Law Review who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to all aspects of the Law Review, including participating in events, contributing to the Law Review’s scholarly mission and encouraging others to do the same.
Zen David Rizzuto-Flancbaum
Ry Sara Stratton
Elizabeth Rose Ellick
Karina Noel Zakarian
Elizabeth Ann Lieb
Amira Monét Martin Anthony Williams III
Jean Lynne Ross
Zachary Mouzakes
RECOGNITION OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE
Many of our students have rendered service to Villanova Law through involvement in co–curricular activities, student governance and student activities.
JOURNALS
VILLANOVA LAW REVIEW
The Villanova Law Review, published five times a year, is prepared and edited by a staff of student writers who have been invited to join the Law Review based on outstanding academic achievement or through an open writing competition. The Law Review publishes articles by students and outside authors on a wide range of legal issues.
Paul Matthew Cooke Jr.
Editor–in–Chief 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Nikolette Catherine Dusevic
Executive Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Marcella Jackson
Managing Editor of Tolle Lege 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Tyler Clair Lee
Managing Editor of Research & Writing 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Elayna Marie Tsiouplis
Managing Editor of Production 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Jack Lawrence Pilon
Managing Editor of Operations 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Ry Sara Stratton
Managing Editor of Symposium 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Margo Whiting Chapin
Student Works Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Elizabeth Rose Ellick
Student Works Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Zachary Mouzakes
Student Works Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Gabriella Grace Mudd
Student Works Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Kris Stancavage
Student Works Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Alysse Margaret Danyi
Articles Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Lauren Kelly Devletian
Articles Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Kristen Marie Libonati
Articles Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Brett Matthew Mastrangelo
Articles Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Garrett David Oliver
Articles Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Noah Ryan
Articles Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Keenan Matthew Troy
Articles Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Jagger Reid Zrada
Articles Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Gabriel Isaac Dash
Online Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Hannah Kelly Online Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Emily Louisa Kemmerer
Online Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Nicholas Paul Santangelo
Online Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Max Ethan Abrams
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Spencer Scott Aydelotte
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Elizabeth Ann Lieb
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Sidney Sponer
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Mitchell Roger Towne
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Karina Noel Zakarian
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Steven Irvin Jr.
Staff Writer 2025–2026
VILLANOVA ENVIRONMENTAL LAW JOURNAL
The Villanova Environmental Law Journal is a national legal publication dedicated to the scholarly review of environmentally related topics. The Journal is published twice a year by a staff of student writers who have been invited to join the Journal based on their performance in an open writing competition.
Helen Hale-Mowry
Editor-in-Chief 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Julia Ailse Snyder
Executive Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Naseem Memari
Production Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Ava Marie Donatucci
Managing Editor of Student Works 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
William Barry Gale
Managing Editor of Student Works 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Colin Coyne Hopkins
Managing Editor of Student Works 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Bryce Edward Walsh
Managing Editor of Student Works 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Marina Campo
Managing Editor of Outside Articles 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Evan Burleigh Fitzgerald
Managing Editor of Outside Articles
2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Kaitlyn N. Helt
Managing Editor of Outside Articles 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Bradley Edwards
Online Managing Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Liam Nathaniel Hudson
Online Managing Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Sadie Lynn Richardson
Online Managing Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Jean Lynne Ross
Symposium Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Sydney Grace Ryan
Symposium Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Samantha Marie Thompson-Hickey
Business and Special Projects Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
William Michael Franco
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Sofia Lee Acchione
Staff Writer 2025–2026
JEFFREY S. MOORAD SPORTS LAW JOURNAL
The Jeffrey S. Moorad Sports Law Journal is a legal publication focusing on issues arising in the context of sports law. The Journal publishes articles by students and outside authors that are edited by student members of the Journal. It was approved by the faculty in 1994. The Journal selects its members based on performance in an open writing competition.
Emma Karen Bertsch
Editor-in-Chief 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Ruslan Aminov
Executive Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Hadley Elise Starr
Production Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Vanessa Elizabeth Wydeven
Managing Editor of Citations & Sources 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Mason Stone Cole
Managing Editor of Research & Writing 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Justin Lawrence Aglow
Managing Editor of Student Works 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Karissa Grace Smith
Managing Editor of Student Works
2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Zen David Rizzuto-Flancbaum
Managing Editor of Outside Articles
2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Katarina Isabella Mazzanobile
Managing Editor of Symposia & Special Projects 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Ryan Thomas Magill
Managing Editor of Online Publications & Technology 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Lindsey Lynn Ling
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Caitlin Alzate McElwee
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Joseph Henry Putter
Associate Editor 2025–2026
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Gabriele Bagdonas
Staff Writer 2025–2026
Cole Timothy Collier
Staff Writer 2025–2026
Lindsay Graham
Staff Writer 2025–2026
Mackenzie Anne Fuhrmann
Staff Writer 2024–2025
Kaylee Sierra Vampola
Staff Writer 2024–2025
COMPETITION TEAMS
MOOT COURT BOARD
The Murphy Family Endowed Moot Court Board is an honorary student organization consisting of students demonstrating outstanding written and oral advocacy skills. Students are selected for Board membership by one of two methods: the second year Theodore L. Reimel ’24 CLAS Moot Court Competition or the Open Competition. The Board is dedicated to the development of student appellate advocacy and coordinates a wide range of activities aimed at achieving that goal. Members represent the Law School in national moot court competitions, organize and administer every facet of the Reimel Competition and supplement the instruction of the Law School’s legal writing program for first year students.
James Maxwell Farrell Chair 2025–2026
Board Member 2024–2025
Michael Joseph Lambert
Vice Chair 2025–2026 Board Member 2024–2025
Maria Elisa Escobar Acosta
Director of External Competitions 2025–2026 Board Member 2024–2025
George Gavin Tamer Director of External Competitions 2025–2026 Board Member 2024–2025
Wyatt Sean Ansel Reimels Administrator 2025–2026 Board Member 2024–2025
Brianna Ashley Cooper
Reimels Administrator 2025–2026 Board Member 2024–2025
Arielle Taylor Eldridge
Director of Recruitment, Retention and Inclusion 2025–2026 Board Member 2024–2025
Allison Ann Jedrzejek Board Member 2024–2026
Trishual P. Patel Board Member 2025–2026
Jacob Donald Roth Board Member 2024–2026
Claire Sprang Board Member 2024–2026
Seth Lewis Winigrad Board Member 2024–2026
NATIONAL TRIAL TEAM
The National Trial Team is a student organization that focuses on oral advocacy at the trial level. Trial Team members represent Villanova Law at regional and national competitions where they compete against the nation’s best law student advocates in simulated jury trials.
Matthew Albert Peipher Chair 2025–2026 Competing Member 2024–2025
Conor Joseph Whitlark Vice Chair 2025–2026
Competing Member 2024–2025
Gabriel Isaac Dash Competing Member 2024–2026
Alex Marcus Gomez Competing Member 2025–2026
Gabrielle Noel Huff Competing Member 2024–2025
Elizabeth Anne Schultz Competing Member 2024–2025
SPORTS LAW NEGOTIATION TEAM
The Sports Law Negotiation Team is an honorary student organization providing students with real–world simulations of contract negotiation, including player contracts, endorsement agreements or sponsorship deals. After extensive research and preparation, team members participate in competitions nationwide, including baseball, football, basketball, soccer and hockey.
Evan G. Partridge Chair 2025–2026
Co-Captain, Soccer 2025–2026 Member, Soccer 2024–2025
Gabrielle Ashley Painter
Vice-Chair 2025–2026 Member, Basketball 2024–2026
Ethan Joshua Chaiet
Co-Captain, Football 2025–2026 Member, Football 2024–2025
Matthew Cohen
Co-Captain, Football 2025–2026 Member, Football 2024–2025
Juhi Rakesh Patel
Co-Captain, Soccer 2025–2026 Member, Soccer 2024–2025
Bryce Prochazka
Co-Captain, Basketball 2025–2026 Member, Basketball 2024–2025
Pasquale Anthony Tartaro
Co-Captain, Basketball 2025–2026 Member, Basketball 2024–2025
Emma Keough
Co-Captain, Baseball 2025–2026 Member, Baseball 2024–2025
Joseph Anthony Messina
Co-Captain, Baseball 2025–2026 Member, Baseball 2024–2025
Justin Frank D’Alessandro Member, Soccer 2024–2026
Jacob Anthony Goldstein Member, Basketball 2024–2026
STUDENT GOVERNANCE
THE STUDENT BAR ASSOCIATION
The Student Bar Association maintains liaison between the students and the faculty. All students of the Law School are members of the Student Bar Association. The purpose of the Association is to coordinate the activities of the student body; to promote law–related and social extracurricular activities; to promote cooperation with various professional and community organizations and to further the general welfare of the Charles Widger School of Law.
Sadie Lynn Richardson
President 2025–2026
Treasurer 2024–2025
1L Representative 2023–2024
Elizabeth Rose Ellick
Vice President 2025–2026
Secretary 2024–2025
1L Representative 2023–2024
Sydney Grace Ryan
Secretary 2025–2026
Apparel Chair 2024–2025
1L Representative 2023–2024
Evan G. Partridge
Intramurals Chair 2025–2026
Samuel Mahiben Beatty
Bar Representative 2025–2026
2L Representative 2024–2025
Amira Monét Martin
Unitas Chair 2025–2026
Wyatt Sean Ansel
3L Representative 2025–2026
2L Representative 2024–2025
Ethan Joshua Chaiet
3L Representative 2025–2026
Deputy Events Chair 2024–2025
1L Representative 2023–2024
Bradley Edwards
3L Representative 2025–2026
University Senator 2024–2025
1L Representative 2023–2024
Brianna Ashley Cooper
2L Representative 2024–2025
1L Representative 2023–2024
Naseem Memari
Alumni Relations Chair 2024–2025
HONOR BOARD
The Honor Board comprises elected students from each class and is empowered to assist in adjudicating student violations of the Code of Conduct, to run elections and to assist in the administration of examinations.
Julianna Cleere
Chair 2025–2026
Vice Chair 2024–2025 Election Chair 2023–2024
Victoria Ann Tara Vice Chair 2025–2026
Election Chair 2024–2025 Representative 2023–2024
Alexandria Muñoz Representative 2023–2026
Alysse Margaret Danyi Representative 2023–2026
Gabriel Isaac Dash Representative 2023–2026
Mary Lee Donnellan Representative 2023–2026
William Michael Franco Representative 2023–2026
Helen Hale-Mowry Representative 2023–2026
Michael Joseph Lambert Representative 2023–2026
Zen David Rizzuto-Flancbaum Representative 2023–2026
Jean Lynne Ross Representative 2023–2026
Hadley Elise Starr Representative 2023–2026
Julia Ailse Snyder Representative 2023–2026
Samantha Marie Thompson-Hickey Representative 2025–2026 Secretary 2024–2025 Representative 2023–2024
PUBLIC INTEREST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM BOARD
The Walter A. Lucas Public Interest Fellowship Program (PIFP) is a student-run organization that works to build the public interest community and fundraises throughout the year to provide financial support to students who commit their summers to public service legal work. Since its founding in 1998, PIFP has raised over one million dollars to financially support students engaged in public interest summer employment.
Alysse Margaret Danyi
Co-Director 2025–2026
2024 Fellowship Recipient Volunteer Coordinator 2024–2025
1L Representative 2023–2024
Caitlin Alzate McElwee
Co-Director 2025–2026
2024 Fellowship Recipient
Solicitation Coordinator 2024–2025
1L Representative 2023–2024
George Gavin Tamer
Vice Director 2025–2026
2024 Fellowship Recipient
Solicitation Coordinator 2024–2025
Bryce Watson Winterowd Grants & Endowments Coordinator 2025−2026
2025 Fellowship Recipient PIFP Committee 2024−2025
Maria Elisa Escobar
PIFP Committee 2024−2026
2024 Fellowship Recipient 1L Representative 2023−2024
Sadie Lynn Richardson
PIFP Committee 2025−2026
2024 Fellowship Recipient Alumni Coordinator 2024−2025
Sydney Grace Ryan PIFP Committee 2025−2026
Secretary & Graphics Chair 2024−2025
William Barry Gale
Special Events Coordinator 2024−2025
Colin Coyne Hopkins
PIFP Committee 2024−2025
2024 Fellowship Recipient
Morgan Jayla Nash
Grants & Endowments Chair 2024−2025
2024 Fellowship Recipient
Ry Sara Stratton
PIFP Committee 2024−2025
1L Representative 2023−2024
Cady Sarah Jean Woerner Fellowship Coordinator 2024−2025
Lindsay Graham
1L Representative 2023−2024
JURIS DOCTOR DEGREES
SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
Grant Carter, BA 2021, Villanova University, LLM 2025, University of Leiden *
Arianna Noel Smogard, BS 2020, Drexel University, LLM 2025, The University of Edinburgh *
MAY 20, 2026
Max Ethan Abrams, BA 2023, Tulane University
Sofia Lee Acchione, BA 2022, The George Washington University
Justin Lawrence Aglow, BS 2022, The Pennsylvania State University %
Ruslan Aminov, BA 2023, Villanova University
Wyatt Sean Ansel, BA 2022, Villanova University
Connor Mark Ashnault, BA 2023, Franklin & Marshall College
Spencer Scott Aydelotte, BA, BS 2023, The State University of New York at Binghamton %
Sarah Babu, BA 2023, The Pennsylvania State University
Gabriele Bagdonas, BA 2022, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Matthew Peter Bak, BA 2015, The University of Vermont
Eliz Ruth Baydar, BA 2023, The State University of New York at Stony Brook
Samuel Mahiben Beatty, BA 2023, Baylor University
Emma Karen Bertsch, BA 2023, Susquehanna University
Melody Bie, BA 2016, University of California San Diego
Morgan Alexis Valla Blunt, BA 2022, University of South Carolina
Conner Boyd, BA 2021, The University of Iowa
Edie Bradley, BA 2021, Delaware Valley University ~
Thomas Steven Burns, BS 2023, The Pennsylvania State University
Ashlyn Kelsey Campagna, BS 2023, American University
Marina Campo, BA 2012, Ursinus College, MBA 2016, Rowan University
Gavin Canzanese, BS 2023, Villanova University {
Isabella Maria Carrega, BA 2022, Bucknell University
Ethan Joshua Chaiet, BA, BS 2023, University of Florida
Margo Whiting Chapin, BA 2021, Johns Hopkins University
Meghan Bachi Chawla, BA 2022, University of Nevada, Reno
Yohan Cho, BEng 2004, Brunel University, MSc 2005, PhD 2010, Imperial College of London
Julianna Cleere, BA 2023, Villanova University
Matthew Cohen, BA 2023, University of Michigan
Mason Stone Cole, BA 2023, Arcadia University
Cole Timothy Collier, BA 2022, Villanova University
Alexander James Connor, BS 2023, The University of Scranton
Paul Matthew Cooke Jr., BA 2022, Swarthmore College
Brianna Ashley Cooper, BS 2019, Syracuse University
Justin Frank D’Alessandro, BA 2023, Hamilton College
Alysse Margaret Danyi, BA 2023, Franklin & Marshall College
Gabriel Isaac Dash, BS 2016, Washington University in St. Louis ^
Jonathan C. DeFelipe, BS 2023, Fordham University
Lauren Kelly Devletian, AB 2023, Dartmouth College
Michael Anthony DiSipio, BS 2017, Pensacola Christian College
Ava Marie Donatucci, BA 2023, Villanova University
Nikolette Catherine Dusevic, BS 2023, Boston University %
Alexander Christian Eckhardt, BS 2023, Lee University +
Bradley Edwards, BA 2020, The Pennsylvania State University
Taylor Ztar Eiserman, BA 2022, Temple University
Arielle Taylor Eldridge, BA 2021, University of Maryland College Park
Elizabeth Rose Ellick, BA 2022, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Maria Elisa Escobar Acosta, BA 2022, Pace University
Piper N. Evans, BA 2023, Loyola University Chicago
James Maxwell Farrell, BA 2020, American University ^
Evan Burleigh Fitzgerald, BA 2023, University of Delaware
William Michael Franco, BS 2021, University of Connecticut
Mackenzie Anne Fuhrmann, BS 2021, Boston College
William Barry Gale, BA 2016, Davidson College
Abigail Nelis Garcia, BA 2023, Monmouth University
Antoinette Marie Gentekos, BA 2021, University of Delaware
Jacob Anthony Goldstein, BA 2023, University of Florida
Alexander Marcus Gomez, BA 2023, The State University of New York at Albany
Bianca Noelle Geonzon Gonzales, BA 2022, University of Pittsburgh
Hannah Rose Goodman, BA 2021, University of Delaware
Lindsay Graham, BS 2022, Drexel University
Marion Elisha Gunpat, BA 2023, Baruch College
Helen Hale-Mowry, BA 2023, University of Delaware
Youssef Helou, BA 2020, Moravian College
Kaitlyn N. Helt, BA 2023, The George Washington University
Cade Rieck Heverly, BA 2021, Georgetown University
Colin Coyne Hopkins, BA 2019, New York University
Liam Nathaniel Hudson, BBA 2021, Villanova University
Gabrielle Noel Huff, BS 2022, University of Georgia
Hanna Abigail Hyppolite, BA 2020, The State University of New York at Binghamton
Steven Irvin Jr., BA 2023, The Pennsylvania State University ^
Marcella Jackson, BA 2020, Northeastern University
Allison Ann Jedrzejek, BS 2022, Lebanon Valley College #
Hannah Kelly, BS 2023, University of South Carolina
Emily Louisa Kemmerer, BA 2018, MA 2019, Rosemont College
Emma Keough, BCom 2022, Dalhousie University ∞
Stephen Kim, BS 2018, Northeastern University
Ellyse Danielle Kirkland, BA 2022, Gonzaga University
Anna Nadya Korchak, BA 2022, Marquette University
Amivi Esther Koudossou, BA 2022, Arcadia University
Michael Joseph Lambert, BMus 2012, University of Louisville, MPS 2016, The George Washington University ^
Nilsson Locke Lawrence, BA 2023, Southern Methodist University
Tyler Clair Lee, BA 2022, University of Minnesota
Sarah Jane Letizia, BA 2022, University of South Carolina +
Eric John Letterer, BA 2021, North Central College, MBA 2022, Clemson University +
Kristen Marie Libonati, BS 2023, The College of New Jersey
Elizabeth Ann Lieb, BA 2023, Dickinson College
Lindsey Lynn Ling, BS 2023, University of Minnesota
Ryan Thomas Magill, BA 2022, MA 2023, The State University of New York at Stony Brook ∞
Amira Monét Martin, BS 2021, Villanova University
Brett Matthew Mastrangelo, BS 2021, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Katarina Isabella Mazzanobile, BA 2023, Emory University
Caitlin Alzate McElwee, BA 2021, Drexel University
Naseem Memari, BS 2020, The Pennsylvania State University
Joseph Anthony Messina, BS 2023, West Chester University of Pennsylvania ∞
Zachary Mouzakes, BA 2023, Wesleyan University
Gabriella Grace Mudd, BS 2023, The Pennsylvania State University
Alexandria Muñoz, BBA 2023, Loyola University Maryland
Rohan Sebastian Nanda, BS 2022, Chestnut Hill College
Morgan Jayla Nash, BA 2023, Bryn Mawr College
John Joseph O'Reilly III, BA 2024, Stonehill College
Garrett David Oliver, BA 2023, University of Connecticut
Brittany A. Pagano, BS 2018, University of Central Florida
Gabrielle Ashley Painter, BA 2023, Franklin & Marshall College ∞
Rachana Hasmukh Panchal, BS 2023, Drexel University
Evan G. Partridge, BS 2022, Temple University ∞
Anjali Shailesh Patel, BA 2022, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Arnav Manish Patel, BS 2023, University of Delaware #
Juhi Rakesh Patel, BS 2022, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Trishual P. Patel, BS 2021, Drexel University
Matthew Albert Peipher, BA 2023, Gettysburg College
Jack Lawrence Pilon, BA 2022, Cornell University
Victoria Pineschi, BS 2023, Texas A&M University ∞
Bryce Prochazka, BS 2020, North Dakota State University ∞
Joseph Henry Putter, BA 2022, Neumann University ^
Brianne Elizabeth Quinlan, BS 2022, Syracuse University ∞
Sania Masud Rashid, BA 2023, Rider University
Kyah Nicole Reid, BA 2022, Howard University
Sadie Lynn Richardson, BA 2023, University of Notre Dame
Zen David Rizzuto-Flancbaum, BBA 2023, Villanova University %
Meghan Marie Rodick, BA 2021, Vassar College
Jean Lynne Ross, BS 2021, Elon University, MS 2023, Villanova University
Jacob Donald Roth, BA 2023, The Pennsylvania State University
Noah Ryan, BA 2022, University of Pennsylvania
Sydney Grace Ryan, BA 2023, The Pennsylvania State University ^
Nicholas Paul Santangelo, BA 2023, Northeastern University
Elizabeth Anne Schultz, BA 2021, West Chester University of Pennsylvania ^
Ethan John Smith, BA 2023, The Pennsylvania State University
Karissa Grace Smith, BA 2023, University of Maryland
Julia Ailse Snyder, BA 2022, The University of Scranton
Sidney Sponer, BASc 2020, Quest University Canada, MA 2021, Wilfrid Laurier University
Claire Sprang, BA 2023, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kris Stancavage, BA 2022, Arizona State University
Hadley Elise Starr, BA 2022, Dickinson College
Ry Sara Stratton, AB 2023, Lafayette College
George Gavin Tamer, BA 2023, The University of Oklahoma
Victoria Ann Tara, BA 2021, College of the Holy Cross
Pasquale Anthony Tartaro, BA 2021, The Pennsylvania State University
Alexandra Panico Taylor, AB 2023, Colgate University
Sarah Ann Thomas, BS 2022, St. John’s University
Samantha Marie Thompson-Hickey, BS 2012, Stephens College, MBA 2019, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Mitchell Roger Towne, BA 2016, Williams College %
Keenan Matthew Troy, BA 2023, Fordham University
Alexandra Truszkowska, BA 2023, University of Maryland
Elayna Marie Tsiouplis, AB 2022, Brown University
Bryce Edward Walsh, BA 2023, Washington and Lee University
Conor Joseph Whitlark, BA 2021, The Pennsylvania State University
Mathew Widzins, BA 2018, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Anthony Williams III, BS 2021, Drexel University
Seth Lewis Winigrad, BA 2023, The George Washington University
Bryce Watson Winterowd, BA 2023, University of Southern California
Cady Sarah Jean Woerner, BS 2022, Wilmington University
Vanessa Elizabeth Wydeven, BS 2022, University of South Carolina {
Karina Noel Zakarian, BA 2023, Villanova University
Jennifer Zheng, BA 2020, The University of Texas at Austin
Jagger Reid Zrada, BA 2023, University of Miami
KEY:
* Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law JOINT JURIS DOCTOR AND INTERNATIONAL LLM PROGRAM
# Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law AND THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS JOINT PROGRAM IN LAW AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
+ Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law JOINT JURIS DOCTOR AND MASTER OF LAWS IN TAXATION
& Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law JOINT JURIS DOCTOR AND MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
% Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law BUSINESS LAW CONCENTRATION
{ Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CONCENTRATION
^ Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law LITIGATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION CONCENTRATION
~ Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law PUBLIC INTEREST CONCENTRATION
∞ Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law SPORTS LAW CONCENTRATION
MASTER OF LAWS IN US LAW (LLM)
MAY 20, 2026
Jay Peter Francis Burke-Flanagan, BCL 2025, Dublin City University
MASTER OF LAWS IN TAXATION (LLM)
SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
Victor Oluwaseun Adeniran, BA 2011, MA 2013, Oral Roberts University, JD 2024, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Christopher Lord Cardone, BS 2017, Fairfield University, JD 2020, Seton Hall University School of Law
Sade Michaela Desiree Clarke, BS 2016, The Pennsylvania State University, JD 2024, University of the District of Columbia
David A. Clarke School of Law
Daniel Jackson Rice, BS 2000, Northern Arizona University, JD 2008, Willamette University College of Law
Kari M. Springer, BA 2012, University of Notre Dame, JD 2018, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
DECEMBER 31, 2025
Jeffrey M. Csercsevits, BS 2003, Villanova University, JD 2006, Syracuse University College of Law, LLM 2022, Temple University Beasley School of Law
Daniel Hong, BA 2018, The City University of New York, Queens College, JD 2022, Liberty University School of Law
Samuel Paul Wilwerding, BS 2010, Park University, MDiv 2014, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, JD 2019, University of Alabama School of Law
MAY 20, 2026
Bonn Vladimir Allen, BA 2020, New York University, MBA 2024, Widener University, JD 2024, Widener University Commonwealth Law School
Alexander Christian Eckhardt, BS 2023, Lee University, JD 2026, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Erika Lynn Colangelo, BA 2016, The City University of New York, Hunter College, JD 2019, The City University of New York School of Law
Dani Rose Goldberg, BA 2020, Bucknell University, JD 2023, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Jessamy M. Hummel, BA 2014, Neumann University, JD 2024, University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
Kaitlin Marie Brenda Jacob, BA 2017, College of the Holy Cross, JD 2020, Syracuse University College of Law
Ludvik Karl, BS 1997, Canisius College, MBA 2016, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Eric John Letterer, BA 2021, North Central College, MBA 2022, Clemson University, JD 2026, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Julia Lynn Pickett, BA 2019, Rider University, JD 2024, Rutgers Law School
Silya Michelle Shaw, BA 2003, Park University, MA 2007, American University, JD 2011, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
Melissa Ann Spurr, BA 2008, Boston University, JD 2012, Fordham University School of Law
Stephen Robert Wilhelm, BA 2012, Thomas Edison State University, JD 2019, Ave Maria School of Law
MASTER OF TAXATION (MT)
SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
Matthew Scott Doran, BA 1988, Michigan State University, MEd 1995, Saginaw Valley State University
Kevin Michael Grisier, BSBA 2018, Georgetown University
Andrew Richard Hooyman, BBA 2021, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Noah Luke Tkach, BS 2015, King’s College, MBA 2019, University of Scranton
Ilona S. Schaeffer, BS 2009, G.V. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, BSBA 2016, Drexel University
Allison M. Swanberg, BArch 2003, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
DECEMBER 31, 2025
Tamika Marie Alford, BA 2018, Moravian College
Grant Richard Blakey, BA 2013, Mercyhurst University, MS 2016, Eastern Michigan University
Robert Christian Deitch, BS 2016, The Pennsylvania State University
Nicholas Robert DiSciullo, BBA 2022, Temple University
Stephen Lee Hart, BSBA 2006, MAcc 2013, University of Vermont
Quan Minh Khong, BS 2015, University of Houston, MBA 2017, University of Houston-Downtown
Rebecca Williams Luther, BS 1991, Georgia Institute of Technology
Timothy Richard Mueller, BS 2017, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Salvatore Frederick Samarco, BA 2007, Arcadia University
Christopher Anthony Smith, BS 2006, University of Delaware
Mark R. Strey, BA 2012, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
MAY 20, 2026
Meagan Mary Cairone, BSBA 2012, Drexel University
James Patrick Ciamacco, BA 2017, University of Pittsburgh
Zachary Joseph Davis, BS 2021, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Krishna C. Dayma, BCom 2007, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Kimanii Monee Dinan-Payton, BA 2018, Farleigh Dickinson University
Mark Steven Ducceschi, BS, MAcc 2013, The Pennsylvania State University
Andres Yitzhak Gualan, BS 2016, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Jeong Wan Jane Ki, BBA 2015, York University, MT 2018, University of Waterloo
David Richard Lammie, BSBA 2018, Thomas Edison State University
Aimee Smith McWhorter, BSBA 1998, MAcc 1999, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Charles Martin Merkley, BSBA 2015, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
William Christopher Shad, BBA 1999, MBA 2002, Hofstra University
Jeffrey W. Teran, BS, BA 2005, MS 2010, University of Utah, MIMFA 2016, Creighton University
Andrea Lyn Wick, BS 2012, University of Buffalo
ACADEMIC REGALIA
HISTORY
THE GOWN
THE CAP
THE HOOD
THE COIF
THE CORD
In England, the history of academic dress reaches back to the early days of the oldest schools. As early as the second half of the fourteenth century, the statutes of certain colleges prohibited “excess in apparel” and required the wearing of a long gown. It is still an open question as to whether academic dress finds its sources chiefly in ecclesiastical or in civilian dress. It is often suggested that gowns and hoods were the simplest, most effective method of staying warm in the unheated, stone buildings which housed medieval scholars.
The gowns used in American academic ceremonies vary according to the highest degree awarded to the wearer. The gown for the bachelor’s degree has pointed sleeves. It is designed to be worn closed. The gown for the master’s degree has an oblong sleeve. The rear part of its oblong shape is square cut and the front has an arc cut away. Master’s gowns may be worn open or closed. The doctoral gown is a more elaborate costume faced down the front with black velvet and across the sleeves with three bars of the same; these facings and crossbars may be of velvet of the color distinctive to the field of study to which the degree pertains. The doctoral gown has bell–shaped sleeves and may be worn open or closed. Some institutions have authorized doctoral gowns in colors other than the customary black.
The mortarboard cap is standard, although soft square–topped caps are permissible. Recipients of doctorates may wear a gold tassel fastened to the middle point of the top of the cap; all others wear black. At Commencement, graduates wear the tassel on the right side, moving it to the left when their degree is conferred. Faculty participating in academic ceremonies wear the tassel to the left throughout the proceedings.
The hoods are lined in silk with the official color or colors of the institution which granted the highest degree held by the wearer; more than one color is shown by division of the field color in a variety of ways, such as by chevron or chevrons.
The American Order of the Coif, the distinguished national legal honor society, draws its name and inspiration from the English Order of the Coif, the most ancient and one of the most honored institutions of the common law. For centuries, members of the Order of the Coif had the sole right to appear as barristers in the Court of Common Pleas, and judges were drawn exclusively from this group. The coif itself is a small round piece of cloth. It traces its origin to the cap all members of the English Order wore. The cap or coif was originally of white linen or silk, forming a close–fitting hood. Later, when wigs came into fashion, the coif was changed to a circular piece of white linen or silk, fashioned to the top of the wig. Members of the Order of the Coif wear the white round piece of cloth on top of the academic cap whenever academic garb is worn.
Cords worn on academic apparel are reminiscent of the cleric’s stole. Recipients of the Law School’s Dorothy Day Award wear intertwined cords of blue signifying Villanova and silver signifying service. Faculty who have served twenty–five years or more at the Law School wear a gold cord.