University Students Receive Frank O’Hara Awards

Frank O’Hara medals were given University of Scranton students with the highest grade-point averages in their first-, second- and third-year in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies for the 2018-19 academic year. The awards, named in honor of the late Frank O’Hara who served the University for 53 years in various administrative positions, were presented at a ceremony held recently on campus.

College of Arts and Sciences

Nicolette George, Denville, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year. A dean’s list student at Scranton, she is currently a sophomore majoring in physiology. She is a graduate of Morris Knolls High School.

Sarah White, Brooklyn, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is currently a junior majoring in biology with a mathematics minor. She is also member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM. Additionally, White serves as a tutor in the University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) and is currently involved in interdisciplinary research. She is also the community service chair of the Royal Signers, the secretary of the Irish Cultural Society, the chair of Relay for Life’s team development committee and a member of knitting club. She will lead a domestic service trip to the Appalachian Region of Kentucky in March.

Anna Maria Giblin, Berwyn, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. She is currently a senior majoring in history with a philosophy minor and legal studies concentration. She is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society and the Pre-Law Society. She tutors in the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. She has also completed internships at Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman and Goggin. She plans to attend law school after graduation.

Kania School of Management

 Philip Cocco, Pittston, received a medal for academic achievement for his freshman year. He is currently a sophomore majoring in finance and is also a member of the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program, where he serves as president of the Business Honors Club. He participates in the University’s Track and Field Team as a shot put thrower.

Nicole Cavanaugh, Dallas, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. She is currently a junior majoring in accounting. A member of the Business Leadership Honors Program, Cavanaugh also serves as a tutor in CTLE, participates in clubs such as Kania Women in Business and the Society of Accounting Students and owns an art business. She plans to obtain her CPA license and earn a master’s in business administration.

Abbey Murphy, Mountain Top, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. She is currently a senior majoring in accounting with a minor in theology. A member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program and the undergraduate Honors Program, Murphy serves as a Resident Assistant in Condron Hall and has done internships with Guard Insurance and Snyder and Clemente. She is pursuing research with Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy.

Panuska College of Professional Studies

Alexandra Benadon, Hillsborough, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year. She is currently a sophomore majoring in human resources with a double minor in business and finance. She received athletic honors in field hockey, including All Landmark Conference Second Team and ZAG Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III Scholar of Distinction. She participates in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Society for Human Resource Management. She also volunteered this past summer as an Orientation Assistant at the University.

Emily Campo, Haddonfield, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. She is currently a junior majoring in occupational therapy. Last year, she received an O’Hara award for her freshman academic year. She is a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association and the Helping Professions Residential Learning Community. She has volunteered with several organizations, including the Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and currently serves as a teaching assistant in kinesiology. She is also a member of the Royal Signers and secretary of the Knitting Club. 

Madison Heaton, Medford, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is currently a senior occupational therapy major who is also pursuing minors in psychology and human services as well as a concentration in human development. She was the recipient of the O’Hara Award for her sophomore academic year. She served an orientation assistant and participated in the Scranton Emerging Leaders program. She is the president of Royal Signers and the Knitting Club, a member of Student Occupational Therapy Association and a certified yoga instructor. An active volunteer, she is also a member of Beading Hope and Autism Speaks U and is current a Resident Assistant in upperclassmen housing.

College of Arts and Sciences (above) From left: Brian Conniff, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and recipients of the Frank O’Hara medals from the College of Arts and Sciences: Anna Maria Giblin, Nicolette George and Sarah White.

Panuska College of Professional Studies (above) From left: Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., associate dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, and recipients of the Frank O’Hara medals from the Panuska College of Professional Studies: Emily Campo, Madison Heaton and Alexandra Benadon.