Noteworthy

The Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling has honored Joana Rodriguez with its esteemed James McKeever Promising Professional Award.

Rodriguez is senior admissions counselor in the undergraduate admissions office at Widener. The award recognizes early-career professionals who demonstrate outstanding job performance and meaningful services beyond their institutions. The award was presented at the association’s 62nd annual conference, held in June at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, Pennsylvania.

Rodriguez joined the Widener admissions team in 2022 and is respected for her integrity, inclusivity and drive to make higher education accessible to all students. In her short time at Widener, Rodriguez’s recruitment territory of Philadelphia has experienced record-breaking admissions growth. She mentors and supports new team members and has been an active volunteer with the association, which is known as PACAC.

“Her strengths – motivation, interpersonal warmth, and willingness to go above and beyond – are at the core of what makes a successful admissions professional,” wrote Rose Richards, senior associate director of undergraduate admissions and Courtney Kelly, executive director for undergraduate admissions, in their nomination of Rodriguez.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/joana-rodriguez-honored-promising-professional-award
 

Professor Kenn Tacchino has been appointed interim dean of the School of Business Administration (SBA). Tacchino has been a member of the SBA faculty for over 30 years in the areas of taxation, financial planning, and business law.  

A five-time winner of the School of Business Distinguished Graduate Teaching Award, Tacchino is deeply committed to student success. As a former department head and pre-law advisor Tacchino has had the opportunity to lead many University initiatives throughout his career.

Tacchino is “thrilled and honored to work collaboratively with the SBA faculty, the University Administration, SBA students, alumni, and industry groups”.  

Tacchino is an accomplished scholar whose research area is focused primarily on retirement and pension planning. He has been published extensively on these topics. Outside of Widener, Tacchino has served as editor for the Journal of Financial Service Professionals since 2001 and consulted with several major Fortune 500 companies. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/kenn-tacchino-named-interim-dean-school-business-administration
 

Dennis Whitaker, adjunct professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, and Melissa Chapaska ’14, a Widener Law Commonwealth graduate, were recently appointed pro bono counsel by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The appointment is part of a Court program that seeks to provide legal representation to indigent litigants from attorneys who can provide the Court with the particularly high-quality appellate advocacy necessary for a Court that decides issues that are of first impression or otherwise important to establishing or clarifying Pennsylvania law.

Whitaker and Chapaska, both of counsel at HMS Legal, LLP, will represent an appellant proceeding in forma pauperis, a Latin term that refers to a legal process where a person who cannot afford the usual court fees can do so without incurring the costs, in a matter regarding the timing and appealability of collateral orders, which are orders separate from the substantive issues of a case which involve important rights that would be lost if forced to wait until final judgment. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/law-faculty-and-alumna-appointed-pro-bono-counsel-pa-supreme-court

Loreto (Larry) P. Rufo ’87, managing partner at Rawle & Henderson’s Wilmington office, has been named a lifelong Friend of the Court by the Superior Court of the State of Delaware—an accolade reserved for only six attorneys in the past three decades. 

The rare recognition highlights Rufo’s decades-long service to the Court, most notably his work as the defense coordinating counsel and defense medical coordinator in Delaware’s asbestos litigation. Appointed by the Delaware Superior Court, Rufo has played a pivotal role in managing complex litigation and ensuring its efficient administration. 

“Larry Rufo exemplifies the highest ideals of Delaware Law—dedication, service, and unwavering integrity,” said Dean Todd Clark. “We are proud to count him among our alumni and celebrate this extraordinary recognition of his lifelong contributions to justice.” 

Read more about Mr. Rufo’s award and contributions here. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/delaware-law-alumnus-larry-rufo-87-honored-lifelong-friend-court

Distinguished alumni from both Delaware Law School and Widener Law Commonwealth have been named to the prestigious 2025 Super Lawyers list.

Super Lawyers is an online resource that connects users with legal guidance and services. It recognizes the nation's top attorneys across various practice areas and firm sizes through a patented process involving independent research and peer input. This recognition includes both highly experienced lawyers and those deemed "rising stars" early in their careers.

The following alumni were named: 

• Larry Bendesky (DLS ’87): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Alfred J. Carlson (MBA ’92, DLS ’92): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Scott B. Cooper (WLC ’93): Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Regina M. Foley (WLC ’92): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania, Top 50 Women Pennsylvania
• Timothy R. Lawn (DLS ’89): Top 10 Pennsylvania
• Christopher M. Miller (DLS ’96): Top 100 Pennsylvania, Top 50 Pittsburgh
• Eric B. Pearson (DLS ’94): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Fortunato N. Perri, Jr. (DLS ’88): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Timothy F. Rayne (DLS ’95): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Thomas F. Sacchetta (DLS ’86): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Carol A. Shelly (DLS ’86): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania, Top 50 Women Pennsylvania
• Bernard W. Smalley, Sr. (DLS ’80): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Heidi G. Villari (DLS ’97): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania, Top 50 Women Pennsylvania

Congratulations to all the recognized alumni for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the legal profession! 

Maria Luiza Pinho, assistant professor in the School of Business Administration, has co-authored a chapter in a newly published book “The Historical Evolution of International Business: A Global Perspective.”

Pinho co-authored the chapter “The Evolution of IB Teaching Content: Analysis of IB Textbooks and Syllabi,” which provides a data-driven, historical analysis of how international business has been taught across institutions and time. The peer-reviewed chapter synthesizes insights from over six decades of textbooks and academic syllabi, revealing the thematic shifts and pedagogical patterns that have shaped how generations of students and scholars have engaged with international business. Pinho’s chapter has received numerous positive reviews from respected members of the field. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/business-faculty-publishes-new-book-chapter-international-business-education
 

Belle Nicholas, a student in the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, was named Miss New Jersey 2025 on June 14 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. 

As the newly crowned Miss New Jersey, Nicholas will represent and advance the mission of the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young women across the Garden State through education and community service. The West Deptford resident will also use her new role to change the narrative about mental health after her own experiences with anxiety and depression. Through her work, Nicholas founded Shout Our Struggle, a mental health initiative that connects with New Jersey residents through school programs, policy advocacy, and outreach. She also advocates and consults on legislation, raise funds for nonprofits such as The Mental Health Association in New Jersey and The Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, and holds a certification in Mental Health First Aid.

This was Nicholas' fourth time competing in the prestigious competition. Next, she will compete at Miss America 2025 in September. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/psyd-student-mental-health-advocate-named-miss-new-jersey-2025
 

Krystal Washington ’26 has been chosen as the recipient of the K. Leroy Irvis Undergraduate Scholarship – Western Region awarded by the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher education, Inc. (PBCOHE.) Washington, an elementary education major, was presented the award at the 54th annual PBCOHE conference. 

Named after PBCOHE’s founder, this award is given to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, extracurricular activities, and possess leadership qualities.

PBCOHE’s mission is to provide programs and services which help ensure that the post-secondary educational needs and aspirations of Black African Americans in particular are met, and to work in concert with members of other underrepresented groups in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/education-undergraduate-student-honored-scholarship

Graduate physical therapy students volunteered at the 2025 Summer Games, the Special Olympics Pennsylvania's largest statewide competition bringing more than 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches together to compete Penn State University. Widener students worked alongside clinicians to complete approximately 200 FunFitness screens for the athletes to assess flexibility, balance, strength and cardiovascular fitness. 

The FunFitness screenings are delivered as part of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative, which began in 1997 to offer free health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes in a welcoming, fun environment. To date, the program has delivered more than 2 million free health screenings and trained close to 300,000 health professionals and students to treat people with intellectual disabilities. The 2025 event was the second largest number of screenings completed at a single event.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/physical-therapy-students-lead-screening-pa-special-olympics-summer-games

Widener University’s ROTC program celebrated its 2025 Commissioning Ceremony in Alumni Auditorium on Saturday, May 24 with 14 cadets taking the oath of office as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

Four Widener students were among the cadets commissioned, and a fifth will commission on May 30. The group of 14 that was celebrated on Saturday hailed from four area universities and all trained through the Dauntless Battalion unit at Widener, where they engaged in the hands-on, intense military training that has prepared them for successful careers.

Family members pinned the new rank to their dress uniforms, and each officer shared a silver dollar with the individual they selected to give them their first salute – a military tradition.

The officers who earned their undergraduate degrees from Widener last week, and the military careers for which they prepared, included:

•    Meghan (Rampolla) Draeger, nursing corps
•    Anthony Korab, corps of engineers
•    Alexander Krause, military police
•    Taylor (Finocchiaro) McGonigal, nursing corps
•    Darryl Villard, signal corps, commissioning on May 30

In addition, current Widener student and cadet Brendon Hardy will commission in December and head into infantry service. He emceed the ceremony.

Draeger’s grandfather, Robert Hawley, a 1962 graduate of Pennsylvania Military College, was the ceremony speaker. He provided the new officers with multiple pieces of advice on the essentials of leadership, including the importance of authenticity, empathy, communication, humility and persistence.

“You, the future leaders of our nation, fill me with immense pride and hope,” Hawley said. "I’m proud of your achievements and I’m eager for what lies ahead. I salute all of you.”

In addition, ROTC civilian staff members Keith Karbel and Bill Campbell were recognized for their more than 50 combined years of service to the program. Lt. Col. James Pascoe, who leads the Dauntless Battalion, said the men have supported more than 500 cadets to successful outcomes.

"It’s just incredible how much these two individuals have done. Their impact on the army has been immense," said Pascoe, who is also retiring. Pascoe will conclude his service in the fall.

Pictured above, front row from left, Meghan (Rampolla) Draeger and Taylor (Finocchiaro) McGonigal. Back row from left, Brendon Hardy, Alexander Krause and Anthony Korab.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/32566/
 

Andrew Burkhardt, coach of Widener men’s rugby, was named Rugbee Co April Coach of the Month by National Collegiate Rugby, or NCR.

Nicknamed "Coach Fireball," Burkhardt was recognized for his leadership, mentorship, commitment, and work in transforming the team “into one of the most competitive and respected small-college rugby programs in the country,” according to NCR.

A 2012 Widener alumnus and former player, Burkhardt has served as head coach since 2015. He notched his 46th career win this past year, led the team to an undefeated 15s season, and the win in the Challenge Cup (Regional South), also known as the Steel Belt Bowl Championship.

The Coach of the Month honor recognized Burkhardt for his guidance in helping many newcomers learn the game and become competitive athletes.

Burkhardt was recently a guest on the Far & Widener podcast. Listen here. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/mens-rugby-coach-named-coach-month

A collection of more than 3,000 pieces of political memorabilia belonging to Professor Stephen Kauffman was on display at Wolfgram Memorial Library through the 2024-2025 academic year. The video interview featuring key pieces from the collection and Kauffman discussing the collection and its significance is available to view online. 

The display also served as a center point for an event in Fall 2024 featuring Kauffman discussing his collection as well as James Vike, professor and associate dean of social science, sharing research findings on political polarization. A full recording of the event “From George to Joe: The Legacy of Voting for Our Presidents” is also available online. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/faculty-memberss-political-memorabilia-display-lives-wolfgram-memorial-library
 

George Hebda ’27 has been recognized on the 2025 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll. This award recognizes students from colleges and universities across the country who worked on nonpartisan civic engagement efforts to increase college student voter participation. 

A political science, international relations, and English major, Hebda is active with political and civic engagement. Off campus, Hebda traveled with faculty and students to the 2024 New Hampshire primary election in January 2024, and saw the 2024 campaign cycle through by road-tripping across Pennsylvania with faculty and students to experience the final weekend of campaigning in November. He also volunteered as part of the Pennsylvania College Exit Poll Project on Election Day 2024, gathering data as voters left the polls at Stetser Elementary. 

On campus, Hebda co-presented “Pennsylvania 2024: The Keystone State’s Pivotal Role in the Presidential Election,” at the 2025 High Impact Practices Fair, and acted as a discussion leader for several on-campus debate watches during the campaign cycle. He also serves as a pride ambassador, CREW Leader, and a member of the Widener Marching Band and Pep Band.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge aims to empower colleges and universities to excel in nonpartisan student democratic engagement.  

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/political-science-student-named-all-student-voting-honor-roll
 

Erika Dawkins, assistant professor in the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, was named the 2025 Early Career Psychologist of the Year by the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Presented by the Early Career Psychologists Committee, this prestigious award recognizes the impact made by an early-career psychologist. As a clinician, educator, and researcher, Dawkins has made meaningful contributions to the psychology field. In addition to her role at Widener, Dawkins is also the owner of Revolutionary Perspectives, LLC, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to one's emotional well-being. 

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The Pride Winter Guard of Widener University was awarded a bronze medal for their 3rd place finish at the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network Championships, or MAIN, in Bethlehem, Pa., on April 13.

Thirty-six 36 high school groups competed (in scholastic classes), and Widener was the only collegiate group there.

This is the second year of the indoor winter guard’s existence. Widener also fields an outdoor color guard during the fall.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-winter-guard-places-third-competition

Two Widener Social Work Counseling Services MSW students presented at the 12th annual Pro Bono Network Conference. Devonnae Grasty ’26 and Diane Harley ’25 present their work, “Integrating Mental Health Services,” which focused on best practice for incorporating mental health services into a pro bono setting. They also engaged with questions from the audience.  

The conference, hosted at Widener, included nearly 30 programs from across the country that offer pro bono services to their communities. This is the first time MSW interns have presented at the conference. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/msw-students-present-pro-bono-network-conference
 

Michael Janes will join the Administration and Finance team as associate vice president of Human Resources beginning Monday, April 28. Michael brings a wealth of expertise and accomplishments in human resources leadership. His diverse portfolio demonstrates a proven track record of fostering collaboration with organizational leadership to implement impactful human resources strategies that align with institutional priorities.

Michael comes to Widener from the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Delaware where he spearheaded a complete restructuring of the compensation system, implemented a performance management system, and revamped the organization’s benefits package. Additionally, he led the introduction of a paperless human resources information system and established an electronic policy process.

Prior to his time at Winterthur, Michael served as assistant vice president at the West Virginia University Foundation. He has also held human resources leadership roles at institutions of higher education including University of the Sciences and Drexel University. While at Drexel, Michael was instrumental in creating a diversity committee at the medical school to enhance the medical school’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Additionally, Michael brings a distinguished background from his service in the United States Army and Army Reserves.

Michael holds a Master of Science in human resource management from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in organizational dynamics and human performance management from Immaculata University.

Michael’s dedication to operational excellence, innovative solutions, and employee development will enhance and strengthen our human resources team and the greater Widener community.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/new-human-resources-leadership-joins-widener

As part of Widener’s AI Day event, students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to submit ideas and projects on the unique and creative ways they use AI technology. Eight student projects were recognized, and prizes of cash and gift cards were awarded. Student winners also received certificates of recognition. 

Judged by the AI Day planning committee, winners were chosen based on thoughtful engagement with AI tools, creativity, and a plan for next steps in their projects. 

The AI Day Competition winners are: 

Graduate student winners:
Stacey Rose – “It Starts with ‘I’m Sorry’ and Ends with AI Models Learning to Better Support Survivors”

Undergraduate student winners:
1st place: Miroslava Vazquez – “Revolutionizing the Restaurant Industry with AI”
2nd place tie: Elizabeth Martin – “EKG Analysis: Utilizing AI for Smarter Heart Rhythm Interpretation; Cole Helmer – “Mind in Pictures: Turning Thoughts into Visuals for Mental Health Awareness”

Honorable mentions:
William Harp – “Reclaiming the Missing Greek Titans in a TTS accessible story Atlas of Mythos illuminated and enabled by Generative AI tools”
Gerardo Coronado Benitez – “A&G Business Plan Writer”
Ivan Gonzalez Jr. – “SkyTorch: AI Drone Navigation”
Kristen Martinez – “Analyzing Short Response Data with AI”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/ai-day-competition-names-student-winners

Sachin Patil, professor of chemical engineering, and his team of student-researchers in the NanoBio Lab recently published findings to advance the future Alzheimer's disease treatment and prevention. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Molecules, identified Isobavachin, a natural flavonoid, as a potential "structure corrector" for Apolipoprotein E4, known as ApoE4, which is the strongest genetic risk factor for the disease. The breakthrough discovery suggests that Isobavachin can stabilize the problematic ApoE4 protein, potentially reducing its harmful effects and altering the course of Alzheimer’s disease.

Through the use of a cutting-edge combination of computational modeling and lab experiments, the researchers found that Isobavachin binds to ApoE4, reshaping it into a more stable form—similar to the neutral or protective ApoE3 and ApoE2 variants. The team noted that Isobavachin is a naturally occurring compound, derived from a plant used in traditional medicine, that is also bioavailable, meaning it has the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier. Both characteristics make this discovery particularly exciting as they show promise for future drug discovery and hope for the millions of people affected by the disease worldwide.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/engineering-professor-publishes-new-discovery-alzheimers-disease-research

Widener University welcomed Amanda Bickerstaff, co-founder and CEO of AI for Education, as the 2025 Beideman Visiting Scholar in conjunction with the university’s inaugural AI Day event. Bickerstaff delivered the keynote address in Alumni Auditorium, covering current events and the future of AI in education, AI literacy and ethical usage, and how educators and students can prepare for more AI integration with the classroom of tomorrow. 

“We are living through an inflection point that is probably most similar to the Industrial Revolution,” said Bickerstaff. “ChatGPT is the fastest growing consumer technology by a magnitude. This is an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to talk to each other.”

In addition to delivering the keynote address, Bickerstaff led several hands-on workshops throughout the event sharing her tips and best practices for working with generative AI platforms and encouraging attendees to bring AI into their daily lives. 

She discussed the history of artificial intelligence and machine learning and demonstrating a number of generative AI tools to share about effective prompt writing, data privacy, and keeping an open and innovative mindset. 

“AI is quickly shaping the way we operate across all sectors, and Widener is pleased to welcome Amanda to campus to share her expertise,” said Paul Beideman ’79 ‘14H, chair of the university Board of Trustees who made the lecture program possible through a generous gift, made with his wife, Caroline Beideman. “Being able to provide professional opportunities like this to our faculty, staff and students reinforces Widener’s commitment to being prepared for the future.”

AI for Education provides AI literacy training to educators. With over 20 years of experience in the education industry, Bickerstaff is committed to helping educators, staff, and students maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI. 

The Beideman Visiting Scholar Program brings world-class speakers and scholars to the Widener campus on an annual basis to stimulate discussions on current and pertinent theories and practices related to leadership development and the effective exercise of leadership. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/2025-beideman-visiting-scholar-brings-future-ai-education-widener-keynote-address-and-workshops