Noteworthy

Nicole Stokes, Esq. ’21 has been named President-Elect of The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia—an organization that has advanced advocacy, professional development, and community service since 1950. Her election reflects the strength of Delaware Law School’s alumni community and her commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and excellence within the legal profession. We proudly celebrate Nicole’s leadership and impact across Philadelphia’s legal landscape.

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Widener’s Summer Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) program offers undergraduate students hands-on, faculty-mentored research experience over the summer. The work culminates in the annual SURCA Symposium where students present their work and are scored by a panel of faculty and staff judges. 

The 2025 SURCA Symposium winners are:

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Biomedical Engineering A
"The Influence of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cell Number on MC F10A Cell
Proliferation"
Luke Bordarrampe (Advisor: Dr. Michael Toneff)

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Biomedical Engineering B
"Sustainable Biomaterials from Food Waste"
Jacob Grossman and Matthew D'Angelo (Advisor: Dr. LiKang Chin)

Biology/Environmental Science A
"Mapping scent chemotypes of floral mimic Symplocarpus foetidus using GCMS and
PRIMER-e"
Jaheara Brown (Advisor: Dr. Kate Goodrich)

Biology/Environmental Science B
"Ecological consequences of post-tornado salvage logging in Ridley Creek State Park:
Invasive species outcompete native recovery"
Tyler Harper (Advisor: Dr. Bruce Grant)

Chemistry/Chemical Engineering
"Recovery of Electrochemical-Grade Graphite from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries"
David Young (Advisor: Dr. Dipendu Saha)

Humanities/Business
"Understanding Motivation in Creative Writing"
Jada Allen (Advisor: Prof. Jayne Thompson)

Engineering A
"In Situ Fused Deposition Model (FDM) Electroplating: An Expansion of 4D Printing"
Boston Blake (Advisor: Dr. Babak Eslami)

Engineering B
"Integrating Autonomous Driving Technology into Electric-Powered Wheelchairs for
Enhanced Mobility"
Makia Salient Fausta (Advisor: Dr. Xiaomu Song)

Math/Physics/Computer Science
"Exploring Glassy Relaxation with the Random Energy Model"
Amine Lotfi (Advisor: Dr. Xin Du)

Sociology/Social Science A
"The Power of Language and Influence Within U.S Politics: A Look into The Trump
Administration"
Jasmine Ayadi (Advisor: Dr. J. Wesley Leckrone)

Sociology/Social Science B
"Revisiting Trauma: COVID-19's Impact on LGBTQ+ Older Adults Who Survived the AIDS Epidemic"
Ryan Holland (Advisor: Dr. Robin Goldberg-Glen)

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/2025-surca-symposium-winners

Widener welcomed Philadelphia-based National Public Radio affiliate WHYY to campus for a Bridging Blocks program in the University Center. WHYY Community Convener Brisa Castro facilitated the discussion attended by about 50 students, which considered the practice of book banning. Students, who attended through their roles as Maguire Scholars, Pride Service Site Leaders, or Bonner Scholars, watched a video, shared reactions to the topic and debated the subject in small group discussions.

Bridging Blocks is a partnership between WHYY and the Free Library of Philadelphia that fosters civil dialogue and understanding among diverse participants.
 
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/whyy-brings-bridging-blocks-chester-campus

Faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences have received a mini-grant totaling $11,500 from the Swarthmore Humanities Leadership Program and the Mellon Foundation which will be used to fund faculty development opportunities. 

Assistant Professors Thomas Wilk and Sara Berkowitz attended the Humanities Faculty Leadership Program at Swarthmore College over the summer and, along with Assistant Professor Jessica Guzman, have been selected as grant recipients. This funding will support a series of forums for humanities and humanistic social science faculty members over the course of the 2025-2206 academic year which aim to strengthen humanistic leadership at Widener and create a framework for broader implementation. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/humanities-faculty-receive-grant-fund-faculty-development-workshop
 

Widener University's Eta Beta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing has been honored with the 2023-2025 Chapter Key Award, the organization’s highest recognition for its chapters. This marks the 11th time the Eta Beta Chapter at Widener has received this honor.

Out of more than 650 chapters worldwide, only a select group achieves this distinction, which celebrates excellence in advancing Sigma’s mission of global nursing leadership and scholarship. This award recognizes chapters that demonstrate exceptional achievement in membership engagement, service and community impact, education, and leadership development.

This honor is a testament to the Eta Beta Chapter at Widener's commitment to advancing nursing through leadership, scholarship, and service and strengthening the profession and the communities they serve. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/eta-beta-chapter-sigma-nursing-honored-key-award

Atlantic City has formally recognized the Young Lawyers Division, or YLD, of the Atlantic County Bar Association with an official resolution from the city for its outstanding contributions to public service and civic engagement. The resolution, which was adopted in August 2025, commends the YLD’s ongoing efforts in community outreach, legal education, and service initiatives that have made a meaningful impact across Atlantic County.

The resolution highlights the leadership and dedication of current YLD Board Members, including three Delaware Law School alumni from the class of 2022: Dennis M. Tuohy Jr., Emanuel Sanfilippo III, and Rachel Koutishian. For Delaware Law School, the recognition is a proud moment that underscores the values instilled in its graduates.

Beyond its commitment to nurturing the next generation of attorneys, the YLD plays an active role in public service. Its members lead and participate in community outreach initiatives across Atlantic County, New Jersey—bringing legal resources, education, and support to residents in need. Through this dual mission of mentorship and civic engagement, the YLD continues to strengthen both the legal community and the broader public it serves.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/atlantic-city-honors-young-lawyers-division-delaware-law-alums-community-impact

Chris Cabott ‘05L, a Delaware Law School graduate and CEO of Equity Sports, has been named one of The Hollywood Reporter's Top Sports Lawyers of 2025—a prestigious recognition that cements his status as a powerhouse in the world of sports law. This honor highlights Cabott’s exceptional track record of negotiating more than $1 billion in contracts, including landmark deals for NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Jerry Jeudy.

The accolade is part of The Hollywood Reporter’s  inaugural Sports Power Lawyers list, which celebrates attorneys who are driving billion-dollar deals, shaping athlete branding, and influencing the future of sports business. Cabott stood out for his ability to secure not only massive player contracts but also strategic endorsement deals with global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Amazon, Netflix, and Visa. His work has also helped clients gain ownership stakes in major sports leagues, including MLB, MLS, and the NWSL.

Cabott’s recognition by The Hollywood Reporter affirms his role as a leading force in sports law—driving high-value deals, empowering athletes, and shaping the future of the industry. 

Read more about Chris’s story here.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/chris-cabott-05l-named-hollywood-reporters-top-sports-lawyers-2025

Lee A. Solomon '78L, a retired New Jersey Supreme Court Justice, has been named a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. The recognition is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to the justice system and the legal profession in New Jersey. Justice Solomon, who was the first Delaware Law School alumnus to serve on a state Supreme Court, is a celebrated member of the legal community whose decades-long career is marked by integrity, public service, and judicial excellence across all three branches of government.

Justice Solomon’s impact spans from his early days as a trial attorney and legislator to his leadership roles as Camden County Prosecutor, Deputy U.S. Attorney, and ultimately Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Beyond his rulings, he made lasting contributions by championing mental wellness in the legal community, spearheading efforts through the Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Law to nurture a healthier, more compassionate profession.

Now with Archer & Greiner, P.C., Justice Solomon continues to shape the legal landscape with the same dedication that earned him this distinguished accolade. His Medal of Honor reflects a career devoted to justice, compassion, and the betterment of society.

Read more about Justice Solomon’s story here.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/delaware-law-alumnus-honored-new-jersey-state-bar-foundations-2025-medal-honor

Lt. Col. William Atwell has joined Widener University as the professor of military science and head of the military science department for the ROTC Dauntless Battalion at Widener.

Prior to Atwell's arrival, he was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he served as an advisor/consultant for senior-level organizations in the U.S. Army.

A native of Pensacola, Florida, Atwell graduated from Samford University with a bachelor of arts in political science. He earned his master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

Atwell was commissioned as a military intelligence officer and branch detailed to field artillery, serving his first few years in the Army as an artilleryman.

Atwell has served in Germany, Iraq (in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom), Afghanistan (in support of Operation Enduring Freedom), as well as in several locations stateside, including in California where he worked with federal law enforcement agencies in counter-narcotic, counter-transnational organized crime, and counter-drug trafficking organization efforts.

A highly decorated officer, Atwell’s awards and honors include: the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with C Device, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, as well as multiple unit and service ribbons. 

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Vice President of Administration and Finance Heather Meier, who serves as the university’s chief financial officer, was recently named this year’s Tru Champion during the annual meeting of the National Association of College and University Business Officers in Washington, D.C.

The honor was given by Tru Consulting, a higher education advisory and solution implementation firm. It recognizes finance leaders driving innovation, sustainability and measurable impact across their institutions.

Meier joined the Widener administration in January. She oversees finances, financial planning, budgeting, contracts, human resources and facilities for the university and its seven colleges and schools.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/vice-president-heather-meier-honored-tru-champion
 

Julie Larson, a doctoral candidate in the School of Nursing, received the Eastern Nursing Research Society Doctoral Research Award by the National League for Nursing, or NLN. Larson, who earned her MSN at Widener in 2022 and is a nursing instructor at Thomas Jefferson University, was awarded $2,500 to conduct research titled "Nurse Educators’ Understanding of Social Justice as a Core Professional Value." Larson's project is one of nine grant-funded investigations partially funded by the NLN Foundation for Nursing Education to advance evidence-based, innovative scientific inquiry in pursuit of transformative excellence. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-phd-student-awarded-national-research-grant
 

Dear Widener Community,

There’s something truly special about the start of a new academic year! After a summer of renewal, our campuses are alive again with energy, enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of anticipation. 

I am especially thrilled to expand our culture of belonging to so many new students, who join our returning students as part of the Widener community. You have all worked very hard to get here and you’re right where you belong. Our faculty and staff in Chester, Wilmington and Harrisburg are relentlessly committed to your success. This first week of classes in Chester we are continuing a tradition of providing student "help stations" on the academic quad, where volunteers serve as key resources, answer questions, and provide small treats to celebrate the new year. If you have a question or a concern, stop by so we can help. If you’re all good, just stop by and say hello!

We hope this visible sign of support, along with numerous welcoming events held at both of our law schools, reminds students how much we’re rooting for them and that they belong at Widener. As I told the incoming first-year students at convocation on Friday, there will be highs and lows throughout your year, but know this is a community that is loyal, committed and determined to see everyone succeed. We have your back!

I look forward to seeing you out there at upcoming athletic events, lectures, panel discussions, arts and musical events, symposia and more. Let’s make it a great year!

With warmth and Widener Pride,
Stacey

Stacey Robertson, PhD
President

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/presidents-message-year-begins-widener

Both Delaware Law School and Commonwealth Law School have been included in the 2025 Princeton Review list of Best Law Schools.

Delaware Law also ranked third – up from a seventh-place ranking in 2023 and fourth place last year – on their list of the country’s 10 Best Law Schools for State and Local Clerkships. That recognition is based on the number of 2024 graduates who secured employment as judicial clerks. 

The law schools were among the 168 chosen for the unranked best law school list, out of more than 200 schools nationwide. Selections were made based on the results of law school student and administrator surveys and institutional data that included admissions statistics, career outcomes, academic rigor and more.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/princeton-review-recognizes-both-law-schools
 

Erika Huckestein, assistant teaching professor of history, has been selected as a winner of the 2025 European Studies First Article Prize in Humanities for her work "From Cradle to Grave: The Politics of Peace and Reproduction in the Anti-Fascist Campaigns of British Women’s Organisations."

This award, presented by the Council for European Studies, recognizes the writers of the best first articles on European studies published within a one-year period. Huckestein’s research area focuses on themes of political engagement, gender and social movements in Britan and Europe.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/history-faculty-recognized-council-european-studies
 

Widener University has been recognized for its commitment to helping students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a unique information platform for college-bound students. The university was named a 2025-26 College of Distinction and a Pennsylvania College of Distinction.

In addition to the state and national accolades, Widener has also received specialized endorsements and recognition in the following areas:

• Undergraduate business programs
• Undergraduate engineering programs
• Undergraduate education programs
• Undergraduate nursing programs
• Exceptional student support initiatives in career development
• Institutional commitment to equity and inclusion
• Exceptional support for veterans and active-duty students
• Exceptional support for the university’s international student community

Recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluating criteria known as the four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.

“Widener University has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation.”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-named-college-distinction-25

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
• Alexander Murphy, Jr. (DLS ’76) Top rated Entertainment & Sports attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania
• 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! 

Share link: www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-law-alumni-recognized-among-2025-super-lawyers-0