Congratulations to our Graduates!
As the academic year comes to a close and Commencement is now upon us, let me offer my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of our graduates. You’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this moment. You’ve attended classes, worked in labs, traveled across the globe for your research, and logged countless hours in the library. You’ve juggled the demands of school with the obligations of work and family. You came to class straight from the office … or sometimes the airport … or from the soccer field or piano lessons! Know that each of you are a true inspiration to us, and it has been an honor to walk with you on this journey. I hope you enjoy every moment of the upcoming Commencement festivities, and truly celebrate the new beginnings that are upon you. Savor this moment – especially in light of the many sacrifices you made to get here.
For those of you with still a few more classes to take, a thesis to write, or exams to pass … I also offer you my most sincere encouragement and congratulations. With every semester’s conclusion, you get one step closer to achieving your goal of a graduate degree, and we remain committed to supporting you every step of the way. I hope that you enjoy a restful summer, and give yourself time to relax and rejuvenate.
Finally, as previously shared, I will be stepping down as Graduate Dean at the end of the month. It has been a great joy to serve in this role for the past five years; every day, I have been deeply inspired and humbled by your fortitude, creativity, and determination – and for that, I thank you most sincerely.
I leave you with the words of one of my favorite poems, written by Mary Oliver. The poem is called “What I Have Learned So Far” and has resonated with me in many different ways over the years. I thought would be nice to share today, as we all face our own bright new beginnings.
Meditation is old and honorable, so why should I
not sit, every morning of my life, on the hillside,
looking into the shining world? Because, properly
attended to, delight, as well as havoc, is suggestion.
Can one be passionate about the just, the
ideal, the sublime, and the holy, and yet commit
to no labor in its cause? I don't think so.
All summations have a beginning, all effect has a
story, all kindness begins with the sown seed.
Thought buds toward radiance. The gospel of
light is the crossroads of –indolence, or action.
Be ignited, or be gone.
- Christine Palus, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
CONCEPT Promotes Graduate Scholarship at Villanova
CONCEPT, the scholarly journal of CLAS graduate students, seeks to honor and highlight not only exemplary papers within their respective disciplines but also scholarship with wide interdisciplinary appeal. This year’s Graduate Research Prize Essay goes to Theology master’s student John Cacchione. Read more.
CLAS Graduate Studies Photos on Facebook
Make sure to check out the Office of Graduate Studies Facebook page to see photos from events such as our International Student Lunch, the CONCEPT launch, Commencement and more! And you don't have to be "on Facebook" to see them! Visit the Grad Studies Facebook page.
Four CLAS Graduate Students Earn Fulbright Grants
Events, Reminders and Tips
College of Professional Studies Leadership Symposium - May 31-June 2
Executives, managers, team leaders and change agents are invited to join the College of Professional Studies' 2019 Leadership Symposium, “Transitions and Breakthroughs,” from Friday, May 31, to Sunday, June 2, at The Inn at Villanova University. Throughout the weekend, attendees will learn from successful and inspiring practitioners and academic leaders as they hear stories of transition and reinvention. Seats are limited. Learn more and register.
Handshake - Find a Job or Internship
Handshake is Villanova’s go-to resource for jobs, internships, events, and more! This mobile career management platform intuitively connects you to relevant opportunities based on your profile, interests and search activity. Through Handshake, you can apply for positions, explore companies and connections and sign up for career fairs and workshops all in one place. Learn more and sign up!
Big Interview - Online Job Interview Prep Now Available
Big Interview is an innovative online training system to help you prepare more effectively for a job interview. Improve your interview technique and build confidence with this new system, which features mock interviews at all experience levels for dozens of interviews, feedback on interview answers, training videos and answer-building tools. Register at villanova.biginterview.com.
CLAS Graduate Studies
Email: gradinformation@villanova.edu
Website: gradartsci.villanova.edu
Location: Villanova University, Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, United States
Phone: 610-519-7090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VUGradStudies/
Twitter: @VUGradStudies