The College community celebrated the academic achievements of Manhattan’s exceptional students at the Spring Honors Convocation in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers on May 16. Graduating seniors in the College's honor societies were recognized, and medals and prizes were awarded to the most outstanding students.
“All of you have significantly contributed to the quality and success of Manhattan College, and we’re very proud of your achievements and commitment to both your studies and the many ways you served Manhattan College and others,” Lisa Rizopoulos, Ph.D., associate professor of education, who delivered the faculty address, said. “Your consistent drive and your deep commitment to your studies have propelled you to achieve academic excellence.”
For Rizopoulos, who recently received the Lasallian Educator of the Year award, the evening had special significance. Her son, Perry Rizopoulos ’13, who graduates with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a minor in Spanish on May 19, received the Donald J. Carty Valedictory Medal and the Medal for Excellence in the Liberal Arts. After accepting his awards, he joined his mother on stage to share the happy moment with a hug.
Joseph P. Dillon ’62, president of the alumni society, presented the Joseph J. Gunn Alumni Medal, one of the College’s highest undergraduate student honors, to Christopher Bednarz ’13.
On top of an impressive academic record, Bednarz served as a leader in a staggering number of co-cirricular clubs and organizations, including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the IDEA Investment Club, as well as Tao Beta Pi, Omega Chi Epsilon and Phi Delta Epsilon honors societies. He also received the Draddy Medal for General Excellence in Engineering during the ceremony.
“Warm congratulations to all of our honorees,” Brennan O’Donnell, president of the College, said in closing. “And congratulations to all of those honorees’ parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, siblings and friends—in short, to all of the members of the personal Village that raised each and every one of these bright and accomplished soon-to-be-Jasper alumni and alumnae! Well done!”