The Arcadia community gathered in the Commons Great Room on April 6 in celebration of the academic and scholarly achievements of their friends, family, peers, colleagues, and professors. Throughout the event, select students were recognized with departmental and University awards, and some were inducted into the honors society, Phi Kappa Phi.

“We will hear examples today that clearly illustrate that our students do, indeed, think big,” opened Arcadia University President Dr. Ajay Nair. “What our students are doing here at Arcadia impacts all global citizens.”

The full list of honors can be found here.

This year’s student speaker, Jill Dougherty ’24, a PreK-4/Special Education major, shared experiences from the second grade class she is student teaching to express the importance of personal connections in her major and beyond.

“As we celebrate our achievements today,” she stated, “let us also celebrate the invaluable gift of peer relationships, recognizing them as sources of inspiration and pathways to personal and collective growth. Together, let us continue to nurture these connections and allow them to guide us to a brighter future.”

Following the student awards, three distinguished faculty members were also presented with awards. First, the Provost’s Award for Outstanding Advising and Mentoring was awarded to Dr. Theresa “Teta” Barry, associate professor and director of Healthcare Administration. Then, the Adjunct Faculty Award was given to Elizabeth Billmers, adjunct professor of Chemistry and coordinator of lab facilities. Finally, Dr. Bruce Campbell, associate professor and director of the Educational Leadership Masters and Supervisory Certification programs, received the Lindbach Distinguished Teaching Award. 

“You are a central reason why we can facilitate a community of practice here at Arcadia,” added Dr. Nair, addressing the students, “where scholarship can flourish, innovation can blossom, and passions can be sparked. Indeed, you are why we are here, and you are why we want to continue to explore and discover.”