Honoring the Leadership, Service, and Success of Widener Law Commonwealth Students
At Widener Law Commonwealth, we believe in celebrating our students—not just for their academic success, but for the leadership, compassion and service they bring to our community every day.
That’s what the 2025 Student Awards Ceremony was all about.
The event brought together students, faculty, staff, family, and friends on campus to recognize standouts across the board—in academics, advocacy, public service and more. It was an afternoon filled with applause, heartfelt stories and a whole lot of pride.
Dean andré douglas pond cummings kicked off the ceremony with words that stuck with many in the room.“I’ve worked at six or seven law schools, and this place is extraordinary,” he said. “Our faculty and staff see you, care about you, and today, we celebrate you. We don’t do this in isolation. Family, friends, and partners—you are part of this celebration too.”
Assistant Dean of Students Randi Teplitz, who emceed the event, echoed the sentiment. “This is my favorite event of the year,” she said with a smile. “I tried to keep the bios short, but it was impossible—your accomplishments are just too impressive.”
A few highlights from the day:
- Zoë Wilson received the distinguished service award. She’s been a constant presence on campus—leading the Student Ambassadors, launching the First-Generation Society, and serving on the Student Bar Association and Dean’s Student Council. As Teplitz put it, “Zoë’s warmth and dedication have enriched every part of our campus.”
- Nick Grimes earned the valedictorian award, graduating summa cum laude while balancing full-time work and family. He also recently passed the February bar exam. “Nick’s discipline, intellect, and work ethic embody the best of Widener Law,” said cummings.
- Kiera Flannery, a second-year student, received the president’s award, presented by Widener University President Stacey Robertson. Flannery is a law review member, student ambassador, and the next editor-in-chief of the Widener Commonwealth Law Review.
- Miss-Kye Gallon took home the dean’s award for her perseverance, leadership, and service. She came to Widener through the trial admissions program showing phenomenal resilience embodying the best characteristics that represent students at the law school. Gallon has since become an extremely effective leader in student life.
Widener Law Commonwealth also recognized student excellence through prestigious honor societies during the ceremony. Numerous students were honored across these societies, each receiving a certificate and a color-coded cord symbolizing their academic and co-curricular achievements.
- 15 students were recognized by the Widener Commonwealth Law Review, receiving white cords and certificates for their contributions to legal scholarship.
- 14 students were inducted into the Appellate Advocacy Honor Society, receiving green cords and certificates for their commitment to excellence in written and oral advocacy.
- 16 students were honored by the Trial Advocacy Honor Society, receiving brown cords and certificates for their leadership and advocacy performance in mock trial competition.
- Ten students were inducted into the Order of the Barristers, a national honor society that recognizes outstanding achievement in oral advocacy and legal writing. cummings presented each inductee with a scroll during the ceremony, highlighting their exceptional work in trial and appellate advocacy.
Professor Mary Kate Kearney presented the Widener Commonwealth Law Review Award for Excellence in Legal Scholarship and Service to Miranda Thompson, outgoing editor-in-chief. Thompson hosted two national symposia, published scholarly articles, and presented at faculty-level conferences—all while being a full-time student.
Other student leadership awards included:
- Haley Kyllonen, recognized by the Appellate Advocacy as outstanding executive board member.
- Kaylie O’Donnell, honored by the Trial Advocacy as outstanding executive board member.
- Abbigale Agosti, winner of the Dean Anthony J. Santoro Outstanding Service Award for her leadership as SBA president and co-founder of the First-Generation Society.
Service and clinical excellence were front and center too:
- Vanessa Peck earned the outstanding clinical advocacy award for her work in the Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic.
- Gabrielle Lipari received the outstanding pro bono service award for her volunteer work, including with “Operation Thank a Vet.”
- 30 students completed the Public Interest Initiative, logging over 60 hours of unpaid legal service. Each received a red honor cord for commencement.
Competitive scholarships were awarded to:
- Keith Gregory – The George C. Blissman, Sr. Memorial Scholarship (tax law)
- Emily Sweeney – The Michael J. Aiello Scholarship (academic excellence)
- Edward Fracasso – The Captain Shane Mahaffee Scholarship for Excellence (military service)
- Artem Arutunian – The Bruce M. & Elizabeth M. Monroe Intellectual Property Scholarship
- Jacob Russell – The Page, Wolfberg & Wirth Emergency Services Scholarship
- Kaylie O’Donnell and Katrina Perea – The Douglas M. Wolfberg Scholarship
- Eugene Deimler and Jisela Eck – The General Carl E. Mundy Jr., USMC (RET.) and Linda Sloan Mundy Marine Scholarship
Finally, twelve students were recognized with awards for outstanding service to the law school, honoring their lasting contributions to campus life through leadership, dedication, and service:
- Emily Corcuera
- Kimberly Diaz
- Morgan Engler
- Gretchen Fullmer
- Magali Gonzalez-Salas
- Natalie Guerra
- Haley Kyllonen
- Kira Meager
- Benjamin McFadden
- Sophie Miller
- Aditi Patel
- Kendra Schleig
“Today reminds me why I love my job,” said Teplitz. “It’s been a privilege to work with all of you, and I can’t wait to see what you do next.”
