Criminal Justice Awards

Michael Ferrara and Kennedy Waterson were presented with a scholarship at Alvernia University's annual Criminal Justice Dinner.

Ferrara and Waterson gathered with fellow students in the criminal justice program, faculty, and staff at the dinner to accept their awards.

"[Ferrara] was chosen for the Professor Edgar J. Hartung Emeritus Award because of his passion to serve others in the community through law enforcement coupled with his excellent academics," said Rosemary McFee, instructor of criminal justice. "[Ferrara's] goal is to serve as a law enforcement officer and we have no doubt that he will attain that goal as he will be an asset to any department."

Ferrara explained that his passion for criminal justice developed throughout his time at Alvernia. He also discovered the variety of plausible career paths criminal justice can provide. Ferrara shared that regardless of the path you take as a criminal justice major, the ubiquitous goal is typically to "make the world a safer place for everyone."

"I'm beyond happy to receive this award," said Ferrara. "The more I hear about Professor Hartung and how much he impacted this school and its criminal justice program, the more I appreciate this award. It really feels like an honor."

The Larrie Thomas Scholarship was created by Alvernia alumnus Nicholas Donohue '03. Donohue was inspired by how Larrie's kindness and good spirit affected those around her and thus, created the Larrie Summer Thomas Scholarship to keep her memory alive and to honor her tenacious, yet loving spirit that represents those who enter into the Criminal Justice field.

"Kennedy is a double major (criminal justice and political science with a Pre-Law minor and has an impressive GPA of 3.96," said Dr. Malgorzata Zuber, assistant professor of criminal justice. "Overall, she is very engaged on campus life, and makes most of Alvernia's experience while still being a high-performing student in her major."

Waterson is in Alvernia's Honors Program, represented Alvernia at the university's debut mock trial tournament, presented her scholarly research at the ASC conference in Atlanta, as well as serves as president of Alvernia's Criminal Justice Association, vice president of the Political Science Club, and as a tutor.

"I am grateful to have been chosen as the recipient of the Larrie Summer Thomas Scholarship. Larrie's story is extremely motivating and encompasses the tenacity every individual should aspire to have," said Waterson.

She explained that her biggest takeaway from being a criminal justice student at Alvernia is the ability to build close relationships with her peers and professors. She highlighted that the small class sizes promoted enhanced learning and facilitated her understanding of other students' perspectives.

To view these students click here: https://alvernia.meritpages.com/achievements/Criminal-Justice-Awards/155648