Local Residents Honored for Academic Achievement at University of Scranton

Related Media

Seated from left are, W. Jeffrey Welsh, Ph.D., dean, Kyle Randall, Daniel Jackowitz. Standing are Nicole Giorgio, Kimberly Smith, Alycia Crilly, Alissa Valiante, Cristinal Miinea, Christopher Toomey

SCRANTON, PA (01/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Alissa Valiante, Hillside, and Alycia Crilly, Wanaque, were among the ten graduate students at The University of Scranton named recipients of Frank O'Hara Awards, which recognized students with the highest grade point average at approximately the mid-point of their master's degree programs in each of Scranton's graduate programs.

Valiante is pursuing a master's degree in educational administration. She graduated from Kean University, Union, N.J., with a bachelor's degree in music education with a voice concentration. She earned a master's degree from Marygrove College, Detroit, Mich. She is currently employed in Hillside, N.J., as the general music teacher. A member and former president of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Mystic Vision Players theatre company. She is a member of the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Music Educators' Association and the American Choral Directors' Association.

Crilly is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in physical therapy. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a concentration in nutrition from The University of Scranton, where she was a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa (the exercise science honor society), Alpha Lambda Delta (the national honor society for freshman) and Alpha Sigma Nu (the national Jesuit honor society). A recipient of the Rose Kelly Award, she has volunteered with Camp Acorn and the Mary Therese Rose fund for children with disabilities, named after her sister. A graduate assistant for physical therapy, she was also involved with the University Mission and Ministry, Physical Therapy Club and the University's Christian Life Community organization.

Digital image (OHara Grad CGCE)

Recipients of The University of Scranton's Frank O'Hara medals from the College of Graduate and Continuing Education pictured with W. Jeffrey Welsh, Ph.D., (seated far left) dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Education, are, seated from left, Kyle Randall and Daniel Jackowitz. Standing are, from left, Nicole Giorgio, Kimberly Kowalik-Smith, Alycia Crilly, Alissa Valiante, Cristinal Miinea, Ph.D., and Christopher Toomey.