Philadelphia County Residents Honored for Academic Achievement

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Pictured left to right: Taylor Patrick Nelson, Gina D. Staller, Colleen M. Sullivan and Harold Baillie, Ph.D., provost and senior vice-president for academic affairs at The University of Scranton.

SCRANTON, PA (06/14/2013)(readMedia)-- Three local University of Scranton graduates were recognized for academic excellence and outstanding service by the Jesuit University at Commencement. The Philadelphia County residents were among 67 honored graduates who earned some of the nation's most prestigious honors including Goldwater, Truman and Fulbright scholarships.

Taylor Patrick Nelson of Chester Springs, graduated magna cum laude from The University of Scranton and received the Excellence in Health Administration Award.

Nelson majored in health administration with minors in counseling, human services and business at the Jesuit university. He was a member of The Student Athletic Advisory Committee and captain of the men's varsity lacrosse team.

Nelson will pursue a master's degree in health administration at The University of Scranton with a focus in global health management or pharmaceuticals.

Nelson is a graduate of Downingtown East High School in Downingtown.

Gina D. Staller of Philadelphia, graduated summa cum laude from The University of Scranton and received the Professor Bernard J. McGurl Award for Excellence in Communication.

Staller majored in communication with a minor in music history at the Jesuit university. She is a member of Lambda Pi Eta (the national honor society for communication), Alpha Epsilon Alpha (a University of Scranton founded honor society for communication), Alpha Lambda Delta (the national honor society for first-year students) and Omega Beta Sigma (the women's business honor society). She was also a member of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Staller is the station manager and program director for The University of Scranton's Radio Station, 99.5 WUSR Scranton.

Staller will return to The University of Scranton in the fall to complete her master's degree in business administration while working as a graduate teaching assistant in the Kania School of Management.

Staller is a graduate of Nazareth Academy High School in Philadelphia.

Colleen M. Sullivan of Philadelphia, a 2013 graduate of The University of Scranton, received the Excellence in Occupational Therapy Award.

Sullivan majored in occupational therapy with a minor counseling and human services. She is a member of Alpha Sigma Nu (the honor society for Jesuit universities and colleges) and was the president of the occupational therapy association. Sullivan was also an undergraduate teaching assistant for biology.

Sullivan will complete her master's degree in occupational therapy at The University of Scranton.

Sullivan is a graduate of St. Hubert High School in Philadelphia.

Photo Caption: The University of Scranton honored 2013 graduates who exemplified its Jesuit Tradition through academics and service. Pictured left to right: Taylor Patrick Nelson, Gina D. Staller, Colleen M. Sullivan and Harold Baillie, Ph.D., provost and senior vice-president for academic affairs.