Ricciardi of North Wales Named Widener University Class of 2013 Valedictorian

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Emma Ricciardi

CHESTER, PA (05/20/2013)(readMedia)-- Emma Ricciardi of North Wales, Pa., graduated from Widener University on Saturday, May 18 at the top of her class. After finishing her college career with a 4.0 grade point average, she earned the title of valedictorian of the Class of 2013. She shares this honor with three additional members of her class who also earned a 4.0.

Ricciardi is the daughter of Phil Ricciardi and Laurie Gilroy of North Wales. She graduates Widener with dual bachelor's degrees in English and creative writing. Following graduation, she will attend Rutgers-New Brunswick to pursue a master's degree in library science.

At Widener, Ricciardi was a member of the Alpha Mu Gamma and Alpha Psi Omega honor societies. She was an editor for four years – and editor-in-chief last academic year – of Widener's literary magazine, Widener Ink, formerly The Pioneer Review. She also served as an editor for The Blue Route, Widener's online undergraduate literary journal.

Ricciardi earned a full-tuition scholarship to attend Widener. Prior to commencement, she received the J. Wilson Graham Award, which is presented to a member of the senior class deemed most outstanding in English literature. In addition, she received a certificate of advanced honors in general education for exceeding the five courses needed for a certificate of honors.

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. The university's campuses in Chester, Exton, Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., serve some 6,500 students. Visit the university website, www.widener.edu.

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