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Espadas Named Outstanding Graduate Student in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Association of Graduate Schools (PAGS) named Miriam Espadas (second from right) as an Outstanding Student in 2006. Pictured with Espadas (from left) are Dr. Terrance DePasquale, dean of graduate programs and international studies at Seton Hill University, and president of PAGS; Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, president of Neumann College; and Louise Bank, associate director of admissions for graduate and adult programs at Neumann, and president-elect of PAGS.

The Pennsylvania Association of Graduate Schools (PAGS) has named Neumann's Miriam Espadas as one of three Outstanding Students in the state for 2006. Terrance DePasquale, PAGS president, conferred the honor on Espadas during the association's annual conference, held on March 22-24 at Neumann College.

On May 13, Espadas will graduate with a master's degree in pastoral counseling and certification in an allied program, spiritual leadership at work. During her time in the Pastoral and Theological Studies Department at Neumann, she has successfully completed internships at Villa St. John in Downingtown, serving as pastoral counselor in training, and the Philadelphia Center for Psychoanalysis, working at a clinic that serves the poor and homeless of Philadelphia.

Currently, Espadas is assisting the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with an information-gathering project that will focus the work of many dioceses through the United States Conference of Bishops to engage young Hispanics in the Catholic faith.

Suzanne Mayer, IHM, Ph.D., a professor in the pastoral counseling program, calls Espadas "an exceptional student, who represents that unique combination of academic excellence and personal commitment to service." According to Mayer, Espadas has "a great passion for and dedication to reach out to the underserved and meet their needs."

The two other winners for 2006 are Thomas Maul from the University of Pittsburgh and Heather Shriver from Thomas Jefferson University.

The 2006 PAGS conference was held on campus thanks to the efforts of Louise Bank, associate director of admissions for graduate and adult programs at Neumann. Bank is vice president of PAGS this year and president-elect for 2006-07.

4/18/06