Welcome to the first issue of our redesigned newsletter for the CLAS Graduate community! While the design might have changed (slightly), the goal of keeping you connected, informed and inspired has not.

Although this semester certainly has had its challenges, I have enjoyed seeing you grow as scholars, adapt to new routines and make tremendous efforts to create this welcoming and engaged community. So far we have celebrated at our Fall Bash, participated in the Villanova Day of Service and, most recently, enjoyed a fun S'mores Fire Pit on campus. You can see photos from these events on our Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who helped plan and run these events, especially the volunteers on our Graduate Student Council. We plan to have more events in the coming months, so stay tuned.

In this issue of GRAD CLAS NOTES, we share more opportunities to network and celebrate the success of our graduate programs, including the month-long Career Center's Nova Network November, and our Graduate Student Research Symposium on November 12.

I hope your semester is progressing smoothly and you have fallen into a good rhythm of balancing your studies and life's multitude of commitments. I also hope you are taking time for yourself to enjoy all that Villanova and the Philadelphia area has to offer - that is an important part of graduate school, too!

Raka Shome, PhD, professor and Harron Family Endowed Chair in the Department of Communication, was selected as the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Scholar Award from the National Communication Association (NCA). Given annually, the NCA Distinguished Scholar Award is the association’s highest accolade. It honors a lifetime of scholarly achievement in the study of human communication. READ MORE

Faculty from the Department of Geography and the Environment were recently awarded four grants totaling more than $1.1 million. In all, three grants were received from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and one from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The projects include creating environmental justice and place-based learning experiences for high school students, the impact of marine debris in Puerto Rico’s waterways, reducing tornado impact in the Southeastern United States and measuring the impact of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems along the East Coast. These grants will allow several graduate student research opportunities with faculty throughout the duration of the projects. READ MORE

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recently honored five alumni who have distinguished themselves in their respective professions and demonstrated service and dedication to their communities and to the University. The five individuals received the biennial College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Medallion at a special celebration at the Inn at Villanova on Oct. 7. Hezekiah Lewis, MFA, ’99 CLAS, ’02 MA, Assistant Professor in Communication, was honored with the Graduate Alumni Medallion, which recognizes an alumna or alumnus of the College’s master’s or doctorate programs. READ MORE

Nova Network November is back for its third year! This month-long programming series features more than 20 events dedicated to enhancing the professional development of Villanova alumni, graduate students, parents and friends. All programs will take place throughout November online, on campus and across the Nova Nation. See the Schedule of Events and register.

Join the Villanova community for a taste of mindfulness meditation on Mondays from 1 to1:30 p.m. during the Fall 2021 semester. Mindfulness Mondays offer a virtual, comfortable space where you are guided and encouraged to stop and focus on the "here and now." Mindfulness is proven to reduce stress and enhance well-being, which can be beneficial to all faculty, staff and students. Learn more.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training – November 3

The Villanova Office of Health Promotion offers QPR Training – Question, Persuade, Refer. QPR is a Suicide Prevention Tool that anyone can learn and use. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught Gatekeeper Training in the world. the next training will be offered at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3. Learn more and register.

Villanova Theatre Presents Beckett Bites – November 4 - 14

Join your colleagues in Villanova Theatre for their upcoming production of Beckett Bites, a deftly curated collection of four ruminations on the return to a more connected world, directed by Villanova faculty Edward Sobel and on stage in the Court Theatre at the brand-new John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 4 - Nov.14. Learn more and get tickets.

Mother Mary Lange Lecture in Black Catholic History – November 8

The Mother Mary Lange Lecture in Black Catholic History will at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 8 in the Connelly Center Villanova Room. This lecture, sponsored by the Office of Mission and Ministry, is named in honor of the founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first congregation of African American women religious in the Catholic Church. This event will feature a keynote address by history professor Erin Rowe, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University, and remarks by Sister Rita Michelle Proctor, OSP, the congregation's superior general. Learn more.

Graduate Student Research Symposium – November 12

Join the Office of Graduate Studies from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, November 12 to support and celebrate the research of your fellow graduate students who were awarded Summer Research Fellowships this summer. Oral presentations will take place in the Connelly Cinema followed by poster presentations in the St. David’s Room. Look for more information soon!

Introducing Interstride: A Job Search Tool for International Students

Villanova University has joined Interstride, a job search tool for international students providing job and internship postings from employers that focus on hiring international students, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities, visa and immigration support services and more! Explore Interstride.

The Annual Giving team in University Advancement is seeking a graduate student intern to help with digital solicitation and stewardship campaigns to inspire Villanovans to support the University. Duties include documenting processes, preparing lists, developing content and analyzing results. Compensation is $17 per hour. Learn more and apply.