Katherine Villaver wins Shanahan Medal at SPU

Congratulations to senior Katherine Villaver who will be receiving the Shanahan Medal at St. Peter's University's graduation on Friday.

The Shanahan Medal, in honor of Reverend James J. Shanahan, former President. This Medal is awarded to the graduate in the Associate Degree Program in the School of Professional Studies with the highest general average throughout their collegiate career.

Villaver is the second consecutive Shanahan award winner who graduated Hudson Catholic as part of the Dual Degree Program. Aidan Marmaroto '24 won the award last year.  We sat down with Katherine for an interview

Q: How big of a reason was Dual Degree for you choosing Hudson Catholic?
A: The Dual Degree program was one of the biggest reasons for choosing Hudson Catholic. It provided me with many opportunities and advantages academically and financially in the long run. Moreover, I was able to experience a little bit of college life, and this program took off most of the nerves that come with the transition from high school to college.

Q: . How challenging was balancing SPU and HC?
A: Honestly, it wasn't easy at first, especially when I started taking my classes on the SPU campus. I had to learn how to manage my time and prioritize things responsibly, which was another challenge and takeaway from this program. Of course, with the support and consideration of my teachers from both institutions, I was able to adapt and balance my schedule.

Q: What was your favorite/best/most enjoyable class at SPU?
A: Most of my classes were enjoyable and taught me a lot, but if I were to choose, my Nonviolence and Intro to Computer and Information Processing classes would be my favorites. I can't choose between the two because Nonviolence influenced me personally, whereas Intro to Comp and Info Pro influenced me and helped me choose the major I'm aiming for.

Q:  Where are you going to college and why?
A: This fall, I will be going to Rutgers New Brunswick, where I will be majoring in Computer Science at SAS and attending the Honors College. I decided to go to Rutgers because of the many opportunities its programs offer, the sense of community among students and faculty, and the genuine desire of its faculty to help its students pursue their dreams and goals.
 
Q: What will you remember most about Hudson outside of Dual Degree?
A: Hudson Catholic has been my second home for the past four years and will always have a special place in my heart. However, what I will remember the most about Hudson Catholic are the teachers who guided me during those years. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to receive this award because they pushed me, nurtured my desire to learn, encouraged me, and supported me in any way that they could. I couldn't be more thankful to them and their dedication as teachers.