Wasilko Receives National Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award

Sponsored by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition and Penguin Random House Publishing, the esteemed award was presented to Wasilko during the 44th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience in February.
 
Each year, presidents of American higher education institutions are invited to nominate one educator on their campus who exhibits exceptional work in the areas of student learning, development and success. Wasilko was nominated in recognition of the inspiring, enduring connections he forms across campus and his contributions to first-year student success.
 
“Adam is passionate about serving our students,” said President Ken Gormley. “He’s an energetic and dedicated champion for all students and plays a vital role in their lives. I’m thrilled that he’s received this well-deserved national recognition.” 
 
The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition is a trusted authority, internationally recognized leader and clearinghouse for scholarship, policy and best practice for postsecondary student transitions.
 
“The Duquesne student experience would not be the same without Adam. His commitment to individual students, and a student experience that represents our unique Spiritan values and ethos, is unmatched,” said Dr. Leanna Fenneberg, senior vice president for student life.  “His investment in first-year student success, including the delivery of exceptional First-Year Advisement Summer Transition and orientation programs, provides students with an incredible transition to Duquesne.” 
 
Wasilko accepted the award among an audience of his peers at the annual conference. 
 
“This award means even more to me knowing that I was nominated by President Gormley and our campus community,” said Wasilko. “It is a humbling experience to be recognized for doing something that you love. Our students are the best, and it means the world to me that I get to work with them.”