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Paralegal
graduation held at Yangming
Elizabeth Solly ’05
 On
Jan. 15, Villanova University’s Paralegal Certificate Program held
its graduation ceremony at Yangming in Bryn Mawr. Ten students completed
the four-month program, which is part of Villanova’s continuing
studies department. Dr. Sam DiLullo, the program coordinator, presided
over the ceremony, which began with an elaborate five- course dinner,
and concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates.
Before the presentation, DiLullo spoke to a crowd of about 40 about Villanova’s
paralegal program, crediting the faculty for the creation of “one
of Philly’s premier paralegal programs.” Rocco Nigro, who
has been a professor in the paralegal department for 18 years, received
a plaque to honor his service to his students and the entire Villanova
community. Nigro currently is taking a semester off, but looks forward
to returning to the paralegal department in the near future. DiLullo lauded
Nigro as someone who “exemplifies teaching, and teaches because
he really wants students to learn.” DiLullo went on to thank those
who make the paralegal program possible, including the other faculty,
the law advisory committee, Continuing Studies Director Gary Bonas, Karen
Christie, who coordinated the evening, and the entire continuing studies
department.
Three graduates were singled out for exceptional academic performance.
Brian Leibrandt, Lorraine Elliott, and Suzanne Dada each received a plaque
in honor of his/her achievement; each of these students earned a grade
of “A” in every paralegal course they took. Elliott said of
her experience with the program, “It was very interesting, and it
was great to be back in school.”
As the evening drew to a close, DiLullo urged the 10 new graduates to
keep in touch now that their tenure with the University has ended. As
paralegals, they now can assist lawyers in both the public and private
sectors; they may prepare specialized documents, interview clients, and
research laws. DiLullo expressed his pride in the students’ achievements
and excitement over their future opportunities, but reminded them “not
to get a big job and forget about us.”
The Paralegal Certificate Program has been offered since 1983, and may
be completed in the traditional four- month sequence, which is offered
three times a year, or in a part- time evening program that spans the
course of one year. The program strives to educate motivated individuals
in the theory and practice of law and legal ethics. Students are equipped
with the necessary practical skills to extend the effective delivery of
legal services, as defined by the American Bar Association. All courses
are taught by experienced lawyers and paralegals in the Philadelphia area,
and the program benefits from an advisory council made up of practicing
lawyers, paralegals, corporate counselors, and Villanova faculty.
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