Melissa DeSoto of Port Tobacco Honored for Academic Achievement

2014 Jul 7

Melissa DeSoto of Port Tobacco was among the 63 members of The University of Scranton's undergraduate class of 2014 honored for academic excellence, service or both at Class Night on May 30. Also recognized were the University's four Fulbright scholarship recipients for the 2014-2015 academic year.

DeSoto was the recipient of the Excellence in Theology and Religious Studies Award and the Excellence in Women's Studies Award. A theology/religious studies major with a double minor in women's studies and counseling/human services, DeSoto was named to "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities" and was a member of the Theta Alpha Kappa and president of the Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies. She was an orientation assistant and resident assistant for two years, a volunteer for the Jane Kopas Women's Center and a member of Students for Suicide Prevention (SSP). Desotto also volunteered for the university's Mission and Ministry as a CLC Leader, Search Retreat and Team Leader, and Excess Food for Others Recovery Team (E.F.F.O.R.T.). She will perform a year of service through the Jesuit Volunteers Corps Northwest in Spokane, Wash., following graduation. DeSotto graduated from Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, Md.

Digital Image: Standing from left are Patricia Harrington, Ed.D., intern provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Melissa DeSoto, who received the Excellence in Theology and Religious Studies Award and the Excellence in Women's Studies Award at The University of Scranton's 2014 Commencement Exercise.