HAVERTOWN — On Feb. 1, 60 University seniors gathered at the Llanerch Country Club to celebrate their induction into “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.” “Who’s Who” recognizes academic achievement, service and leadership.

The students and their families attended a banquet Saturday night where Dean of Students Paul Pugh and Assistant Vice President for Student Life Kathleen J. Byrnes presented the recipients with certificates from the national association of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” and engraved pewter plates.

The students were selected based on a set of five criteria: senior status, a minimum GPA of 3.0, good discipline, demonstration of service and demonstration of leadership within the University community.

Last semester students who met the 3.0 GPA requirement were e-mailed an invitation to apply for “Who’s Who.” Pugh served as chairperson for the selection committee, which reviewed several hundred applications. The selection committee also included representatives from the student body, faculty, Campus Ministry, Residence Life and Student Development.

Rev. John Stack, O.S.A., vice president of Student Life and Dr. John Johannes, vice president for Academic Affairs, approved the list of selected students.

Reflecting on the caliber of students selected, Pugh said, “What’s really great is to see all the wonderful students. When you see the accomplishments of the students over the years you wonder how or if they ever slept.”

“Who’s Who” recipient and communications major Kevin Chupka said the honor was “very, very cool.” “It has added so much to my senior year and made it all the more memorable,” he continued.

Chupka holds leadership roles in numerous campus organizations, including the Villanova Singers and Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society.

“Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” is published every year as a well-known biographical resource on the most notable students pursuing higher education.