Amanda Rappa was recently honored with the President’s Award at Widener University, given to a graduating senior who has contributed the most to campus life through academics and participation in extracurricular activities.

Widener President Stacey Robertson surprised her with the award when Rappa showed up, believing she was helping shoot a video through her role as a student worker in University Relations, writes Mary Allen, Widener’s Executive Director of Communications.

“I thought it was fake,” Rappa said. “I couldn’t believe it. I really couldn’t.”

Coming to Widener

She enrolled at Widener as a commuter, following in the footsteps of her mother, Maryann Rappa, and her sister Lauren, both alumnae.

A graduate of Springfield High School, Rappa wasn’t sure at first if she even wanted a college life. She had thought about a career in cosmetology, but a kitchen table conversation with her sister changed her mind.  

She discovered Widener’s active campus life, and suddenly it became hard to commute.

“I was sad to leave campus every day and commute home,” she said. “All the people I met got to stay.”

She decided to lean in.

“The reason I got so involved was because I wanted to fill up my schedule so I didn’t have to leave,” she said. “There was no way I was going to get connected if I just came in, went to class, and left.”

Life on Campus

Her transformation ended up defining her college experience, ultimately distinguishing her as one of Widener’s most engaged and impactful students.

“Amanda represents the very best of what Widener strives to cultivate in its students. Her academic excellence, her extraordinary involvement across campus, and—most importantly—her ability to bring people together and make them feel valued set her apart,” Robertson said.

Robertson said Rappa not only participated in campus life, but she also helped shape and strengthen it as she lifted others along the way.

A communication studies major with wide-ranging interests, Rappa immersed herself in nearly every corner of campus.

She joined Widener Dance Company, worked for Admissions and University Relations, executive-produced and moderated TEDxWidener, and became a member of Phi Sigma Sigma.

She maintained her status as an honors student and balanced an off-campus job in a dance merchandise shop and a professional internship with U.S. Liability Insurance in Wayne.

She tried everything—not because she had to, but because she wanted to.

“Even things that didn’t relate to me, I would try. I met people in every area of campus, and that’s why I ended up loving it so much.” Rappa said.

A People Person

She is a self-described “people person,” with a gift for making others feel seen. She credits that quality as her biggest growth area and the defining theme of her Widener experience.

“There’s one thing I always keep in mind,” she said. “If people don’t remember anything else about you, they’ll remember how you made them feel.”

That philosophy shaped her leadership, particularly within Widener Dance Company, where she choreographed and mentored fellow dancers. Through dance, Rappa also extended her impact beyond campus.

She worked with the CAAT Center in Chester, supporting youth performers and helping nurture a relationship between the university and the community.

Watching those students grow—from eight-year-olds to teens—became one of her most meaningful experiences.

“That’s been really great,” she said. “It’s outside of Widener, and it just reminds you how important those connections are.”

Her growth extended into student work with University Relations, where she developed skills in writing, photography, video, and social media.

Under the mentorship of Director of Social Media Hilary Bentman, Rappa gained not just technical experience, but self-assuredness.

“I don’t think I would have been as confident in myself if I hadn’t worked with Hilary,” she said. “I learned to trust myself and not worry what other people think.”

Whether braving the rain for a TikTok about lousy spring weather or stepping into a mascot costume to make a lighthearted video, Rappa embraced every opportunity.

What’s Ahead

Rappa is exploring what comes next. With interests spanning media, storytelling, and interpersonal work, she’s less concerned with a specific title and more focused on finding purpose.

“I just know I want something where I can work with people and feel fulfilled,” she said.

Wherever she lands, she is taking incredible memories of the university with her.

“You’re going to get back whatever you put into it. Widener is special. The people here—they make it that way,” she said.