THE PRESIDENT'S MEDAL

The President’s Medal is conferred on a person whose life exemplifies the ideals and aspirations of Villa Julie College and whose service to the College is extraordinary in both scope and quality. This year’s recipient is no exception. It is with great admiration, respect, and gratitude that I confer this honor today on a very special person who has served Villa Julie College for twelve years as the highly respected leader of Career Services, Ellen Yerman.

Ellen has led career services into a mature unit befitting the mission of Villa Julie College, and in doing so has helped thousands of students to find rewarding positions. Under her leadership, Career HQ functions as a model of best practices. Her innovative spirit resulted in programs ranging from mock interviews to etiquette dinners. When Ellen saw a need, she took initiative. She was responsible for implementing such programs as Career Architecture, the national career conference, and the about-to-be unveiled Villa Julie career-focused website for the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education. Ellen consistently demonstrated the kind of leadership that makes the College a place students wish to attend.

Ellen has been a consistent supporter and booster of all our programs. She is thoughtful and responsive to the real needs of our students, no matter how great or simple those needs may be. The College’s high placement rate is a testament to not only the exceptional education our students receive but also the network of employers Ellen Yerman helped to create.

And so, to our treasured and dear friend, I say, thank you for being a vibrant member of the Villa Julie College community. You changed the lives of thousands of students by helping them imagine their future and design their careers. What a powerful legacy.

We now present to you our highest honor, The President’s Medal.

- Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D. President