The TOWER of Excellence Award is the most prestigious non-academic award given at Walsh University. It is presented to the senior who had during his/her Walsh years displayed outstanding leadership qualities, exemplary interest in co-curricular and extracurricular work, and social and moral behavior that fulfills the mission of Walsh University. Carefully screened by the University according to these strict criteria, the TOWER of Excellence laureate reflects the core values of:
Talented Leadership (Demonstration of Leadership Activities and Qualities)
Outstanding Service to the Campus and Community
Walsh Commitment
Ethical, personal and spiritual integrity (character)
Responsible extra-curricular distinction
Congratulations to our 2022 TOWER Finalists:
Madeleine DiSalvatore
Gabriel del Guidice
Madison Erb
Skyler Stewart
Christopher Villarreal
A member of the Leaders in Social Justice Program, Madeline DiSalvatore will graduate in May 2022 from Walsh University with a bachelor’s degree in Community/Clinical Psychology and a minor in Theology.
In addition to her academic study and service work related to social justice and community involvement, Madeline has also been an active member of numerous campus organizations throughout her time at Walsh. Since 2019, Madeline has worked closely with Campus Ministry and Residence Life as a Campus Peacemaker, serving as a peer-mentor in the residence halls to help students grow in their faith. She also has held various leadership positions in the Community Kitchen Club and served as a AGAPE Retreat Leader since 2019. Madeline has remained active as a Maroon & Gold Mentor (2019-Present), Chapel Sacristan (2020-Present) and a member of the Art Club leadership team (2021-Present).
Among her volunteer experience, Madeline currently serves as a Positive Youth Prevention Group Mentor at Pathway Caring for Children, where she guides youth in developing healthy decision-making skills and coping mechanisms by mentoring them in a group setting and facilitating activities within the group. She also volunteered at Windsor Medical Center, where she played piano for the residents with hopes of enhancing their lives through song.
“I have participated in a multitude of clubs and organizations across campus within my time at Walsh, but the ones most important to me have been those that focus on feeding (spiritually, and/or physically) the underserved, such as Community Kitchen Club. My experience at Walsh involves loving the broken after recognizing the brokenness in myself. I have strived to live with the mission of the Brothers of Christian Instruction in mind—to be present, and to reach those on the peripheries of society.”
Gabriel del Guidice will graduate from Walsh University in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology – Applied Criminal Justice and minors in Forensic Studies and Psychology. Since arriving on Walsh’s campus in 2018, Gabriel was intent to put forth his best effort and rely on God for the rest.
To that end, Gabriel immersed himself in faith-based activities and organizations on campus including the Campus Ministry Club (2018-Present), Eucharistic Adoration Team Member (2018-Present), 40 Days for Life Leadership Team (2018-Present) and a leader in the Brotherhood Men’s Group (2019-Present). In addition, Gabriel has been an active member of the Hoover Hop Dance Committee (2015-Present), Walsh University Chorale and Chamber Singers (2018-Present) and served as a Cavs Crew member (2019-Present) and Campus Peacemaker (2020-Present).
Gabriel is a certified volunteer firefighter and EMT with both the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department and the Mifflin-Ashland Volunteer Fire Department (2019-Present). He is also currently pursuing a private pilot’s license. In addition, Gabriel has volunteered his time with Cleveland Right to Life’s Bringing America Back to Life Convention, the Alliance Catholic Worker and Canton’s Refuge of Hope.
“I daily strive to live out my Walsh commitment through dedication to faith life, academic excellence, personal and professional responsibilities, and our community, deriving my strength and courage from the knowledge that God always grants the increase. If just one person felt that they sensed the love of God through me, that would be all I need to know that the Lord has worked through me in service to others.”
Madison Erb will graduate from Walsh University in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications.
During her Walsh tenure, Madison has gained professional experience in various departments across campus including Alumni Relations Intern (2019-2020), Admissions Event Planning Intern (2020-2021), Campus Tour Guide (2021-Present) and Resident Assistant (2019-Present).
As a Resident Assistant (RA), Madison views her role as a peer mentor to look after students’ physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing in the residence halls. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns shifted how people interact with one another, Madison also had to shift. She put forth the extra effort to meet her community’s needs by hosting outdoor gatherings, checking in on residents personally, and finding other ways for students to socialize safely. As a result of her efforts, Madison was awarded the 2020-2021 RA Community Builder of the Year Award. Previously, she won the RA Programmer of the Year Award for 2019-2020.
Throughout her years at Walsh, Madison has been a member of the Leaders in Social Justice Program, Trek Club, Art Club, Campus Ministry Club, Community Kitchen, 40 Days for Life and Theology Club. She also earned Dean’s List honors all four years. Additional extracurricular activities included Hope Notes (2019), Cav Bash (2020), Crafty Cavs (2021-2022), University Chorale (2021-2022) and Ice Skating Club (2021-2022).
In addition, Madison has held leadership roles on campus including University Adoration Marketing Team (2018-2022), Campus Ministry VP (2019-2020), Pray for 40 Days Lenten Facilitator (2019), AGAPE Retreat Small Group leader (2019-2020), AGAPE Retreat Student Witness (2021), Joy Cor Coridum Leader (2021), Hoover Hop Dance Committee (2021-2022), International Ambassador (2021-2022), University Senate Student Representative (2021-2022) and Student Government Full Justice (2021-2022).
“Most of my involvement has been centered around deepening my faith and growing with others along the way. Without the soul, the body could not survive; thus, my passion lies in nourishing souls.”
Skyler Stewart will graduate from Walsh University in May 2022 with degrees in Government and Foreign Affairs and Sociology/Criminal Justice.
A student-athlete on the Track and Field team, Skyler has remained active on campus through membership in numerous organizations and committees including The Garage (2019), Cav Bash (2019, 2021), Cavs Cor Cordium (2021-Present), College Democrats (2020-Present), Walsh W.O.W. (2020-Present), Latin X (2021-Present), Lead for Walsh (2021-Present), Walsh Student Conduct Board (2021-Present), Active Minds (2021-Present) and Student Life Support Services Subcommittee (2022).
Skyler has also held a number of leadership roles at Walsh. Skyler is currently President of the Black Student Union and previously served the organization as Vice President (2020-2021) and Student Senator (2019-2020). As Vice Senate Chair for Walsh University Student Government (2020-Present), Skyler served as social media coordinator and composed four resolutions. She also is a mentor with the Walsh Peer Mentoring Program (2021-Present), Walsh Mosaic Leader (2019-2021) and previously served as a Cavs Crew Leader (2019).
In addition to her campus involvement, Skyler seeks ways to contribute to the surrounding communities as well. In 2021, Skyler participated in the United Way of Greater Stark County’s Project Blueprint, a unique program designed to recruit, train and connect diverse volunteer leaders. She has volunteered her time with organizations such as North Canton Church of Christ (2019-Present), Hartville Flea Market (2019) and the Canton Hall of Fame (2019, 2021). In 2021, Skyler’s essay was selected as the winner of Walsh’s MLK Jr. Essay Contest in which students were invited to submit essays focused on how the Walsh community can come together to promote peace, justice and equity.
“I have continually strived to be a positive outlook, friend, mentor, and someone who can learn by being open-minded. I have allocated my time to serving others while focusing on my school, working, and volunteering in the community. I am committed to making Walsh a better place than it was when I got here. I am committed to planting positive seeds that will grow in others and the University after I graduate. I will continue to strive to bridge gaps, help those in need, be a voice, and lead with nothing but love.”
Christopher Villarreal will graduate from Walsh University in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Occupational Therapy - Exercise Science. After graduation, Christopher will begin his next chapter at Walsh as a Counseling Services Graduate Assistant.
During his Walsh tenure, Christopher has earned numerous awards including Academic All-Conference for Cross Country (2018-2019), Dean’s List (2019-2021), Residence Life Director’s Commendation (2021), Outstanding First-Year Resident Assistant (2021) and Outstanding Senior of Exercise Science Pre-Occupational Therapy (2022).
A desire to grow his leadership skills led Christopher to pursue new opportunities on campus where he could make an impact. As a result, he sought roles such as Resident Assistant (2020-Present), Walsh University Student Government Vice President (2021-Present), Cavs Cor Cordium Leader (2021-Present) and Orientation Coordinator (2021-Present).
Christopher’s other extracurricular activities include involvement with AGAPE Retreat Leadership Team, The Brotherhood Men’s Ministry, Campus Ministry, Cavathon, Community Kitchen, Latin X and Pre-Occupational Therapy Club. He has also served on multiple campus committees and boards including the Reimagining Student Life Committee, Resident Assistant Advisory Board, Academic Review Board, Enrichment Week Planning Committee and Walsh United Steering Committee.
“I have been truly blessed and given many opportunities to make a difference here on campus. When I look back on my experience here at Walsh, I will be happy to say that I was a role model on my campus. I worked with my peers to create change and represent the student body. I took the time to make myself available and provide support for students and taught them to be more efficient leaders. I set an example for my peers and students to come as someone who was not only able to succeed academically but as a student who was able to live out Walsh's Mission in their daily life.”
