The captain of Widener’s women’s volleyball team and a teammate who joined her as CoSIDA Academic All-America selections last fall received congratulations from their fellow graduates recently as the university’s co-valedictorians.

Team captain Rachel Chizmadia (left), a communication studies major who finished among team career leaders in kills and digs, and early education/early childhood major Becky Rohrbaugh (right), who finished second in career assists, each posted 4.0 grade-point averages to earn the joint recognition during commencement ceremonies.

Chizmadia plans to work in broadcasting and film, while Rohrbaugh wants to teach in an elementary school.

In a valedictory message, Rohrbaugh offered thanks to the Widener community that “calmed my fears” upon her arrival as a freshman and “set me up for the best college years I could ever have hoped for.”

She also credited the university with providing her with a “solid educational experience” as well as a “warm social atmosphere” where she built what she believes will be lifelong friendships.

Chizmadia, who served as a student intern at 20th Century Fox, also worked in the university’s television station as a news anchor, entertainment news programmer and production crew member. Rohrbaugh was active in student government.

Both were honored as second-team Academic All-America selections following their senior season -- becoming Widener’s 42nd and 43rd honorees.