Bridgewater College recognized two seniors for academic excellence in Spanish and French with the 2022 Raymond N. Andes Awards.
The award, which honors a former chair of the College’s World Languages and Cultures department, is presented annually to the top students majoring in Spanish and French. Andes was a 1940 graduate of Bridgewater College and taught French from 1946 until he retired in 1983.
Matthew Wonderley was awarded the 2022 Raymond N. Andes Award for academic excellence in Spanish.
Wonderley is a senior Spanish major from Grottoes, Va. He recently presented on the literature of José Martí, a Cuban nationalist, poet and philosopher, during a panel discussion titled “Independence, Gender Roles and Death in Latin American Poetry.” The panel was part of the College’s multi-day ASPIRE event, a celebration showcasing the accomplishments of students and faculty across all areas of study.
After graduation, Wonderley plans to attend graduate school at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., where he will be specializing in linguistics before pursuing a career in the Foreign Service.
Gemima Matala was awarded the 2022 Raymond N. Andes Award for academic excellence in French.
Matala is a senior political science and French double major from Harrisonburg, Va. She has served as secretary, vice president and president of the African Student Association. She is also a member of the dance team.
After graduation, Matala plans to attend Florida International University to pursue a master of African studies.
Media Contact:
Logan Bogert
Communications Coordinator
lbogert@bridgewater.edu
(540) 828-5486
