The commission is made up of a group of eminent private citizens appointed by the president to select and honor the presidential scholars. Commissioners are selected from across the country, representing the fields of education, medicine, law, social services, business, and other professions. The commissioners make the final selection of the presidential scholars.
“It is a great honor to be nominated to serve on the Commission on Presidential Scholars—to help identify and recognize our nation’s brightest young students,” said Horgan, who is also vice president for finance. “These are students who are not only academically gifted but committed to public service,” he continued. “They will be tomorrow’s leaders, both in their communities and in our country.”
Horgan was appointed vice president for finance at Villanova in 2015, following eight years as associate vice president for finance and controller. As the chief financial officer, he oversees budget, financial planning and reporting, and the management of financial operations.
Horgan came to Villanova in 2000 as the Villanova’s controller after spending the previous nine years at University of Pennsylvania Health System. He received his bachelor of science degree in accounting from Georgetown University and went on to receive a master of taxation from Villanova University.
Horgan previously served on the board of directors of the Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The commission was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year, up to 161 students are named as scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.