Faculty of Theology Celebrates Dean’s Awards for 2024-2025

The ceremony of the Dean’s Awards for the academic year 2024-2025 at the Faculty of Theology was held on Friday, 15 May 2026, at which were present distinguished guests, including Pro-Rectors Prof. Joseph Cacciattolo and President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. Hosted at the University of Malta, Valletta Campus, the event celebrated the academic achievements of outstanding students and the Faculty’s commitment to excellence.

Rev. Prof. Stefan Attard, the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, set the tone with his heartfelt congratulations to all students, particularly those receiving awards. He emphasised the pivotal role of academic pursuit and research, highlighting important events that are taking place this year within the Faculty. Among these, he mentioned the Faculty’s involvement in public debates through its various Position Papers, a student exchange made possible through the collaboration with the Polish Academic Exchange Agency, various conferences organised, and its inclusion in the Mediterranean Theological Network.

The Dean’s List features three kinds of awards: First in Class for students who excelled overall and placed first in their cohort; Special Awards sponsored by different entities to students who contributed to Maltese society through their research. A further Special Award in Applied Theology in Recognition of the Promotion of Christian Values and Human Dignity, which was awarded to Mr Maurizio Lapira.

Finally, a recipient of the First in Class Award, Dr Daniela Farrugia, delivered a speech in which she praised the Faculty for its pastoral and student-centred approach.

At the end of the ceremony, the Dean thanked the Faculty administrative staff for organising the event and the sponsors whose generous support made the event possible: Agenda Bookshop, the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta, Farsons, Products, the Foundation for Theological Studies.

Ms Antonella Axisa compèred the evening, that included musical interludes by Mr Karol Aquilna.

Award Winners for the Dean’s List

First in Class Awards were presented to students who placed first in class with distinction. These were: Erika Spiteri (Diploma in Religious Studies), Noemi Agius Muscat (Diploma in the Archival and Cultural Appreciation of Ecclesiastical Patrimony), George Francis Vella (Bachelor of Arts [Honours] in Theology), Anna Mifsud (Bachelor of Arts [Honours] in Theology with Psychology), Adam Baldacchino (Bachelor of Arts [Honours] in Theology with Philosophy), Bernard Sant (Master in Theology), and Malcolm John Saliba (Licentiate in Sacred Theology).

The following Special Awards were awarded in recognition of outstanding performance in research:

• Special Award for Insights for the Renewal of Religious Life, sponsored by the Capuchin Order: Ryan Dalli (Master in Theology).
• Special Award for Contribution to the Study of Female Theologians, sponsored by the Carmelite Institute Malta (CIM): Lenka Fisher (Master of Arts in Spirituality [Carmelite Stream]).
• Special Award for Youth Ministry, sponsored by the Malta Catholic Youth Network: Christopher Aquilina (Master of Arts in Catholic School Leadership).
• Special Award for Promoting Children’s Rights in the Church, sponsored by the Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society: Daniela Farrugia (Master of Arts in Matrimonial Canon Law and Jurisprudence).
• Special Award in Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue, sponsored by the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission: Malcolm John Saliba (Licentiate in Sacred Theology).