Kathy Gallagher, director of Villanova University's campus card office, is a recipient of the Professional Development Award from the National Association of Campus Card Users. "The campus card is a vital part of everyday life at many schools," says Matthew Drummond, director, DukeCard System and chair of the 2008 NACCU Professional Development Award Committee. "Kathy and her staff have shown how creative uses of the card system can enhance the student experience."

"It is exciting to see Villanova exploring the limitless possibilities the campus card can provide to an institution," Drummond adds. The Professional Development Award is given each year to an individual who has contributed to the campus card industry not only through work on his or her own campus, but through service to the industry as a whole.

Gallagher was chosen for her effort in developing and testing applications of campus card technology, as well as the support she offers her colleagues at other universities, helping them to do the same. New applications Gallagher and her team have developed and/or served as beta sites for include online athletic ticket lotteries, online laundry management, and online student orientations. Gallagher has used campus card technology to significantly cut back on the university's paper waste and reduced the Wildcard office's cost per patron by more than 30%. Gallagher is a frequent presenter at card industry conferences and has contributed to many articles on the topic of campus card innovation.

"We couldn't be happier to see Kathy recognized for her hard work," says Randy Eckels, senior vice president, sales and marketing for campus card provider The CBORD Group Inc., which services Villanova. "We at CBORD greatly value her participation in our client strategy council and her repeated willingness to test new applications. Kathy is backed by a wonderful team of people in the Wildcard office, and she is the perfect fit for an award recognizing dedication to furthering the cause of the campus card industry."

"It is a tremendous honor to be the 2008 recipient of the NACCU/Persona Award," says Gallagher. "At Villanova University we continue to strive to provide our students, faculty and staff with the best technology and services available. I could not have achieved this award without the support and encouragement from the administration at Villanova, my staff, and the technology partnership with CBORD."