Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Emma Gildea, Business Administration/Spanish
From the volleyball court to the classroom and from New Jersey to Chile, Emma Gildea’s journey has been defined by purpose, challenges, and remarkable resilience.
A determined scholar, global traveler, and student-athlete, Emma has welcomed every opportunity to learn and grow. “When I first stepped on campus as a high school athlete, dreaming of one day wearing the blue and gold, I had no idea then how much this place would come to mean to me,” said Emma, who has been named the 2025 Undergraduate Student Commencement Speaker. “Georgian Court has shaped me in meaningful ways both personally and professionally, not just as a student-athlete, but as a person finding her purpose in the world.”
Emma will graduate with a double major in Business Administration and Spanish, and is continuing her studies to earn an MBA at GCU. Her story reflects the very best of the Georgian Court spirit.
Emma has been actively involved on campus. As a natural leader, she served as President of Sigma Delta Pi and Vice President of the Delta Mu Delta honor societies. She interned for the Dean of the School of Business and Digital Media, contributing to marketing campaigns, event planning, and student engagement efforts. As a member of the Global Lions she served on the executive board and as an International student Mentor, where she helped organize international events and promote cultural awareness across campus.
“Georgian Court University has provided me with valuable leadership experience, cross-cultural communication skills, and real-world knowledge in business and marketing through hands-on projects and internships,” she explained.
She has thrived as a student-athlete, playing middle blocker and right-side hitter on the Women’s Volleyball Team. Balancing a demanding athletic schedule with rigorous coursework and leadership roles required resilience—a quality Emma developed even more deeply after facing a very unexpected injury. After surgery, over a year of physical therapy, and working closely with the athletic training staff at GCU, Emma was eventually able to recover and return to the court. “Coming back this past season was both a physical and mental challenge, but it taught me a lot about myself and what it means to evolve as a player. I had to learn how to approach the game differently and embrace a new version of myself on the court.”
She noted: “Following my injury, I realized GCU was so much more than just a school or a volleyball court. It became a place that lifted me up when I was down, opened new doors, and gave me opportunities I could never have imagined.”
To expand her horizons outside the classroom, she traveled to Chile twice. First, through the UniDos Climate Education Program in partnership with Universidad de Viña del Mar to educate local children about the effects of climate change. “I helped serve a resilient community, and later brought that same spirit of service back to the children of Lakewood. I became more than just a student or an athlete. I grew into a leader, an advocate, and a citizen of the world because Georgian Court believed in me.” Later, she traveled to Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, where she studied Spanish for Business and Chilean culture.
Pairing Spanish with Business was a natural choice for Emma, who wants to work in international business and marketing. “I can connect with people from different backgrounds, share meaningful experiences across cultures, and build relationships that make a global impact.”
Emma credits a large part of her success to the close-knit community and personalized support from professors, faculty, coaches, and peers at GCU. “Whether in the classroom or on the court, I have always felt seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. The relationships I have built through both my studies and athletics have made my college experience truly meaningful and memorable.”
She added, “Most of all, I want to thank my parents and my older siblings for always standing by me, believing in me, and encouraging me every step of the way.”
Following graduation, Emma will be a business intern at Student Transportation of America Inc.. In the fall, she will return to GCU to continue her MBA studies, serve as a Graduate Assistant for the UNITY Council, and be a fifth-year player on the Women’s Volleyball Team.
Emma is ready for the next chapter. “I’ve become more confident, resilient, and globally aware, learning to embrace challenges and appreciate diverse perspectives. These experiences have prepared me to enter the workforce with confidence, empathy, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact.”
