After graduating from Salve Regina in 1999 with an American Studies degree, David Kriso had the opportunity to participate in the Walt Disney World College Program. He worked as a custodial cast member for some months before taking on a job as a substitute teacher. Currently, Kriso is a clerk with the US Postal Service in Rutherford, New Jersey. In addition to his employment at the post office, Kriso works as a part-time cruise line shore agent in New York and has  worked at ports in Boston, Baltimore, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and New Orleans. He is also a published travel writer and lecturer, and  presented. his publications throughout New Jersey, New York, Boston and Washington D.C.

Kristo reflects back to his time as a student, “My most treasured Salve memory was my comedy performance at the O’Hare TB Room (now the Bazarsky Lecture Hall). Ninety-one of my peers attended. It was a stormy night but also the anniversary of my grandfather’s death. I was encouraged by the audience’s energy, and from the strength knowing that my grandfather was with me spiritually.” 

During his freshman year, Kriso lived at Seaview, where his roommate, Mario Federici, became a lifelong friend. Because his group of friends was small, but cohesive, Kriso recognizes that it’s been easier for him to keep in touch throughout the years than it is for many. Narragansett Hall is where Kriso perfected his skills as a pool player during his sophomore and junior years, He recalls that Narragansett Hall was the perfect dorm, where new and old friends came together. Senior year, he lived in Ochre Lodge, which was a “living and learning dorm” at the time. 

“We experienced and participated in many educational activities that year. Junior and senior year, Jesse Harding, was the R.A. Jesse endlessly inspired the energy in the dorm, and he encouraged us all to do the same. Jesse brought us all together as ‘one in spirit,’” Kriso notes.
    
During Kriso’s first semester at Salve Regina, his English professor, Sr. Paulette San Souci passed away. He remembers her telling the class that “wherever you go, whatever you do, always be your very best self possible.” The week after her passing, Dr. Barbara Kathe filled the position. Kriso explains that it was Dr. Kathe who noted his writing ability and encouraged him early on. He still shares his work with her, enjoying her continued support. 

“Sr. Paulette San Souci may have planted the seed, but Dr. Kathe enabled me to continue the mission. She has undoubtedly enabled me to bear the many fruits of my labor,” Kriso explains. “Ultimately, she helped me develop not just as a student, but as a person. That’s what a favorite professor does!”

Kriso found that his Salve experience was greatly enriched by his numerous co-curricular activities. As a member of SRU Community Band, Kriso played under the direction of Peter Davis for his first two years at Salve Regina. During his Junior and Senior years, he participated on the University Chorus and Madrigals, under the direction of Don St. Jean. Hours of rehearsals and preparation were required for each club before they performed at a choral festival at Regis College and sang with a Baptist church choir. Singing at the Basilica of The Assumption in Baltimore was a major highlight. 

“What made chorus and madrigals so exciting was Don’s teaching,” Kriso reveals. “He encouraged my peers and me to think as we sing and vice versa. Don encouraged the comradery amongst the chorus. It was late in my senior year when I sang “Saying Good-bye” at our Cabaret dinner concert. I remember seeing the tears in the eyes of the audience. It was undoubtedly the most memorable way to end the night.”
    
Kriso also participated in the Theatre Department with Dr. Bernard Masterson. The part of theatre that Kriso enjoyed most was the behind-the-scenes work. At the commencement honors and awards ceremony during his senior year, Kriso was awarded the 1999 Theatre Company Award from Dean Quinn. 

Not only did Kriso also have the privilege to be a part of Salve Regina’s radio station, WSRU, he also ran the country music show called “The Salve Heartland” and served as the station’s news director. Today, he uses these experiences to contribute to his work as an officer in the Knights of Columbus council and his position in his local library’s writers and authors group. However, Kriso believes  that his greatest honor   during his years at Salve Regina was serving as a Eucharistic minister with Fr. Don Paradis and Fr. Mike Malone. 

“Salve’s mission means the world to me. It is what I am today. It has prepared me to live the responsible life I’m living today, by enabling me to realize my full potential. I remember my history professor, the late great Dr. Chris Kiernan, telling us on the very first day of every class-to read, write, and listen. He was doing more than just talking. He was empowering us each and every day. I think back to his teachings and his methodology. Salve’s mission-through the many great professors and people I surrounded myself with--encouraged me to live the blessed life that I have today.” 

Kriso recognizes Salve’s mission as a common thread woven through his work experiences. “Having the opportunity to make people in Disney World smile, being able to turn an 8th grader into a Scrabble marvel, making a family’s first cruise vacation the experience of a lifetime, writing or presenting on popular destinations, and playing a pivotal role in the postal service, are all reflections of Salve’s mission. Salve’s mission, along with the Sisters of Mercy, planted the seed. Every day, I live Salve’s sacred mission, and Salve’s mission lives within me.”