Alumni Spotlights - Alumni and Parent Programs
Alumni Spotlights
Alumni and Family Engagement
Jamia Jowers '12
After graduating from Salve Regina with her master’s degree in international relations, Jamia Jowers ’12 (M) quickly put her education to work with the National Security Council’s Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights directorate. She began her career with this directorate during her years at Salve Regina before moving on to work for the African Affairs directorate.
David Kriso '99
After graduating with a degree in American studies, Kriso had the opportunity to participate in the Disney College Program. He worked as a custodial cast member for some months before taking on a job as a substitute teacher. He is currently a clerk with the U.S. Postal Service in New Jersey and a part-time cruise line shore agent in New York. He is a published travel writer and lecturer, and has presented throughout New Jersey, New York, Boston and Washington, D.C.
Gabrielle Corradino '11
Corradino's work as a biological oceanographer has taken her "under the microscope," as she calls it, leading to her defending her Ph.D. thesis on marine plankton. "Everything I did at Salve, from the undergraduate research experience to internships and the environmental club, all helped set me up for where I am now."
George Speropolous '86
"Salve left its mark on everyone from finding friends who became family to shaping your career path and more," Speropolous said. "My mark was creating lifelong friends and giving me the confidence that I could accomplish anything I was willing to work hard for."
Kellie Brigandi '14
"I have been able to carry out the Salve mission in my everyday work as a NICU nurse," Brigandi said. "I have prepared for the challenge of learning as I continue to learn every single day. As the medical profession is always evolving, I am using the foundation Salve built for me and my skills as I continue to expand my knowledge and seek research to stay current in my field."
Becca Bertrand '08
"Every day at Salve, I felt so blessed to be a part of this incredible community," Bertrand said. That one word, community, is what drew her to Salve Regina in the first place. She wanted a smaller college where she could make an impact and not get lost in the crowd.
Anthony Hannon '13
The only thing Hannon knew was that he wanted to play football again. When he transferred to Salve Regina, it was all because there was a football team and a connection on campus. "I had never seen or heard of Salve Regina University before but put my faith in God that it would all work out," he said. "It ended up being the best decision of my life."
Akeia Bowman de Barros Gomes '00
As students, there is usually a path that we expect to follow: take courses in correspondence with a major, graduate with a specific degree and find a job within that same field. But for Gomes, her education and degree brought her through many fields, and she's had the opportunity to bring her values and knowledge from her time at Salve Regina through these fields too.
Ruth McNally '15
McNally fell in love with Salve Regina during her high school years at the Met School. During her senior year of high school, she interned in the University's biology lab with Dr. Steven Symington. She loved the campus and made some great friends during her time interning. She recalls: "I knew that Salve was the place for me."
Mary Grace (Gracie) Donaldson '11
Donaldson credits her role models to her roots with Salve Regina's mission: "Salve and the mercy mission taught me a great deal about social justice and how important using your privilege to make the world better and help others truly is." She explains: "If anyone embodies the mercy mission, Dorothy Day does. The mercy mission shaped my view of my Catholic faith to one that is more inclusive and welcoming, and less judgmental and exclusive."
Priscilla Gaspard '20
Although the end of the academic year did not look normal for the Class of 2020 during the pandemic, that didn't stop Gaspard from putting her experiences at Salve Regina into practice. After graduation, she interned for U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney in his Washington, D.C. office and also started a master's degree program at George Washington University, studying political management.
Kathleen Santamore '84
The most difficult part of the pandemic for Santamore wasn't her job in the health care field. It was the fear that she might cause her husband, children or grandchildren to become ill. She drew strength from Salve Regina's mission: "The mission has always impacted my life. I live a life of service above self, and maintain a positive attitude living life with a compassionate, grateful and giving spirit." Her family supported her, encouraged her and took precautions to keep themselves safe.
Jacqueline Allee '18 (M)
Attending Mass daily in the chapel, Allee felt blessed to be studying at Salve Regina and felt a desire to thank God and give back. "It reminded me that God was with me as I balanced my classes and my job at the Naval War College. I thoroughly enjoyed attending Seahawk football and men's hockey games, as well as Salve's dance and choir performances. I decided I would be the one to represent the grad student fan base."
James Pickering '15 (M)
Pickering recently moved from Boston to Chicago to begin a new career with Abbott Diagnostics working as a product manager. "I think Salve really sets students up for success by providing relevant and realistic content that will prepare them to work in the real world, as well as providing strong value sets and morals that will help them in their daily lives both personally and professionally. Lastly, you cannot beat that campus view of the ocean."
Christiana Castillo '18
"Leaving Salve after graduation was such an emotional time for me," Castillo said. "I left my home away from home for the last two years and returned to Belize, where I embarked on my dream of being an auctioneer like my father. After auctioneering for a year and a half, a new opportunity emerged. I became hotel manager of Falling Leaves Lodge, a family investment and one of Belize's newest lodges."
Dr. Kimberly Rothwell-Carson '86
When asked how she adapted to quarantine during the pandemic, Rothwell-Carson said: "Since I was able to stay in Rhode Island after school, I cope with the uncertainties of these times by walking to the beach and admiring the birds and the ocean and providing some fresh air. Connecting virtually has been very important. Virtual family birthday parties (there are a lot of April birthdays in my family) help to keep the extended family connected."
Teresa Correia '95
"The sense of community among teachers and students, from being a relatively small campus, will be both meaningful and rewarding," Correia advised students who are considering Salve Regina. "The quality education will set you up for success in whatever career you pursue. It will be the best four years of your life."