Class of 2024 Stories

Our Class of 2024 graduates are outstanding examples of the Salve Regina mission and community. Read on to learn more about where these accomplished students are headed after graduation, who guided their journey at Salve Regina, and how they are seeking to make a difference in the world. Congratulations, Class of 2024!

Sofia Abuin

B.A. in psychology

One of four Class of 2024 valedictorians, Abuin is enrolled in Salve's combined bachelor's/master's program for behavior analysis. She started her graduate coursework during her senior year and recently began work as a behavior technician at her practicum site.

During her time as an undergraduate, Abuin worked closely with Thompson Academy, an after-school learning initiative through Salve's Center for Community Engagement and Service. Through this unique opportunity, Abuin learned more about herself and discovered her interests.

"I have had the privilege of meeting and getting to know so many incredible students, coordinators and volunteers," she said. "Learning about them and from them these last two years has taught me so much about pursuing what you love, understanding others and growing as an individual."

Erin Barry

Master of Business Administration

Barry is a communications specialist at Salve's Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy. Reflecting on her journey, Barry fondly recalls the camaraderie she felt with her colleagues.

"Several of my colleagues here at Salve were also in the MBA program," she said. "I loved the sense of camaraderie we'd feel realizing we were in the same classes together and collaborating on group projects late into the evening hours at McKillop Library."

Barry also received a bachelor's degree in American studies from Salve in 2019, and her academic journey was shaped by mentors Amy Cady, director of the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, as well as Dr. Bill Leeman and Dr. Tim Neary, professors in the Department of History. "Each of them helped me realize changing course was one of the best decisions I could have made," Barry said.

Throughout her time in the graduate program, Barry found a course in business law to be a favorite – allowing her to merge her interests in history and contemporary business issues. Drafting her final paper, Barry drew parallels between President Theodore Roosevelt's trust-busting efforts and current opportunities for tech sector regulation, enhancing her perspective on modern issues.

Caitlin Bessette

B.S. in biochemistry

Bessette is planning to attend dental school in two years, but she will spend the summer studying for the Dental Admission Test and working as a dental assistant. She has eventual goals of owning a dental practice.

"I want everyone to feel comfortable going to the dentist and strive to create the best possible experience for patients," Bessette said. "I would like to specialize in one of the 12 recognized dental specialties, but I am waiting to see which one I will gravitate towards during dental school. I also hope to advocate for increased access to dental care and services."

The chemistry faculty that had the greatest impact on Bessette were Dr. Khadine Higgins, associate professor, and Dr. Gabriella Papale, assistant professor. "I took four classes with Dr. Higgins during my time at Salve. She makes every student feel important, creates a welcoming environment and makes an effort to get to know every student," she said. "Dr. Papale is kind, sees the best in every student, and provides opportunities for advancement within her lab. She wants everyone to be successful."

Caitlyn Bourret

B.S. in marketing

Bourret has accepted a position as a catering and events coordinator at one of Boston's most historic hotels – the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. She's excited about pursuing a career in event planning, and it was the support and guidance of Dr. Melissa Varao, chair of the Department of Business and Economics, that helped her find that direction.

"Dr. Varao cares so much about her students and embodies the small and personal feel of Salve," Bourret said. "When Salve added a new minor for hospitality and tourism management, she came to me and helped me finish this minor by the time I graduated, which helped me find my career path and the job that I have accepted for post-graduation."

Bourret said the faculty in Salve's marketing program have a wide variety of real-world experience, and she was able to explore the different career paths in marketing through many conversations and experiences. Bourret also got to network and connect with marketing professionals throughout her time at Salve, which helped in her job search.

"Choosing to go to Salve was one of the best decisions I have ever made," she said. "Because Salve is a small school, I had the privilege of getting to know my professors and peers, and I never felt like just a number. I also can't complain about going to school in Newport, one of the most beautiful beach towns in America."

Carly Chervenak

B.S. in marketing

Since completing her degree in December 2023, Chervenak has been in the Disney College Program, a national internship program operated by the Walt Disney Company, at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. She currently holds a position in merchandise and sales, and is actively pursuing further opportunities within Disney.

Chervenak found that her experience in the Department of Business and Economics set her up for success in her role at Disney and will continue to prove invaluable in her endeavors. "The faculty, staff and fellow peers are incredible, and I have never felt more confident in my ability to enter the working world," Chervenak said.

As she says goodbye to Salve, Chervenak is taking with her the unwavering values of the University – values she now holds within herself. "Salve's spirit goes far beyond textbooks and classrooms," Chervenak said. "While here, I have learned the importance of connection, community and mercy. With these values in my heart forever, I have incredible faith that having a Salve education truly changes lives."

Catherine Dolan

B.A. in English communications

Dolan began working in the Salve community during her junior year as an editorial intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications. When a full-time position opened in the office as she was finishing her last semester, she knew it was fate. "It really felt like the stars aligned when this position became available," Dolan said. "Once I found out I had been offered a position, I remember thinking, 'How lucky am I?'"

As a transfer student during her sophomore year amid the pandemic, Dolan faced a new environment and rigorous academics. She credits the faculty within the Department of English, Communications and Media for their patience and guidance during her time at Salve.

"I couldn't be more thankful to the English department," Dolan said. "Every class I have taken has been so valuable to my role now, and every professor has shown me nothing but compassion and kindness. I am eternally grateful - I don't know how I would've gotten through this degree without their unwavering support."

Morgan Dubay

B.A. in dance / B.A. in psychology

Dubay will pursue a career in jazz dance in Calgary, Alberta. She hopes to dance professionally and provide jazz scholarship in the future.

The dance major at Salve Regina is unique for many reasons, Dubay said. The curriculum is focused on jazz as the foundation for movement, and the program acknowledges and honors jazz as a historically Black American art form best understood through awareness of one's own identity and culture.

"Dance is a completely valid pathway," Dubay said. "So many individuals in my life didn't believe in my dance degree until they saw how applicable jazz dance/dance is. You will never be 'just' a dance major. You'll study music, movement history, Black American history and develop your own artistic voice. This program is designed for you to thrive, grow and understand your identity as a growing artist."

Dubay had many opportunities for growth as an artist while at Salve – including choregraphing a piece titled "Round and Round," which combined her love of psychology with dance and took inspiration from watching a family member struggle with schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder.

Carina Gallagher

B.A. in administration of justice

Gallagher is studying for the LSAT and exploring opportunities in the financial service industry. Eventually, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in the legal field. She is also taking two more courses at Salve next semester to complete her second degree – a B.S. in economics.

Gallagher said that her work, internship and fellowship experiences were the most memorable aspects of her education. "Last semester, I completed an internship at the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office in the consumer and economic justice unit," she said. "I was also awarded the Vision of Mercy Fellowship, where I volunteered with the Newport community partner Turning Around Ministries. Finally, I worked at the Technology Services Center on campus all four years."

Dr. Adam Witham, assistant professor in the Department of Business and Economics, inspired Gallagher to add an economics minor – which eventually became a second degree. "I took as many classes with Dr. Witham as possible, because he made the classes interesting and applied what we were learning to the real world," she said. "He inspired me to pursue my interests and continues to provide many opportunities to do so."

Brandon Grover

B.S. in business administration

Grover will remain at Salve to complete his MBA with a concentration in cybersecurity and will also play baseball during his fifth year.

"Sam Sacco, senior lecturer in business and economics, had the greatest impact on me – because not only did I learn a lot from him in the classroom, but he also taught me valuable lessons that go far beyond the classroom," Grover said. "I am a better man now than I was coming into Salve, and he is a big reason for that."

Grover enjoyed the real-world applications that Salve offered. He was a key contributor to a Rhode Island hospitality economic impact study that analyzed the degree of recovery by the statewide hospitality and tourism industries from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The professors here do a great job in gearing their activities to replicate something we will see once we begin our careers outside of Salve," he said. "It was the best four years of my life. It is so much more than just a place to go and get an education."

Kathryn Hollis

M.A. in holistic clinical mental health counseling

Hollis will move to western Massachusetts and begin her career as a school-based clinician working with middle- and high-school students. She will also continue her work with the Daniel J. Hollis Foundation, established in honor of her younger brother, who passed away during her senior year at Salve.

"I will be working towards licensure as a mental health counselor in Massachusetts," she said. "The process takes about two years, so I'm unsure where it will eventually take me. I love working with adolescents and giving them a voice."

Dr. Kathleen Muirhead, assistant professor in the counseling program, had a great impact on Hollis. "We first met over Zoom, and I felt an instant connection," she said. "It is hard to build a genuine relationship over a video call, but she made every class and conversation feel as if we were all together. She genuinely cares about her students and what their interests are in."

Hollis was a Salve student for eight years – both as an undergraduate and then while pursuing her master's degree. "I could write a novel about what has been memorable during the past eight years, so I genuinely mean I am going to take every moment with me going forward," she said. "The class sizes, the beautiful campus, the involvement with the community – I couldn't have asked for a better home."

Sarah Kraus

B.A. in European history

Kraus plans to pursue a master's degree in library science and hopes to work in field-based history. She was recently nominated for a fellowship with the Newport Historical Society, which entails hands-on archival research, cataloging and data entry.

"As a history major, I have always been passionate about the study of the world that has come before us, which makes a career opportunity in the public history field so exciting to me," she said.

Kraus nurtured her passion for studying abroad and history throughout her time at Salve. From the green hills of Ireland back to the cobblestone streets of Newport, she utilized her hands-on experience abroad to land internships with the Museum of Newport Irish History and the Redwood Library. She was also a global ambassador in the Center for Global Education and Fellowships.

Ashley Lefebvre

B.S. in marketing

One of four Class of 2024 valedictorians, Lefebvre is interning with the marketing and development team at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and will pursue her MBA at Salve this fall.

Lefebvre found her experience as captain of the field hockey team to be quite rewarding. "Playing a sport at Salve had a large impact on me," she said. "To come into college and have a group of people who have lived on campus and experienced it already that you can go to for help and advice is great. Being able to be that person for the underclassmen who come in after you and reciprocate the knowledge you gained is a wonderful feeling."

Lefebvre was surprised to be named a valedictorian for the Class of 2024. "I was surprised I was able to prove to myself that I could achieve something this big," she said. "Freshman year was tough on everyone in a different way, and to be able to push through and still work hard to get to this point is impressive. I think all four of us should be so proud."

Cailin Martin

B.A. in environmental studies

Martin, a Newport native, represented the Class of 2024 at Commencement as the valedictorian speaker. In her address, she celebrated the innumerable and incredible successes of her graduating community.

She plans to explore opportunities in conservation and environmental education. "I plan on applying the education and work experience I gained during my time at Salve to make environmental education more accessible for people of all ages and abilities while furthering conservation efforts to save native and endangered species," she said.

Martin discovered and nurtured a passion for environmental conservation at Salve and thanks Dr. Jameson Chace, chair of the Department of Cultural, Environmental and Global Studies, for inspiring her to become a steward of the Earth. "He was my biggest advocate when I transferred to Salve, and he continues to uplift me post-graduation," she said. "His passion for environmental education is the reason I changed my major from elementary education to environmental studies. He is one of the most intelligent, hard-working and selfless people I have had the privilege to know, and I would recommend any of his classes."

Levi Mitchell

B.A. in environmental studies

Throughout his four years at Salve, Mitchell worked in reforestation and wildfire firefighting, attended the 2023 United Nations climate change conference in the United Arab Emirates, held leadership roles on campus, played on the men's ice hockey team and completed an internship with NASA.

Mitchell's passion for environmental conservation was nurtured through the dedication of his professors. He found that Dr. Jameson Chace sets an exceptional example for his students that resonated with Mitchell throughout his academic journey.

"He shares his passion for what for what he loves, and I'd recommend his courses to anyone," Mitchell said. "Even if you're not an environmental studies or biology major, it's just really awesome to see that example before you, and you feel like you can do the same."

Mitchell is open to the opportunities the world has to offer. As a lover of the outdoors, he feels there is a larger purpose to be found in environmental work and plans to pursue a life that feeds that purpose. "I plan on following areas that I'm passionate about, seeing where they lead and exploring all the opportunities," he said.

Teryn O'Brien

M.A. in holistic clinical mental health counseling

As a full-time employee in Salve's Office of Marketing and Communications, the journey towards a master's degree was both challenging and rewarding as O'Brien balanced work obligations with demanding academic and practicum/internship requirements.  
She found great support within the Salve community, and she especially thanks colleagues Mary Edwards, assistant vice president of marketing and communications, and Kate Borgueta, director of content marketing.

"I really enjoyed all of the Salve professors within the counseling program, who were dedicated to their jobs," O'Brien said. "I also made a network of connections that I'll cherish for years to come – not only as professionals but as friends."

This educational experience of obtaining a counseling degree reinforced O'Brien's belief in the importance of compassion, actively listening to others, empathy and cultivating resilience, all of which are values she plans to carry forward in her career at Salve and beyond. Mercy – willingly entering another's chaos – will always be present in her mind.

"During my practicum and internship experience, I sat with people's chaos – their pains, their mental health crises, their traumas," she said. "That is the heart of therapy, and I'll never forget the beautiful moments that felt particularly sacred."

Kaelie Piscitello

B.S. in elementary and special education

Piscitello is one of two Salve students to receive the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award for the 2024-2025 academic year. She was selected from thousands of applicants competing in the Fulbright U.S. Student competition for spots in 140 countries.

Piscitello will teach in Taiwan – putting into practice her studies in Mandarin, commitment to English language learners and interest in comparative education. As an undergraduate at Salve, she studied in Oxford, England, and had an opportunity to observe local teaching practices through experiences in the Oxford school system.

"Studying abroad changed my mindset about education," Piscitello said. "It got me interested in not only learning but teaching around the world. I'm honored and excited to have been selected for this opportunity."

Megan Ranucci

B.S. in healthcare administration

Ranucci is pursuing her MBA and M.S. in healthcare administration at Salve and expects to complete both master's degrees by May 2025. She was also accepted into the leadership for public health and healthcare certificate program at Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health.

She is vice president of the inaugural chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) at Salve for the 2024-2025 academic year. "ACHE plays a pivotal role in fostering professional development, networking, and advocating for excellence in healthcare administration," Ranucci said. "This chapter of ACHE is the first student group at Salve Regina that includes both undergraduate and graduate level students, as well as being the only college chapter of ACHE in the state of Rhode Island."

Ranucci has a passion for health care leadership and hopes to contribute to the field through hospital management. She also wants to pursue a Ph.D. in public health, aiming for a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) qualification.

"Throughout my time at Salve Regina, I've been encouraged to explore diverse perspectives, analyze complex issues and integrate knowledge from various fields," Ranucci said. "This approach has equipped me with the skills to adapt to an ever-changing world, to approach challenges creatively and to make informed decisions."

Daniel Reisner

Ph.D. in international relations

Reisner recently retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service as an intelligence officer. He is currently a foreign policy advisor for the commander of Special Operations Command, Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, and an adjunct professor at Hawaii Pacific University.

Teaching courses such as 20th Century Intelligence Operations and History of Military Strategy and Thought, Reisner finds his Salve degree to be instrumental in his new role at Hawaii Pacific – with his professors being a strong influence in his studies. "Dr. Kirk Buckman is a brilliant professor who cares tremendously about his students and is always ready to offer invaluable mentorship," he said. "I was lucky enough to have him as my dissertation chair."

Reisner urges other students to explore challenging opportunities, as they can lead to a world of possibilities. "Prepare to be challenged and work hard, but in the end, it is definitely worth it," he said. "You'll meet and work with tremendously talented and engaging people."

Caitlyn Rubino

Master of Business Administration

An admissions counselor at Salve, Rubino also received a bachelor's degree in environmental studies the University in 2022. As an undergraduate, Rubino engaged deeply with the Department of Business and Economics, participating in the Options Trading Club and the Entrepreneurship Club. These early connections made her transition to the MBA program smoother.

Balancing work and school was no easy feat for Rubino, who frequently traveled to recruit future Salve students in her admissions work. She credits her professors and mentors for providing the confidence to pursue her graduate degree, despite initial doubts. 
"I am thankful for the numerous relationships that I have built in my six years at Salve and would not be where I am without the support I've felt from my professors and colleagues," Rubino said. "Salve is a very unique and special place, and I feel as though I am living the dream."

With her MBA officially in hand, Rubino urges students to never give up. "Keep working towards your ultimate goal," she said. "You will have the support of the Salve community to push you towards becoming your best self."

Ava Siconolfi

B.A. in dance / B.A. in psychology

Siconolfi plans to gain experience as a psychological research assistant before pursuing a master's degree in neuroscience. "While I am unsure exactly where I will work, my career plans involve conducting research in neuroscience," she said. "My main career goal is to understand human behavior in a way that encompasses both biology and personal experience. My aim is to discover how we become who we are through personality development by diving deep into behavioral neuroscience."

While at Salve, Siconolfi enjoyed her dance capstone class, which allowed her to explore the mind-body connection, a key component in the research that she hopes to conduct in the future.

"Relating this concept to dance helped me make real-world connections and see the psychology and neuroscience aspects at work right in front of me," she said. "I will also never forget the support of my friends and peers, especially fellow members of Extensions Dance Company. Without their encouragement and contributions to my research, my study would not have developed into a work that I am very proud of and hope to expand on in the future."

Abigail Solomon

B.S. in biology

Solomon will be a postgraduate research associate in Dr. Reshef Tal's lab at Yale University's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Eventually, she plans to apply to medical school.

"We will be researching female reproductive failure to understand how uterine stem/progenitor cells contribute to abnormal endometrial repair and fibrosis, leading to uterine scarring and infertility," Solomon said.

Dr. Ann Reid, chair of the Department of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, had the greatest impact on Solomon during her time at Salve. "I joined her lab during the summer of 2021, and since then Dr. Reid has provided me with an abundance of opportunities to learn, partake in experiences and make memories in the lab," she said. "She taught me invaluable skills that will serve me for the rest of my life – including scientific communication, resilience, confidence and mentorship. I am so grateful for her support and guidance through classes, in the research lab and writing my senior thesis."

The experiential learning aspect of Solomon's education will provide the greatest benefit going forward. "I was fortunate to be provided with countless hands-on opportunities in scientific research that have provided me with skills that made me proficient in the lab and can translate to many other situations – organization, communication, leadership, etc.," she said.