The Class of 2026 thanks faculty and staff for their support and guidance

Check back often – we're updating this shout-out as submissions come in.

Whether it's presenting them with research opportunities or internship connections, inspiring a passion or simply sharing an "I believe in you" at the right time, Salve Regina University faculty are there for students. As the Class of 2026 leaves campus, they took time to thank the faculty, staff and coaches who helped them along the way.  

"Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ludes have both impacted me immensely. The opportunity to work with Dr. Anderson on Civic LEAD has truly defined my Salve experience. Her arrival opened new opportunities for the political science department and entire Salve community to forge deep connections within Newport and Rhode Island. I am so thankful for her service, which should be an inspiration to all. Dr. Anderson's commitment to civic engagement and education are major contributors to a stronger Salve community. The Pell Center and Dr. Ludes offer great resources to students. Dr. Ludes' professional experience is inspiring and an asset to have at Salve. The unique opportunities he has provided in political and academic settings demonstrate his interest in setting students up for success. I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Ludes as a professor as well as work with the Pell Center during my time here and am extremely appreciative of all my experiences with them."

– Jennie Battcher '26, political science major, history minor

"Dr. Yvan Ilunga has had the greatest impact on me over these four years. Dr. Ilunga's international relations (IR) and diplomacy class my first year exposed me to a new interest in IR and shifted my career goals to the global level. I am inspired by Dr. Ilunga's story, his seemingly endless knowledge about everything political, and his humanity while dealing with global crises firsthand. I have had the pleasure of taking part in every course taught by Dr. Ilunga here at Salve and truly give him credit for expanding my worldview and passion for international relations and foreign policy."

Nicholas Blute '26, political science major, music minor

"Dr. Jameson Chace had the greatest impact on me throughout my time at Salve. He believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself and encouraged me to stay optimistic when I was going through a difficult situation. Dr. Chace has always been a reliable support system for me, and many other students. Not only is he a great professor and research advisor, but he is also a kind, compassionate person who has a deep passion for education and mentorship. I would not have been able to secure my post-grad job at the Cary Institute for Ecological Studies without his help and guidance."

– Colleen Brown '26, biology major, political science minor 

"My first class at Salve was with Mary Edwards, and it was a great introduction into the culture and familyhood that Salve has to offer. Sam Sacco has also had a great impact on me regarding my future ambitions in the business world. He has been a great help in and outside of school, with whatever academic or personal problems I may have faced."

– Matthew Brunton '26, finance major, data analytics minor

"My favorite faculty member is Sam Sacco. He has had an incredible impact on my experience at Salve in so many ways. He has given me both strong academic guidance and real-life advice that I know I will carry with me beyond college. His office door is always open, and he is always willing to help, no matter what. Whether it was class material, career advice or just needing someone to talk things through with, he was always there. He pushed me to challenge myself and think about my goals differently. His approach has had a lasting impact on how I approach both school and my future goals."

– Emily Capocelli '26, global business and economics major, marketing minor

"Dr. Natalie Buddiga and Dr. Stephanie Jones changed my life. During my first year, Stephanie took a chance on me and allowed me to join the research group for behavior analysis. It was Natalie's first year at Salve, and I joined her lab on social discounting and behavioral economics, which I had never heard of before. Over the years, I feel like the research program has changed me immensely, turning me into a much more passionate, confident and knowledgeable individual in a field most people have never even heard of. I hope to continue to work with these professors throughout my graduate career and continue my research."

– Ethan Cavacas '26, psychology major, minors in creative writing and publishing and criminal justice and criminology

"Sam Sacco has made an impact on me and helped me ever since I arrived on campus for my junior year. He has been a teacher whom I could go to for help with my business and for anything else that I could need. He has helped me with questions I have had about the graduate program I'm currently in, which has been very helpful. He also helped me pick up a second minor in economics."

– Aidan Connolly '26, business administration major, sports management and economics minor

"Dr. Kitchel and Dr. Rockwell had the greatest impact on my academic experience because they consistently challenged me to think more critically and engage more deeply with the material. Both professors created classroom environments that pushed me beyond just learning facts. They encouraged discussion, hands-on learning and independent thought. Their support and mentorship not only shaped my academic growth but also influenced how I approach problem-solving and learning beyond the classroom."

– Sydney Dufresne '26, cultural and historic preservation and history double major, sociology and anthropology minor

"The faculty member who had the biggest impact on me is Dr. Heather Rheaume. She was always pushing me to think outside the box and be very resourceful."

– Elvira Garamy '26, social work major, health administration minor

"Thomas Flanagan helped me through some of my toughest times at Salve and always had my back! He is truly an amazing professor and mentor, and he always assured me that great things were coming!"

– Abbie Gibson '26, studio art major, marketing minor

"Sam Sacco has always made me feel at home and welcome. He always checks in on me and has treated me as a peer and equal. I will forever remember his wisdom and support."

– Marguerite George '26, biology major, chemistry minor

"Dr. Colosi, Dr. Catterson, Dr. Hohman, Dr. O'Callaghan, Dr. Forsberg and Dr. Brennan were key influences on my Salve experience. Without any one of them, my time here would have been utterly different. I became a philosophy major near the end of my time at Salve in part because of the relationships I had already built within the department. I have heard some religious and theological studies professors refer to me as a 'friend of the department,' which may be the best descriptor. And without that aspect of my time here, not only my academic life but my personal journey would be radically different, and likely not as fulfilled. I am overwhelmingly grateful to these people and more for generously sharing their time and wisdom with me."

– Thomas Langan '26, political science and philosophy double major, creative writing and publishing minor

"Dr. Sami Nassim has greatly impacted my journey. In a campus community that often asks us to find our place, Dr. Nassim has shown me what it means to truly belong. Through his unwavering dedication and the heart he pours into his work each day, he has created spaces where students feel seen, heard and valued. As a person of color and a first-generation college student, that impact runs deep. Seeing someone who leads with both excellence and authenticity has reminded me that my voice matters and that my presence here is not only valid but necessary. His example has not only inspired my academic journey but has also shaped my sense of possibility – proving that representation, compassion and commitment can quietly transform lives. Robert Hehl and Dr. Paul Joyce in the criminal justice and criminology program have also shaped my Salve experience. They push me to continue to be the best version of myself and have given me the confidence to apply for federal jobs."

– Momo Lesperance '26, criminal justice and criminology major, applied behavioral analysis minor

"There were many faculty that aided in the development of my successes. Jenna Ribeiro deserves a special shout out for the many hours she spent taking on the new leadership position as Salve's Student Nursing Organization (SNO) advisor. She was always there to provide me with support both professionally and personally during my time as president of SNO. The degree of success SNO has achieved this year is due to our outstanding e-board and her thoughtful contributions."

– Madison Mirabile '26, nursing major

"I remember first walking into Dr. Erin Redihan's course HIS113: U.S. History Since 1877, in the fall of my first year. As a dual citizen of France from a western state, I remember feeling quite shy and unsure whether I would fit into the Salve community. Her lectures were so fascinating and engaging that I ended up taking the majority of my required major courses with her. Some of my personal favorite included special topics courses HIS299 Politics and the Olympics and HIS299: 20th-Century American Women, HIS309: Modern Russia and HIS336: Vietnam War. Through these classes, I learned the dynamics of the relationship between history and the press and how they influence popular media like films and television shows. An immense thank you to Dr. Redihan for making these dreams come true!"

– Alix Rousseau '26, history major, film minor

"The faculty member that had the greatest impact on me throughout my time at Salve has been Dr. Mary Anderson. When I met Dr. Anderson at a campus event in the fall of 2024, I mentioned my wish that there could be more opportunities to create community within the political science department. A month later, we created the Civic LEAD program to help students find pathways to become more civically engaged. Through her mentorship I have spent two years planning events on Salve's campus, mentoring high schoolers participating in the Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program, created SalveVotes – a student organization dedicated to community engagement, took part in the first political science interdisciplinary thesis program and have interned for think tanks, nonprofits and the legislative branch. Dr. Anderson believes that action and engagement are the most powerful learning tools and her commitment to providing these opportunities to her students never wavers."

– Leah Spengler '26, political science and communications double major, history minor

"Rita Marcotte had the greatest impact on me during my time at Salve because she believes in me. She inspires all of her students and embodies the Salve mercy mission. She cares about the success of her students and is always available to help them inside and outside the classroom. She has been the best academic advisor, club advisor and professor. I call her my Salve mom because she makes Salve feel like home. I will miss Salve, but I will especially miss Professor Marcotte. Other professors who have had impacts on my Salve experience are Thomas Flanagan, Sam Sacco, Dr. Teresa Starzecki and Dr. Bonnie Kennedy."

– Caroline Stump '26, accounting major, finance minor