NEWPORT — As Beata Jones crossed the stage at Salve Regina University to accept her diploma on Sunday morning, it marked the end of a journey she had never envisioned for herself when she first came to the United States seven years ago.
A native of Przeworsk, Poland, Jones had originally come to the United States to work as a nanny for a year in order to travel and improve her English.
“The plan was to go back to Poland after a year of working here, but then I met my husband and he encouraged me to pursue my degree,” said Jones. “I am an active Catholic and the mission and values of Salve Regina University were appealing to me when I was looking at different schools.”
Jones was the valedictorian of this year’s graduating class at Salve Regina University, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average while achieving a Bachelor of Arts degree in global business and economics. She is a member of Delta Epsilon Sigma, a national scholastic honor society for students at Roman Catholic institutions, and a member of Sigma Beta Delta, a national honor society for business studies. Jones said her college experience was enhanced by the incorporation of Catholic teaching in her business courses.
“The Catholic presence showed in many of my classes; professors would introduce Catholic principles into the discussions we were having on topics such as economics and how we need to act as responsible citizens,” she said. “It was a unique way of looking at things.”
Jones was one of 680 graduates from the university this year, the largest graduating class in the school’s history. The candidates were awarded the following degrees: Doctor of Philosophy, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts and Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Master of Ceremonies Dr. Dean de la Motte began the commencement by introducing The Most Reverend Robert Evans, who offered the Invocation.
The commencement speaker for the ceremony was Malaak Compton-Rock, wife of comedian Chris Rock and founder of numerous charitable organizations – including The AngelRock Project, an online e-village promoting volunteerism, social responsibility, and sustainable change.
Compton-Rock spoke to the graduates about the importance of giving back to their communities, and how the focus of a person should always be on what they can give rather than what they receive.
“Your commitment to making the world a better place will be your guiding light,” said Compton-Rock. “Even if right now your mind is focused on job-getting, keep your heart focused on what that job will allow you to give.”
Compton-Rock was one of two honorary doctoral recipients. She was recognized for her promotion of peace, giving, and social responsibility. The other recipient was Richard Grosvenor, a Newport artist who has become well-known for his paintings and teaching of the fine arts. He was recognized for his amazing talent and strong commitment to the university and the community of Newport.
It was the 60th commencement ceremony for Salve Regina University, formerly Salve Regina College, and the first to be presided over by the new president of the university Mercy Sister Jane Gerety, who was inaugurated as the university’s seventh president last September. She conferred all the degrees during the ceremony and delivered an important message to the graduates as they were about to leave the picturesque campus.
“I know your minds have been opened at Salve; your professors have both challenged and supported you and you have been disoriented at times as old certainties melted away.” Gerety said. “Don’t stop now; don’t close your minds. There’s so much more to discover, so much more the world can teach you.”
For Beata Jones, the commencement ceremony marked the completion of her studies and the beginning of her job search. She says she has started to look for a position in the financial sector; either as an advisor or an analyst.
But first, she has more immediate plans. “I’m going to go home to Poland and visit my family for a few weeks,” she said.
“I’ve missed them so much.”
The following students were awarded degrees during Salve Regina University’s 60th commencement on Sunday, May 16:
Bachelor of Arts
Jessica Lyn Abramo
Antonia Jade Amico
Xavier David Andrews
Jenna Dawn Antonelli
Lauren Catherine Bailey
Sarah Allston Baker
Lindsey Nicole Barriga*
Thomas Mark Bates
Kelly Ann Behuniak
Joshua Anthony Belfiore
Rebecca Ann Bernard*
Brian Robert Bernarducci
Angelina Louise Berube
Allyssa Caitlin Bianco
Stephanie Nicole Blaine***
Merideth LaMarche Bonvino
Christina Frances Borger
Lurcia Bounsana
Kristen Marie Brewer**
Molly Elizabeth Brophy**
Nathan William Brownell
Ryan David Brule
Kathleen Ann Bruno**
Kyle Matthew Bruno
Phillip John Buckley
Angelina Mary Campbell
Steve Cardona
Benjamin Edward Caron
Ashley Castrichini
MyLan Chhu
Courtney Marie Coan
Gregory Edward Collupy
Kathryn Eileen Corridan
Meaghan Johanna Costello
Benjamin Noel Cote
Brandy Michelle Cross
David Mark D'Addio
Kelly Fox Daeke
Eric Alan Davis
James Richard deMelo
Shannon Patricia Deptula*
Matthew Gary Dinda
Kara Dawn DiPaola**
Brittany Jean Dodson
Ashley Deanna Donafrio
Katharine Lydia Donnarummo
Kristyn Diane Donnelly
Abigail Marie Driscoll
Sarah Kathryn Duffy
Charles E. Duncan
Caroline O'Connor Dunn
John Henry Dupre
Liane Patrice Dupuis
Joseph J. Duro
Amanda Jean Dussault
Jennifer Tesesa Ehlinger
Joseph Edward Errico
Mattie Gaskin Fails
Molly Kathleen Fleming
Erin Marjorie Frank*
Kala Marie Gallop
Suthida Lilla Gandolfi
Megan Elizabeth Garbe
Maria Kathryn Genovese*
Elizabeth F. Giambusso
Sabrina Jenean Giampaoli*
Jamie Ellen Gilbert
Daniel T. Girardin
Alaina Rose Gizzo*
Caitlyn Elizabeth Glasheen
Thomas C. Glynn
Andrew Raymond Gould
Jesse Collins Gray
Amanda Grace Grearson
Patrick William Greeno
Katherine Rachel Latta Gribbell
Danielle Maria Grieco
Jarad Thomas Grossi
Sherwoode Taffinder Grosvenor
Mia Hopkins Hargadon*
Dakota James Hebert
Ashley Ann Higgins***
Matthew J. Higgins
Katherine Louise Holter
Christine Marie Hopper*
Patrick J. Horrigan
Marissa Kathryn Intravia
Roland Richard Jacob**
Katherine Rachel Jedynasty
Sasha Maria Johnson
Beata Joanna Jones***
Emily Patricia Jones*
Jessica Anne Jones
Lindsay Marie Josephs
Volha Kalatsei***
Anna-Maria Kalivas**
Ashley Catherine Kane
Mary Kate Kane**
Andrea Marie Kaufman
Mairin Lace Keleher
Johannah Katherine Kenney
Katie Elizabeth Kerrigan
Brian Daniel Kirkland
Kasey Labelle*
Michael Angelo Lalli
Chelsea Marie Levesque
Jason Henry Lewis
Anna Carmen Liang
Tyler Clark Lipp
Whitney Shea Loeb*
Ashley Kristin Lomuto
Thomas Michael Lonsdale
Sara Maria Lowman
Timothy Robert Lynch
Alexander Sanford Madden
Vienna A. Maglio
Sarah Emily Mahan
Kelly Frances Malaguti
Gregory Richard Marais
Alessandra Joann Markantonis
Andrew Joseph Martin
Stephen Charles Masso
James Shubrook May
Christopher James McCallum
Nolan McGarrity
Caroline Catharine McGuckian
Sara Jane Micali
Lauren Gioia Micalizzi*
Andrea Wentworth Michel
David J. Miller*
Jesus Montero
Anthony Charles Moran
Gregory Ralph Morrison*
Gracie Morgan Mullen-Thompson
Grace Lee Murphy
Kelly Lynn Mustone**
Yuri Nakazawa
Rebecca Anne Nasca**
Jay M. Nelson
Takuhiro Nunomura
Zachary Dominick O'Brien
Karen Laura O'Donnell
Natsuko Okochi*
Allyson Christine O'Neill
Timothy Haggerty Padden
Jeffrey Thomas Palermo
Will Gabriel Paradis
Melissa Ann Parke*
Katherine Casey Pascal*
Marykate Frances Pascazi
Elizabeth Ashley Patrick*
Katharine Jean Pearson
Kimberly Marie Penta**
Alexandra de Franca Pereira
Cezanne Perez*
Caresse Antoinette Piasio
Samantha Loren Piecuch***
Brianna Marie Policastro
Megan Alice Powers
Scott Thomas Puschaver
Monika Katarzyna Raczkowski*
Jonathan George Risk
Kristine Marie Roche*
Patrick Michael Romani
Ashley Nicole Rondeau
Meliss Elizabeth Safara
Samantha Anne Sandland
Stephanie Elizabeth Savage
Christopher Daniel Scanlon
Sara Elizabeth Shannon
Corey Daniel Sheehan
Kateri Margaret Shockro
Dorothy Elise Shofner
Natalie Rose Shortsleeve**
Andrew John Siegel
Katherine Taylor Silva
Angela Elizabeth Silvestri
Nicholas Lawrence Silvestri
Allison Ann Smith
Patrick H. Smith
Andrew F. Spino
Christy Marie Squittiere
Suzanne Elise Stelmach
Emily K. Stepnowsky
Kelyn B. Stevenson
Richard Michael Stewart
Hannah M. Stracensky
Sean Francis Sullivan
Mark Robert Suttmeier
Victoria Lyn Tassone
Theresa Elizabeth Teofilak*
Ryan Joseph Theroux
Jessica Blair Timpano
Michelle Elizabeth Triompo
Tyler David Trott
Sarah Rose Valenzon
Mary Elizabeth Van Akin***
Joshua Chander Vanjani
Erin Margaret Vardaro*
Kevin Varkey
Matthew Louis Viveiros**
Carly R. Walas
Thomas M. Wallace
Caitlin Walsh
Christa Kendra Walsh
Nicole Marie Warren
Christopher Leo Wester
Jillian Katherine Wiegel
Matthew Palmer Wierzbicki
Katherine Lee Williams
Samantha Ryan Wolfe
Justin Clarence Wood
Matthew Joseph Wunsch
Natasha Nikole Wurst
Yuxiang Ying
Richard F. Young
Steven Bruce Zarembka
Bachelor of Arts & Science
Katherine Abigail Arnold**
John Salvatore Bazzano
Amanda-Lynn Bessenaire
Shannon Lynn Carlson
Natalia Alexandra Contreras
Henry A. Crouse**
Linda Elizabeth Curran
Sarah Kristen Delcuze**
Morgan Jean Fitzgerald
Kyle James Fritch
Jillian Paige Galli
Rebecca Franklyn Haggerty
Richard Michael Hill
Jacqueline Anne Kirwan
Kimberly Marie Kulesza
Valerie Renae Mackin*
Allison Fern Martell
Sarudzai Mirisau*
Torey Joseph Pellegrini
Christopher Marc Porto
Matthew Leonard Shubert
Eric Thomas Sprague
Megan Elizabeth St. Jean*
Kathryn Evelyn Tajima
Bachelor of Science
Heather Ann Abbate*
Jennifer Lee Adams
Jamie Lee Alden
Eric J. Aldrich
Courtney Lynn Allen
Rose Ann Victoria Almonacid
Scott Donald Anderson
Gabrielle Anna Andos
Carol A. Annunziata
Nicholas James Annunziata
Jessica M. Aptt
Katie Lynn Archambault
Ashley Marie Arsenault
Ryan Louis Ball*
Patrick James Bambery
Anthony Joseph Barrett
Ashleigh Morgan Baslik
Kelsey DaShiell Bender
Andria Hendry Benjamin*
Jenny Lee Berrio
Caitlin Elizabeth Bitsco
Jennifer Margaret Blanchard
Caitlin Rose Borer
Amanda Aguiar Borges**
Rosanny M. Bourdierd
John Ralph Branca
Robert Branham
Ashley Mary Brigham
Jenna Lee Broderick
Margaret M. Brodeur
David William Brown
Bridget Rose Brunet
Nathaniel Michael Burns
Margaret E. Byrne*
Mark Nelson Byrne
Emily Katherine Cammorata
Sheila Maureen Campolieta
Brittney Canaff
Gregory Tobin Cannon
Eileen Mary Carabetta*
Allyson Leigh Carr
Kyle James Cassamas
Alexandra Elizabeth Chabot
Michelle Marie Chabot
Kimberly Cecile Chan
Amanda Rose Chauncy**
Jessica A. Clark
Donna Clegg
Kathryn Lee Colgan
Nicole Elizabeth Collins
Ryan Michael Comerford
Margaret Helen Conley*
Meghan Catherine Connor
James T. Conway
Katlyn Rose Cook
Benjamin Noel Cote
Lauren Elizabeth Cotta*
Jamie Elizabeth Coutts
Kate Marie Critz***
Catherine Tracey Curtin
Erika Curtin
Maxwell Charles Cyr
Timothy John Daly
John Lucas Damjanovic
Kristen Elizabeth Danubio
Casandra Ashley DaSilva
Andrew Olry de Labry
Devyn DeDominici
Michelle Elizabeth DeLisio
Laurie Jean DeRuosi***
Ellen Deveney
Kristen Elizabeth Devine
William Dias
Riley Diaz
Jeffrey Matthew DiLorenzo*
Jennifer Jane Dixon
Brittany Jean Dodson
Morgan Lawrence Donahue
Richard Sartori Dowd***
Sarah J. Downing
Sarah Hatchfield Driscoll
Regina M. Dublin
Jennifer Lynn Duval
Michael John Egan
Elizabeth Alexandria Elrick
Devin Leigh Eppley*
Danielle Elizabeth Ezzo*
Elizabeth Barbara Faherty
Jessica Faiteau
Peter Appleton Fargo
Gayle Lynne Farrington
Patrick William Ferguson
Alicia Rose Ferri
Kristine L. Ferro*
Chelsea Hayes Finn*
Caitlin Melissa Flanagan
Jamie Lee Flood
Christina Julia Ford
Haley Fisher Fowler
Mary D. French
Melissa Ashley Fromm**
Kristen Lee Fruchtenicht
Erin Danielle Fuller
Christine Victoria Ganim
Michelle Elizabeth Gilmore
Kurt Thomas Ginthwain
Allison Marie Gontero
Danielle Marie Gorman
Joshua Christian Goucher
Ashley Melissa Gray
Lauren Marie Grygiel
Steven Joseph Guntharp
Kelly Anne Hageman
Benjamin Shea Hall
Lorraine Hardy**
Nichole Renee Harrington*
Cara Michelle Hartigan
Brooke Anne Harvey
Kay Haworth
Nicole Elizabeth Hayes
Sam Ryan Hazinakis
Sarah Marie Henderson*
Shealyn Marie Herring
Mary Kate Katherine Hodgens
Megan Mary Hood
Rebecca Catherine Hopkins
Jessica Lynne Howland
Sarah Kathryn Jakiela
Stephanie Lynn Johnson*
Sara Lynn Joseph
Kevin Joseph Kaczynski
Lisa A. Kanakry**
Sarah Frances Kelleher
Phyllis D. Kelliher**
Mckenzie Jean Kelly
Sarah Kirwan Kelly
Jennifer Lauren Kennedy***
Caitlyn Ashley Kenny**
Ashley Rose Keyes
Amanda Kathleen Kibit
Jaime K. Kittredge
Hannah Elizabeth Knight
Michael Edward Knoll*
Alexandra Leigh Koechel
Priscilla Elizabeth Kooris
Kathryn Alexandra Kroesen
Renee Krista Kunz
Patrick Nicholas Labruzzo
Janessa Marie LaMastro
Christina Marie Lamoureux***
Krystal Shardae LaPorte
Jacqueline Thorne LaRonde
Daniela Maria LaRosa
Margaret A. LeBeau**
Nina Olivia Lehnert
Danielle Marie Leitao*
Mandy Letourneau
Jaclyn Kate Lewandowski
Katie Sandra Liakopoulos
Alexandra Katherine Licurse
Erin Kelley Liddell**
Brianna Le Lonergan*
Mary Susan Madara**
Maralyn Theresa Maggi
Lisa Christine Magistro
Gabrielle Maria Magowan
Lauren Elizabeth Maidrand*
Allison Lynn Malo
Carissa Lynn Mancini*
Christina Marie Marenna
Susana Dantas Martins
Caitlin Marie McClain
Brigid Mary McEwan
Kathleen Mary McGreevey
Kerry Elizabeth McLaughlin*
Jo Ellen McLindon
Elizabeth Ann Merwin
Brent Arthur Miller
Lauren A. Miraglia
Richard Thomas Miranda
Mary Elizabeth Moccia
Kristin Robyn Moses
Danielle Robin Mosher
Nicole Marie Mulkern
Carolyn Elizabeth Myers
Giuliana Scommegna Nava
Marva E. Nicholls
Laura Emilie Obolewicz
Caitlin E. O'Brien
Samuel William O'Brien
Nancy Ann O'Connor
Jessica Diane Odobasic
Davina Jean Ohanesian
Lisa Oliveri
Alexander Luciano Ortiz
Jeremy James Osborne
Julia Suzanne Page
Brandon Louis Pantano
Meghan Anne Pastor***
Patrice Sarah Pedula
Dawn Peloquin
William Paul Perkowski
Meredith Anne Peterson
Matthew Alexander Petrilli*
Sarah Amelia Pike
Kimberly Ann Pinheiro
William Raliegh Powell
Myles Wesley Proe
Paul Barry Prohodski
Christe Marie Provanzano
Antonia M. Pucillo
Deborah A. Quirk*
Barbara M. Reed
Jenna Leigh Richard
Angelina Kathleen Rinaldi
Erika DaCunha Rocha
Evan Joseph Rose
Rebecca E. Rosen**
Kyle Christopher Rotondo
Natalie Ann Rubenoff*
Megan Clare Ruggiero
Priscilla Lynn Sa
Melissa Alexandra Sabbatino
Brittany Alexandra Salemme
Deanna Melissa Salter
Amanda Michelle Sanford
Jeanine D. Santos
Samantha Nicole Scaffidi*
Hannah Jeanne Schoff**
Brittney Lynne Schuchmann*
Loren Elizabeth Senior
Kaitlin Maire Seward
Katherine Shaw
Elizabeth Thompson Sheridan
Thomas Matthew Shumway
Angela Elizabeth Silvestri
A. Clayton Slawson
Brittany Ann Smith
Charles Morris Smith
Linden Mia Smith
Joshua Robert Solari
Taylor Andrew Solari*
James Francis Solimini
Nelia Sousa
Dianna Lynn Springett
Jeffrey Arthur St. Onge
Ashley Gem Stewart
Ashley Christine Stoppa
Kimberly Ann Koiki Swenson
Brittany Jean Toce
Erika Nicole Tortorici
Melissa M. Tracy
Brian Paul Trocchio
Michael James True
Katherine Rose Turchick
Katherine Elizabeth Vaudrain
Danielle Marie Vitali*
Amanda Elizabeth Voccola
Brian James Walker*
Stephanie Kayla Wallace
Christine Elizabeth Walsh
Brittany Lyn Williams
Amanda Marie Woodmancy
Rebecca Marie Wozniak
Mary Autumn Wright
Calvin Markell Yoran
Jean Elizabeth Young**
Raymond Louis Zulauf
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
Coral E. Brown
Lauren M. Criscione
Janet M. Fraatz
Pamela L. Goodness
Kevin I. Hathaway
Marianne V. Heffernan
Alexis G. Heitman
Kathleen A. Jackson
Sarah E. Kelly
Nicole A. LaFrance
Clara Lasagni-Morgan
Jennifer L. Lewis
John R. Mathis
Joan McGrath
Richard F. Santopietro
Michelle A. Valenti
Aaron J. Whiting
Master of Arts
Judith C. Anderson
Joshua M. Arostegui
Michael D. Badamo
Lance E. Beauchain
David J. Bennett
Paula A. Berard
Michael T. Betsch
Michael P. Boudria
Danielle E. Brazil
Jessica A. Bucci
Kristen E. Campbell
Chelsea R. Canale
Farrell Carley
Timothy J. Carlone
Elizabeth M. Champagne
Claudia L. Cordon
Lauren M. Criscione
Dawn B. Cunard
Janaina A. Dalbem
Darlene A. D'Arezzo
Clairlyn E. Davis
Tammy M. Dussault
Joyce M. Elias
Alexander G. Farrell
Francis J. Farrelly
Patricia D. Fellows
Nancy S. Foley
Linda L. Gens
Amity J. Gilman
Kimberlee A. Gorgo
Nathan Hosler
Tiffany M. Jackson
Patrick N. Kelleher
Corey T. Larsen
Cheryl A. Lemenager
Vanessa Colleen Leon
Gina Macaione
Laura Joan MacKinnon
Jenny L. McClendon
Audrey L. McMorrow
Kathleen Melone
Ahmed Merzoug
Jeffrey C. Milette
Andrew Eugene Moore
Aida G. Neary
Elise Elizabeth Nelson
Kathleen Neun
Raymond P. Owens
Katia Cascardo Parker
Chantele M. Petrocelli
Kim E. Picard
Tamare P. Piersaint
Graciela C. Pires
Graham M. Plaster
Kimberly L. Ranallo-Farrelly
Steven L. Rodenbaugh
Stephanie M. Sadler
Ellen L. Santaniello
Jill E. Schaffer
Gordon M. Silliker
Rachel M. Smith
Kerri A. Sorensen
Sara B. Sprague
Thomas B. Vance
James M. Vartanian
Rebecca Daniels Vickers
Paul P. Zasada
Master of Business Administration
Ashley A. Almeida
Rosamaria E. Amoros
Justin M. Benevides
Richard S. Bennett
Haider A. Bokhari
Alyssa L. Brundage
Katherine Grace Busse
Meghan Cabral
Barbara J. Corey
Adam M. D'Arcy
John Peter de Ciutiis
Michael A. Donati
Amina El Moustaine
Rebecca A. Fiske
Rinney J. Fujiwara
Jillian L. Hardy
Thomas F.X. Hoar
Kim Holmbeck
Whitney L. Hossfeld
Laura Jacobi
Rebecca S. Jessie
Zohidjon A. Juraev
Christine M. Kippenberger
Travis J. Lechowit
Alexandra J. Lerch
Patrick M. Mahan
Robert P. Massoud
Ashley V. Miller
Gerald J. Mirabile
Mark J. Moskowitz
Shane C. Murray
Melissa A. O'Neill
Sara B. Ouellette
Charles W. Perlwitz
Jennifer I. Quint
Norbert Jan Tiese Reuder
Corey John Richardson
Ryan P. Rossi
Paige E. Sandbrook
Zachary A. Sufilka
Brian Tatirosian
David A. Velek
Beverly Weshnak
Master of Science
Elizabeth A. Bordeaux
Robert W. Boyle
Ellen M. Cerullo
Emily M. Cote
Bridget A. Cox
William S. Crupe
Carole J. Currie
Paul M. Desrosiers
Derek W. DiMeo
Jillian L. Donnelly
Stephanie P. Feole
Ashley M. Foley
Lois Ann Ginsberg
Christopher M. Girardin
Bartholomew L. Grimes
Alexandra E. Gustafson
Ryan A. Halpin
Deena M. Hartley
LaRinda L. Huntley-Kaplan
Jonathan C. Igwebueze
Samuel B. Knowles
Cecilia A Kosta
Stephen J. Kumnick
Kristopher Lagor
Nicole M. Landi
Kristina K. Lowe
John F. Magiera
Mary A. Marchetti
Julianne McMasters
James F. McQuinn
Colleen Mary O'Toole
Carly B. Ouellette
Jared B. Pereira
Christine N. Pezzi
Jessica A. Pohl
Sarah P. Puerini
Dennis W. Rogers
Joanne M. Satterlee
Nancy J. Schmitter
Brian D. Shanley
Gopu Shrestha
David Silva
Christopher C. Sirr
Nancy L. Sullivan
Pamela J. Waterman
Christopher A. Whynock
Doctor of Philosophy
Jeffrey S. McPherson
William J. Morrissette
Roxanne M. O'Connell
Scott Palmieri
*cum laude
**magna cum laude
***summa cum laude
