Class of 2021 academic awards

LEROY D. AARONSON PRIZE FOR CLASSICS
The Leroy D. Aaronson Prize for Classics was established by private donations to recognize excellence in the study of ancient Greek or Latin. Each year a student who demonstrates superior accomplishment in learning an ancient language receives a classical reference book to honor his or her outstanding achievement.
Michaiah Elizabeth Kojoian
Philip Joseph Piscopo

ALBERTUS MAGNUS AWARD
The Albertus Magnus Award is given to the graduating student of Providence College who best exemplifies the life of Albertus in his service of humanity through teaching; his willingness to serve; his devotion to education; his breadth of learning; his willingness to learn new techniques; his love of science, especially the biological sciences; and his inquiring mind.
Claire Elizabeth Stover

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STUDENT SERVICE AWARD
This award honors the senior who has contributed the most to the College.
Brianna Marie Waldmann

AMERICAN CULTURE AWARD
This award is presented to the American studies major in the graduating class who has best demonstrated an ability to critically analyze and interpret the diverse myths, symbols, images, and events that define American culture, past and present.
Katherine Grace Pineo

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTS AWARD
The American Institute of Chemists Award is presented for outstanding scholastic achievement in biochemistry or chemistry, leadership, and character.
Erica Cates

THE CLINT ANDERSON RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE AWARD
Given in memory of Psychology Professor Dr. Clint Anderson, in honor of his dedication and love of Providence College, its students, and the value of undergraduate research in their education. The award, which funds full-time summer research preceding the student’s senior year, is given to the student whose proposal was found to represent the best of undergraduate research in psychological science.
Patrick Thomas Fuller

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HEALTH PROFESSIONS AWARD
This honor goes to the pre-medical or pre-dental senior who best exemplifies the ideals of St. Thomas Aquinas in scholarship, moral character, and devotion to Providence College.
Sidney Ann MacKinnon

THE LIDA B. ARONNE-AMESTOY AWARD
The Lida B. Aronne-Amestoy Award is presented to the graduating foreign language studies major whose academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and spirit of collaboration best honor Dr. Aronne-Amestoy’s breadth of knowledge and creative talents in the pursuit of justice and understanding among all peoples.
Cameron McCauley
Dania V. Polanco Rojas

THE ROBERT J. AUCLAIR MANAGEMENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD
The Auclair family is presenting this award as a tribute to Robert J. Auclair, who passed away on February 25, 2002, after a long illness. Professor Auclair, a beloved faculty member of the departments of business and management for 35 years, taught courses in principles of management, production management, small business management, and several other business courses. This award is presented to a senior who has excelled in the small business management class. Specifically, this student is recognized for excellence in the development of a business plan and a personal goal assessment.
Grace Moynihan

BERT AWARD
This award is offered in honor of the late Helen A. Bert, the first director of women’s athletics at Providence College, and granted to a senior who is planning to enter the teaching profession. The recipient is one who, in the estimation of the administration and faculty, exemplifies the learning, resourcefulness, and dedication expected of an outstanding teacher.
Olivia Rose Orlando

SISTER THEA BOWMAN AWARD
The Sister Thea Bowman Award was established by Dr. Laura L. Landen, retired associate professor of philosophy, and is presented to a senior in recognition of outstanding service to the College and local community. The award recognizes characteristics of openness to and respect for others, regardless of race, creed, or social status.
Fredson Desravines

REVEREND LEO S. CANNON, O.P. AWARD
This award is given in memory of Rev. Leo S. Cannon, O.P. for excellent musicianship. Father Cannon was a flautist, taught courses in music and French, served as moderator of an orchestra, and conducted the men’s Glee Club at Providence College from 1937 until his retirement in 1973. Father Cannon was a faculty member at Providence College for 36 years and earned, among his several degrees, an honorary doctorate in music from Providence College.
MacKenzie Mary Cochrane
Liam Michael O’Hara

COL. J. GARDNER CONWAY ’36 ALUMNI SABRE
The Providence College Alumni Association, on behalf of the graduates who have been commissioned through ROTC, and in memory of Col. J. Gardner Conway ’36, presents a ceremonial military sabre to the cadet who achieves the highest standing in the cadet corps in terms of military aptitude, moral character, scholastic achievement, and leadership potential.
Jackson Caldwell Gordon

THE GUSTAVE C. AND RITA A. COTÉ BUSINESS ACCOUNTING AWARD
This award was established by the late Professor Emeritus Gustave Coté to recognize the accountancy student who has achieved his or her potential in completing the program and who has positively contributed to the Providence College community through demonstrated service to others and/or participation in extra-curricular activities.
Korey David Lord

DANCE MINOR AWARD
This award recognizes an outstanding dance minor who best demonstrates excellence in three areas: academics, dance performance and choreography, and leadership.
Alexandra Grace Burch

SISTER ANNETTE DESMARAIS, O.P. AWARD
The Sister Annette Desmarais, O.P. Award is presented to a graduating senior for extraordinary volunteer and charitable work in the Providence area. The recipient exemplifies the spirit and mission of Providence College through membership in Campus Ministry.
Brooke Douglass

DIRECTOR’S AWARD
The Director’s Award is given to that student who exemplifies general excellence in the humanities.
Paola M. Diaz Irizarry

REVEREND VINCENT C. DORE, O.P. AWARD
The Reverend Vincent C. Dore, O.P. Award is given in recognition of dedication to community service, especially in working with young people.
Cameron McCauley

THE GERARD D. ’73 AND NATHANIEL S. ’07 DOWNING AWARD IN AMERICAN POLITICS
Presented by the Department of Political Science in memory of Gerry and Nate Downing, father and son, who shared an intense interest in the study of American politics. Awarded to the graduating political science major who best emulates their efforts.
Julia Lee Murphy

THE EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING AWARD
The recipient holds one of the highest GPAs in marketing and is one whose accomplishments and contributions inside and outside the classroom were a mark of distinction, enriching the quality and character of the academic environment for fellow students and faculty.
Lindsey Elizabeth Cartier

FILM MINOR AWARD
This award recognizes an outstanding film minor who best demonstrates excellence in three areas: academics, film production, and leadership.
Estarlyn Javier Hiraldo Inoa

THE AIME J. AND GERTRUDE B. FORAND SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The Aime J. and Gertrude B. Forand Scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding student majoring in political science, in memory of Congressman Aime J. Forand and his wife Gertrude. Aime J. Forand represented the First Congressional District of Rhode Island in the United States House of Representatives from 1937-1961.
Elizabeth Beatrice Gleason

REVEREND CORNELIUS P. FORSTER, O.P. AWARD
The Reverend Cornelius P. Forster, O.P. Award recognizes excellence in European history.
Elizabeth Beatrice Gleason
Ashley Maria Kaplan
Philip Joseph Piscopo

RENÉ E. FORTIN ESSAY AWARD
The annual René E. Fortin Essay Award is granted to that student who has written the best essay for an English course at Providence College. The Department of English faculty grants this award to honor our departed colleague, Professor René Fortin, whose example continues to inspire our students and ourselves as we learn, converse, and write about literature.
Kyle Patrick Burgess
Ian Steller

THE DEBORAH P. GOESSLING AWARD
The annual Deborah P. Goessling Award is presented to a graduating senior from the elementary/special education department who exemplifies the values and qualities of an excellent educator. Dr. Goessling was a beloved member of the elementary/special education department for 15 years until her death from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in October 2010. Throughout her career, Dr. Goessling believed adamantly that all students can learn, and was a champion of inclusion and community for all. Each year’s award recipient will have his/ her name added to the Deborah P. Goessling award plaque in the education office.
Abigale Kiernan

JOHN J. GULA ’59 AWARD
Granted by Mrs. Frances L. Gula in honor of her son to the highest-ranking senior in the business disciplines.
Colleen T. Murphy

KAPSTEIN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
A special monetary scholarship award in honor of Rev. Edward Flannery established by the Kapstein family to recognize a Providence College senior who has been active in promoting interfaith relations during his or her undergraduate career.
Steve Christopher Lawrence

REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. VISION AWARD
In 2018, and in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Providence College established the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Award. This annual award honors individuals or groups who exemplify his teachings and spirit. The selection committee for this award considers nominees whose scholarship, community engagement, leadership, or service to others has advanced one or more of the principles which Rev. King embodied: social justice, advocacy, equality, human rights, the promotion of faith, and freedom of all people.
Christina Sarai Roca

THE ROBERT I. KRASNER AWARD
The Robert I. Krasner Award is given to the graduating Providence College biology major who best exemplifies Dr. Krasner’s commitment to teaching and leadership inside and outside of the classroom.
Mackenzie Elizabeth Fox
Grace Marie Shapiro

THE LEONARD AWARD
The Leonard Award recognizes student excellence in drama.
Daniel Jameson

RICHARD G. MIGNACCA, M.D. ’60 AWARD
Established in memory of Dr. Richard Mignacca, ’60, for an outstanding senior who will attend medical school in the fall following graduation.
Kathryn Paige Fama

REVEREND THOMAS URBAN MULLANEY, O.P. AWARD
Leon Podles ’68 has established an endowed fund at the College in honor of the late Rev. Thomas Urban Mullaney, O.P. The income generated by the endowment is to fund a cash award for a Providence College student who writes the best essay on Thomism and/or who distinguishes himself or herself in the study of theology and philosophy. The recipient is selected by the chair of the theology department.
Brooke Douglass
Trevor John Wakefield

ROSALIE DAVIS NOCERA AWARD
The Rosalie Davis Nocera Award is given to the graduating social work major who best embodies Rosalie Nocera’s combination of intellectual inquiry and action to combat societal injustice.
Olivia Aran Yeaman

NORMAND R. NOEL AWARD
The Normand R. Noel Award is presented in memory of Dr. Normand R. Noel for advanced study in economics.
Dean Anthony Williams

PELL AWARD
This award, recognizing excellence in U.S. history, is presented in memory of the late U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell.
Kyle Patrick Burgess

THE MARY POLITELLI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MANAGEMENT
Award for exceptional academic achievement and embodiment of the mission and values of the department and the School of Business.
Mackenzie Saitta

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE PRESIDENT’S TROPHY
This award is presented in the name of the president of Providence College to the senior Army Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet who has consistently demonstrated high academic achievement and made significant contributions to morale and efficiency in a position with the cadet battalion.
Kathryn Paige Fama

REVEREND CHARLES V. REICHART, O.P. AWARD
This award is given to the graduating student of Providence College who best exemplifies Father Reichart’s dedication to the advancement of the biological sciences as evidenced by his or her scholarship, intellectual curiosity, disciplined perseverance, and scientific integrity.
Anne Marie Dankert
Lauren Elizabeth Flynn
Abigail Alyce Harrington

REVEREND DANIEL F. REILLY, O.P. AWARD
The Reverend Daniel F. Reilly, O.P. Award honors excellence in historical scholarship.
Andrea Tomassina Traietti

RHODE ISLAND SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AWARD
This award recognizes academic achievement in accounting.
Fallon Elizabeth Plociak

STEPHEN J. RYAN, M.D. ’30 DISTINGUISHED STUDENT AWARD
This award is given to a graduating Providence College senior who has been accepted for admission to a United States medical school and who possesses “the characteristics of integrity, compassion, and personality that would make for the ideal physician.”
Kathryn Paige Fama

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA AWARD IN WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES
The St. Catherine of Siena Award in Women and Gender Studies is given to the student who has best served the program and whose scholarship has been most original.
Kara Berlin-Gallo
Savannah Grace Plaisted

REVEREND RAYMOND ST. GEORGE, O.P. AWARD
The Reverend Raymond St. George, O.P. Award is granted by the Class of 1950 in memory of Father St. George to the highest-ranking senior French major.
Lily Anna McCafferty

SANTANDER BANK AWARD FOR FINANCE
This award is presented to an outstanding student in finance who exemplifies himself or herself in all subject areas in the major.
Colleen T. Murphy

SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONAL PROMISE AWARD
This award is given to the graduating senior who has demonstrated professional promise in the understanding of and commitment to the mission of social work as demonstrated in the classroom and in the field.
Victoria Rose Rodriguez

PAUL van K. THOMSON AWARD
Named in honor of Reverend Paul van K. Thomson, who served on the College English faculty for nearly 40 years, this award recognizes excellence in English literature.
Elizabeth Rose McGinn
Jade Monique Roman

Highest GPA Awards

ACCOUNTANCY
Jillian Irma Ferrigno

AMERICAN STUDIES PROGRAM
Sarah Robertson Heavren

ART/ART HISTORY
Art history
Sarah Diane Kirchner

Studio art
Shannon Grace Rooney

BIOLOGY
Danielle Rose Colucci
Angus White

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
Biochemistry
Erica Cates

Chemistry, B.S.
Michael Peter Shaw

ECONOMICS
Business economics
Owen Birdsall Martinson
Kevin David Schwalm

Economics
Kelly Elizabeth Garrett

Quantitative economics
Patrick Francis Vogt

EDUCATION
Elementary/special education
Sydney Lynn Amaral
Katherine Mandarakas
Gabriella Maria Ricciardone

Secondary education
Joshua Michael Chlebowski

ENGINEERING AND PHYSICS
Physics
Olivia Jo Dickinson

Engineering Science
Richard Hay Thomson

ENGLISH
English
Mackenzie Elizabeth Fox
Elizabeth Rose McGinn
Margaret Ann Powick

English/Creative Writing
Savanna Elizabeth Granger
Alexsia Renee Patton

FINANCE
Sean Michael Breuche
Colleen T. Murphy
Ryan Michael Reynolds

FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES
French
Katherine Mary Iwanowicz
Abigail Elizabeth Marran
Elizabeth Rose McGinn
Amber Pare

Spanish
Trevor John Wakefield

GLOBAL STUDIES
Christina Sarai Roca

HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
Tara Elizabeth Cooney
Natalie Renee Formica
Anna Catherine Gee
Hanna Johnston
Caroline Ynes Rivera

HISTORY AND CLASSICS
Classics
Michaiah Elizabeth Kojoian
Philip Joseph Piscopo

History
Sean Mark Gray
Sarah Robertson Heavren
Philip Joseph Piscopo
Cameron Scott Smith

HUMANITIES
Ryan Thomas Britt

MANAGEMENT
Kelly Ann Wheeler

MARKETING
Elena Nicole Bibilos
Siobhan Rose Tierney

MATHEMATICS/COMPUTER SCIENCE
Computer Science
Samuel Adefiyiju
Thomas Christopher Arbeiter
Heather Ashley Chan

Mathematics
Thomas Christopher Arbeiter
Brett Smith Baker
Matthew William Bendernagel
Heather Ashley Chan
Danielle Rose Colucci
Sarah Robertson Heavren
Elizabeth Ann McGuinness
Shannon Grace Rooney

MUSIC
Music
Victoria Ann Costa

Music Education
MacKenzie Mary Cochrane

PHILOSOPHY
Alexa Nicole Buonaiuto

POLITICAL SCIENCE
Elizabeth Beatrice Gleason
Katherine Mary Iwanowicz
Mallory Shannon Maryzek
Margaret Ann Powick

PSYCHOLOGY
Dominic Temujin Arruda
Patrick Thomas Fuller
Katherine Mandarakas
Angus White

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Shannon Elizabeth Sullivan

PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE STUDIES
Jolssen Anthony Rodriguez

SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM
Jason David O’Neill
Jared Robert Wenzel

SOCIAL WORK
Olivia Aran Yeaman

SOCIOLOGY
Sydney Cramer
Estarlyn Javier Hiraldo Inoa
Christina Sarai Roca

THEATRE, DANCE, AND FILM THEATRE ARTS
Daniel Jameson

THEOLOGY
Trevor John Wakefield

WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES
Alexandra Lee Baker
Kara Berlin-Gallo