Celebrating Our 2023 Graduates

From their outstanding academic and co-curricular achievements during their time at RWU to their post-Roger plans, RWU is very proud to celebrate our 2023 graduates. In these stories, hear how an RWU education has shaped their futures.

By Melanie Thibeault
Students sitting during the main Commencement ceremony
Marketing Major Lands Role with Wieden+Kennedy, Firm Known for Nike Ads

A headshot of Isaiah Braithwaite

S. Isaiah Braithwaite ’23, a Marketing major and Cultural Studies minor, has secured a Brand Strategy Residency for global advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, known for its work with Nike, in their New York office.


Internship, Leadership Roles Prepare Graduate Student for Clinical Therapist Position

Kelice Agosto

Kelice Agosto M’23, who will graduate with an M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Counseling, has secured a position as a clinical therapist at Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater, Mass.


University College Helps Student Discover Passion for Community Engagement

Sarah Murray

Sarah Murray ’23, who majored in Healthcare Administration with dual minors in Public Administration and Community Development through University College, has started a new position as a business planning analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island.  


NASA Research, Engineering Courses Prepare Grad for Role at Raytheon

Santiago Armas

Santiago Armas ’23, an Engineering major with an Electrical Specialization and first-generation student, will work as a seapower and electronic systems electrical engineer for Raytheon Missiles & Defense in Portsmouth, R.I.  


Marine Biology Major Will Travel to Antarctica as Part of Graduate Studies

Teagan Bellitto

Teagan Bellitto ’23, a Marine Biology and Environmental Chemistry double major and Sustainability Studies minor, will attend Texas A&M University for a Ph.D. in Chemical Oceanography. 


Center for Advanced Financial Education Leader Hired as Audit Accountant for Global Firm

Jacquelyn Beaulieu

Jacquelyn Beaulieu ’23, a Finance and Accounting double major, has accepted a position as an audit accountant for RSM US LLP, part of a global network of independent audit, tax, and consulting firms, in their Boston office.  


Double Major Reflects on Opportunities, Building Community at Roger

Parker Schwartz

Parker Schwartz ’23, a Secondary Education and English Literature double major, will pursue a career as a high school teacher after working for the Disney College Program for a semester.  


Law Grad Will Work as Associate Director of Admissions for RWU Law

Yulyana Torres

Yulyana Torres JD’23 will work at RWU School of Law as the new Associate Director of Admissions.  


Exploring Criminal Justice Paths Helped Ph.D.-Bound Grad Find Passion for Research

Jacob Balzarini

Jacob Balzarini ’22, M’23, who is graduating from the Criminal Justice 4+1 Master’s Program, plans to pursue his Ph.D. in Criminology.   


Building on Success at Roger, Construction Management Major Lands Position at Shawmut

Alyssa Foerster

Alyssa Foerster ’23, a Construction Management major with minors in Business and Sustainability Studies, will be taking part in the Construction Management Skills Training Program at Shawmut Design and Construction in Boston.  


Graphic Design Major’s Impressive Portfolio Leads to Position at Design Firm

Sophie Speliopoulos

Sophie Speliopoulos ’23, a Graphic Design Communication major and Marketing and American Sign Language double minor, finished her degree in December and has been working as a graphic designer/production artist at 3thought in Plymouth, Mass.  


Studio Time Prepares Architecture Grad for Hensel Phelps Position

Bodie Ibrahim

Bodie Ibrahim ’23, an Architecture major who minored in Photography and Digital Media, has accepted a job as a field engineer for Hensel Phelps.  


Graduate School-Bound Veteran Finds Support and Success at Roger

Joshua Gallardo

Joshua Gallardo ’23, a Psychology major and Philosophy minor, will attend William James College for a master’s in clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in military and veteran psychology. 


Computer Science Grad Will Work at Fidelity as Mobile Engineer

Rachel Piraino

Rachel Piraino ’23, a Computer Science major with minors in Marketing and Mathematics, will take part in Fidelity Investment’s LEAP career development program and upon completion will work as a full-time mobile engineer for the company in Merrimack, N.H.   


Unique Aquatic Diagnostic Lab Internship Prepares Grad for Biomedical Forensic Sciences Program

Emma Morin

Emma Morin ’23, a Forensic Science major and Criminal Justice minor, will attend Boston University for its M.S. in Biomedical Forensic Sciences program.


Connections with RWU Law Sets Double Major Up for Success

Evan Melo

Evan Melo ’23, a Legal Studies and Political Science double major, will attend George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C.  


From the Classroom to the Classroom: Education Major Prepared for Next Steps

Olivia Agoros

Olivia Agoros ’23, an Elementary Education major, will continue her studies at Roger Williams University in the 4+1 special education master’s program.  


Career Center, Hands-on Learning Prepares Student Leader for Construction Management Job

Audrey Corcoran

Audrey Corcoran ’23, who majored in Construction Management and double minored in Business Management and Visual Arts, will be working as an Assistant Project Manager with Elaine Construction in Newton, Mass.  


Biology Student Lands Full-time Job in RWU Professor’s Lab

Samantha Soares

Samantha Soares ’23, a Biology major with minors in Psychology and Criminal Justice, will work as a research technician and lab manager for RWU Assistant Professor of Psychology Victoria Heimer-McGinn’s neuroscience lab.