Undergraduate Stories

From dancing at Walt Disney World, to showing off her baking skills on television’s Food Network, Roger Williams alumna and baker Jillian Hopke lives every day full of excitement and, of course, sugar! Since graduating from the Gabelli School of Business in 2002, thousands have fallen in love with Jillian’s tasty and unique baked goods, leading to business venture, “Jillycakes,” a bakery owned and operated by Jillian herself.  

Now a few years into my career, I enjoy working on healthcare projects that ultimately can make a great difference in someone’s life.  Along those same lines, I eventually want to be working on projects that benefit society as a whole, more specifically, working on sustainable projects.  It’s an exciting time to be in construction, as now, more than ever, we are developing and implementing new technologies and building materials with sustainable goals in mind.

After six internships and many hands-on experiences at RWU , Julia Pateman will join Hensel Phelps Construction in Southern California as a Field Engineer.

Jordan McGarty, RWU senior, is combining his passions to pursue an unusual yet essential role in the computer science field. With a major in computer science and a minor in professional and public writing, McGarty is preparing to serve as a bridge between client and programmer, streamlining communication and translating jargon into accessible language. 

During the spring of his senior year at RWU, John Babuka ’20 was chosen from 12,000 applicants to work as a Systems Engineer at General Motors in Warren, MI. 

Tyler Roberts '20 feels well prepared for the unique challenge of completing his first year of teaching during a pandemic. He works as a high school chemistry and physical science at Mount Hope High School in Bristol, RI after graduating from RWU with a double major in biology and secondary education. 

Madison Guitard ’20 is making packaging more efficient and sustainable as an Industrial Engineer at lululemon. 

Sean Nugent '20 developed an interest in water quality while studying environmental science at RWU. Now, Nugent works as a Water Quality Specialist at SafeWell, a Massachusetts-based water testing, treatment, and monitoring company.

Graduating with a double major in psychology and international relations, Abby Maxwell ’20 was excited to be accepted to American University’s Masters of Public Policy Program in Washington, D.C. 

Music and philosophy major Aidan Curren is working at the forefront of the music industry. His senior capstone project led to his current role as Publicity Assistant for PARMA Recordings, a recording company in New Hampshire.