Commencement 2011: Student Profiles

Meet some of our newest alumni...

	Student Speaker The A. Robert Rainville Student Employee Leadership Award winner, Valerie Damon-Leduc, was chosen to address her peers at the undergraduate commencement ceremony. The vivacious graduating senior who majors in English and minors in communication studies and leadership, will share thoughts about her years at URI and the community she has grown to love.
	Student/Soldier Cynthia Limoges is like the mythical Phoenix that arose from its ashes to begin a new life. The student/soldier overcame a dark past and created a bright future. Her latest achievement will be earning a bachelors degree in psychology -- a journey that took 10 years, two deployments to Afghanistan as a Rhode Island Air National Guard, full-time employment as a victim's advocate, and the birth of two sons, Ethan, 8 and Benjamin, 2.
	Global Pathway Sarah Schlatter knew that she wanted to travel to Europe. She learned Spanish in high school and spoke Portuguese at home, but it wasn't until she got to the University that her goal was achieved - through the International Engineering Program. "The IEP program was what attracted me to URI in the first place. My Dad is an electrical engineer, and he tried brainwashing me as a child to become an engineer," she said with a sly smile. "I tried to ignore him, but in high school I realized that I think like an engineer. I also wanted to study something that would help people, so I picked biomedical engineering."
	Pro Dreams Michael Tanke has dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player since he realized his love of the game and made this his lifetime goal. As he prepares to graduate, the nutrition and dietetics major and international development minor, has been signed with the Rochester Rhinos, a United Soccer League team based in Rochester, N.Y. "A huge part of me coming to URI was for soccer, but not just for the winning records and the playing facilities, but the team and coaching staff... I was never the best player on the team. I owe my success to my teammates and coaches who I looked up to and learned from," said Tanke.
	Engineering Mind Like many high school students, Patricia Coutts had difficulty deciding what college to attend and what subject to study. But when she finally decided on the University of Rhode Island, she said everything seemed to fall into place. "I really wanted to challenge myself and set a high goal, so I finally settled on engineering. And I took German as an elective and loved it, especially since it's very structured and works well with my math and science mind." Now she will graduate with research experience, memories of a year spent abroad, and best of all - an excellent job in her field.
	New Movements A childhood passion for birds, bugs and other wildlife led Christina Knoll to study wildlife and conservation biology at URI. She tied these interests up neatly last fall trapping and banding wild songbirds to study the dietary needs of migrating birds. On campus she was immersed in other activities -- as a resident assistant, a member of the Electronic Music Association, a DJ on WRIU, and president of URI's Wildlife Society chapter. But she also became aware of what she called hate crimes on campus, and was inspired to organize a "Stop the Hate" rally on the quad. "I see myself as one who stands for equal rights for everyone," Knoll said. The event, which drew 1,000 people, made her a leading voice for diversity and harmony on campus.
	Perfect Storm As a swim instructor and lifeguard in high school, Matt Horn loved being in or near the water. But when it came to a career, he first thought of engineering or medicine before his affinity for the water caught up with him. Now after six years tracking nitrogen around the world's oceans and tracing its relationship to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, he will graduate with a Ph.D. in oceanography. He said he'll look back nostalgically on his time spent at sea as he begins work as a chemical oceanographer at Applied Science Associates tracking oil and chemicals in the ocean and other environmental hazards.
	Business Abroad URI's International Business Program was ideal for Karolina Gaide. It provided the opportunity for the honors student to see the world and prepare for a business career filled with international travel. In fact, she spent a year in Germany, interning at Volkswagen in Emden and taking courses at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. She traveled throughout Europe and visited her father who lives in Latvia, her homeland. "Coming to URI was an amazing experience because of all of the things I was able to do," said Gaide. She is now planning her next move, this one to New York City for a job that will take her abroad once more.
	Environmental Education A third grade report about the endangered manatee inspired Vanessa Venturini's life-long passion for environmental education and endangered species protection. As she prepares to graduate with a master's degree in environmental science and management, she looks forward to a career building awareness and enthusiasm for the natural world. "I have learned how people and development have had such a negative impact on biodiversity and the environment. I believe that through education to the general public and professionals we can help alter perceptions and practices to be better for the planet," she said.
	Family Ties Kevin Colman was determined to make his own way when it came time to choose a college. His three older siblings had all earned degrees from URI, but he wanted to go somewhere else. That was until his sister gave him an inside look at the University and he realized that he could create a unique learning experience here. And that is exactly what happened. "URI has helped me develop that high-energy personality and that willingness to go out and try new things," said the new communications and public relations graduate.
	New Perspective English major Marquis Jones and journalism major Cyntoya Simmons gained an entirely new perspective on college life and beyond as a result of their internships. The two helped to build the University's Alumni of Color Network, a campus asset for alumni, students, staff and faculty of color. "The personal growth that I've experienced through networking with the Alumni of Color Network and getting to know alumni from out of state has been great. It has really opened my mind up to more possibilities, because you never know who is going to be able to help you down the road," said Jones.
	Leadership After receiving his doctor of pharmacy degree at URI, Andrew Benson will report to a whole new campus environment. He will begin his 5-week officer development school as a commissioned lieutenant at the Newport Naval station. Then he'll travel to San Diego to start his 3 years of active duty working in ambulatory care centers there. "I got involved in the program because I wanted to serve and give back to my country. Joining the service as a pharmacist was the best way for me to accomplish my goals and get involved as soon as possible," said Benson.
	Passion for Wildlife During her four years at URI, Sarah Donlan took advantage of several opportunities to get hands-on research experience. The recipient of the University Academic Excellence Award as the school's top wildlife biology major, the honors student is well on her way to turning her passion for wildlife into a career. "I've always liked nature and wildlife, and I used to think I wanted to be a marine biologist, until I realized that I get seasick," Donlan said with a laugh. "So I decided to focus on terrestrial animals, especially birds of prey."
	URI SAVES If you were in a situation where you needed help, wouldn t you want somebody to help you out? That's a question senior Evan White has asked himself since he was a child. For White, lending a hand to someone in need is a regular part of his life. After looking for student outreach groups to join, he founded Students Actively Volunteering and Engaging in Service (URI SAVES) with another student and was involved in numerous outreach efforts. "That attitude of not being able to just stand by when you see somebody else who is in trouble has been with me since I was a child," said White, a psychology major and leadership studies minor.