Maureen Philbin ’86 creates opportunities for students and alumni in criminal justice and criminology
Maureen Philbin ’86 (pictured in feature photo, left), executive director of the Fall River Deaconess Home, embodies the collaborative mentorship that is a hallmark of Salve’s alumni network. Through her participation in career development panels and as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, she offers her expertise and guidance to students and alumni seeking internships and employment.
Upon her arrival at Deaconess, Philbin met Catherine McGee ’21 (pictured in featured photo, right). A business administration major, McGee spent two semesters as an intern there because she enjoyed it so much, and she has worked full-time for the organization since graduation. Her first position was in an administrative support staff role.
Philbin soon recognized McGee’s potential and suggested she apply for her current role as data and quality improvement specialist.
“Maureen has taken me under her wing,” said McGee. “Our mentorship relationship has really taken off and we are working on an accreditation project together. I’m shadowing her really, collecting information. She helps to go through my work so that in the future I can do this on my own. The project is giving me confidence and I know I will mentor more as I advance in my career.”
McGee applied for Salve’s master’s degree program in nonprofit management, which she began in fall 2022. “Maureen was really supportive and helped coach and guide me through the process,” she said.
As she becomes more seasoned in her profession, McGee hopes to return to campus to help guide and support students, just as Philbin does.
“I would definitely love to mentor more,” she said. “Especially on the transition from college to adult and finding the right work/life balance. It takes time to get a sense of whether the community and environment of a job are right for you.”
Jonathon Lynch ’18, ’19 (M) credits Philbin and Vincent Petrarca, senior lecturer in criminal justice and criminology, with fostering bridges to a successful career in Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS).
“Maureen was an excellent teacher and colleague,” Lynch recalled.
Lynch’s interest in human trafficking began as a student in Philbin’s course on human trafficking. In addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member, Philbin at the time served as the chief operations officer of Day One, a Rhode Island agency working to support survivors of sexual assault through advocacy and prevention.
While awaiting word on his application to NCIS, Lynch volunteered at a Day One conference and assisted in running a multidisciplinary team. These experiences helped transition Lynch from college to career. As an NCIS agent, Lynch continues to consider Philbin a mentor. “I still go to Maureen with questions,” he said.
Johnson Thomas ’16, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Providence Country Day School (PCDS), also considers Philbin’s mentorship a guiding force on his career path.
“She definitely guided me beyond Salve to where I am today,” said Thomas, who recalled feeling unsure as to what he wanted to do with his degree after graduation. “Coming out of college, you can feel a little lost and unsure. Maureen inspired me. She saw my passion and helped me be the best version of myself. She offered me my first job.
“Through working at Day One, I became a better friend, brother, ally and boyfriend,” he continued. “Things have come full circle, because now Maureen reaches out to me with questions about equity and inclusion.”
This story originally appeared in Report from Newport Spring/Summer 2023 edition. it has been slightly modified from its original form.
Salve Spotlights is a series of people-centered stories periodically featured on SALVEtoday. Check out the tag Salve Spotlights for more stories.
