Celebrating University employees who graduated in 2024

Salve Regina celebrates the five employees who received degrees during the recent Commencement ceremonies. Balancing work and studies is a significant challenge, and the University recognizes the determination and effort these individuals demonstrated to achieve their academic goals while continually contributing to the Salve community.

Erin Barry, communications specialist, Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy

Barry earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA). Reflecting on her journey, Barry fondly recalls the camaraderie she felt with her colleagues.

“Several of my colleagues here at Salve were also in the MBA program,” she said. “I loved the sense of camaraderie we’d feel realizing we were in the same classes together and collaborating on group projects late into the evening hours at McKillop Library.”

Barry also received a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Salve in 2019, and her academic journey was significantly shaped by mentors Amy Cady, director of the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, as well as Dr. Bill Leeman and Dr. Tim Neary, professors in the Department of History. Their guidance was instrumental when she changed her major during her junior year, a decision that opened new academic and professional opportunities — and eventually led to the completion of her MBA.

“Each of them helped me realize changing course was one of the best decisions I could have made,” Barry said.

Throughout her time in the graduate program, Barry found a course in business law to be a favorite — allowing her to merge her interests in history and contemporary business issues. Drafting her final paper, Barry drew parallels between President Theodore Roosevelt’s trust-busting efforts and current opportunities for tech sector regulation, enhancing her perspective on modern issues.

“I’ll always value the context an examination of the past gives me to enhance my perspective on the issues we face today,” Barry said.

Salve’s mercy mission deeply influenced Barry’s approach to her work and studies, instilling in her the importance of aligning values with actions. As she steps into her future endeavors, Barry is excited to apply the skills and insights gained from her MBA to enhance her professional responsibilities within the Salve community.

Catherine Dolan, writer/content strategist, Office of Marketing and Communications

Dolan earned her bachelor’s degree in English communications with minors in marketing and economics in December 2023, and she walked with her class during the undergraduate Commencement ceremony this May. She began working in the Salve community during her junior year as an editorial intern within the Office of Marketing and Communications. When a position opened within the department as she was finishing her last semester, she knew it was fate.

“It really felt like the stars aligned when this position became available,” Dolan said. “Once I found out I had been offered a position, I remember thinking, ‘How lucky am I?'”

As a transfer student during her sophomore year in the midst of the pandemic, Dolan faced a new environment and rigorous academics. She credits the faculty within the Department of English, Communications and Media for their patience and guidance during her time at Salve.

“I couldn’t be more thankful to the English department. Every class I have taken has been so valuable to my role now, and every professor has shown me nothing but compassion and kindness,” Dolan said. “I am eternally grateful – I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through this degree without their unwavering support.”

As a writer/content strategist at the University, Dolan finds herself constantly reflecting on the mercy mission. “I am so lucky to be able to work at an institution I have had the privilege of falling in love with for four years and whose values have shaped both my professional and personal life,” Dolan said. “Salve’s dedication to mercy will forever be something I cherish.”

Teryn O’Brien, senior writer/content strategist, Office of Marketing and Communications

Graduating with her master’s degree in holistic clinical mental health counseling, the journey for O’Brien was both challenging and rewarding as she balanced full-time work with demanding academic and practicum/internship requirements. However, she found great support within the Salve community — and she especially thanks colleagues Mary Edwards, assistant vice president of marketing and communications, and Kate Borgueta, director of content marketing.

“The highlight of my experience was two-fold. I really enjoyed all of the Salve professors within the counseling program, who were dedicated to their jobs and really tried to support us along the way to graduating,” O’Brien said. “I also made a network of connections that I’ll cherish for years to come – not only as professionals but as friends.”

Despite the rigorous demands, O’Brien found joy in the journey, culminating in the pride of walking across the graduation stage. This educational experience of obtaining a counseling degree in particular reinforced O’Brien’s belief in the importance of compassion, actively listening to others, empathy and cultivating resilience, all of which are values she plans to carry forward in her career at Salve and beyond. Mercy — willingly entering into another’s chaos — will also always be present in her mind. 

“During my practicum and internship experience, I sat with people’s chaos — their pains, their mental health crises, their traumas,” she said. “That is the heart of therapy, and I’ll never forget the beautiful moments that felt particularly sacred by holding space for people who were feeling so vulnerable.”

Reflecting on her time at Salve juggling many different demands, she advises current and future students to take each day as it comes and stay present.

“You are stronger than you know, and if you truly feel that you want a degree, you will do it,” she said. She knows that this journey to getting a master’s was meant to be a part of her story, leaving an indelible mark on her approach to work and life.

Caitlyn Rubino, admissions counselor, Office of Admission

Rubino earned her Master of Business Administration. During her time as an undergraduate student at Salve, where she received a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies in 2022, Rubino engaged deeply with the Department of Business and Economics, participating in the Options Trading Club and the Entrepreneurship Club. These early connections made her transition to the MBA program smoother.

Balancing work and school was no easy feat for Rubino, who frequently traveled to recruit future Salve students. Rubino credits her professors and mentors for providing the confidence to pursue her graduate degree, despite initial doubts.

“I am thankful for the numerous relationships that I have built in my six years at Salve and would not be where I am without the support I’ve felt from my professors and colleagues,” Rubino said. “Salve is a very unique and special place, and I feel as though I am living the dream.”

With her MBA officially in hand, Rubino urges students to never give up. “Keep working towards your ultimate goal,” she said. “You will have the support of the Salve community to push you towards becoming your best self.”

Rubino’s journey at Salve is a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship and perseverance.

Other employee degree recipients

• Erin Beauchemin, media services specialist in the Office of Information Technology, received a master’s degree in administration of justice and homeland security.