Celebrating University employees who graduated with a degree in 2021, 2020

Salve Regina is celebrating current employees who graduated with degrees in 2021 and 2020 during May’s multiple Commencement ceremonies. Seven employees are being honored for their accomplishments in 2021, and four are being acknowledged for 2020.

Working and going to school is no easy task — especially during a pandemic. The University acknowledges the hard work it took to complete degrees on top of working and giving back to the Salve Regina community during this unique time in the world’s history.

2021 employee degree recipients

Katharine Daley, visual designer in design services

Daley began the holistic clinical mental health counseling program in 2013. The 60-credit program took her six years to complete, because she took some time off in the middle. But she enjoyed the program immensely.

“In addition to my love of art and creative design, there has always been a drive to be of service to something greater than myself,” Daley said. “The holistic counseling program presented itself at the perfect time. In this program, there is such a strong community connection. Given the nature of the curriculum, classmates become a primary source of support during the academic process, as well as during the personal growth that takes place throughout the program.”

Moving forward, Daley hopes to use this degree to support and advocate for others who may otherwise feel unheard. She hopes to continue to work with children and adolescents, and she feels blessed to be able to provide the space to help people navigate their life experiences.

Virginia Obert, assistant registrar and transfer advisor at the registrar’s office

Obert earned a master of science in innovation and strategic management in three years. She is a military spouse who has lived in California, Washington State, Guam, and Hawaii before moving to Rhode Island.

“Our move to Rhode Island provided an opportunity to change my career path again, and I joined Salve Regina,” Obert said. “Working in the office of the Registrar provided a glimpse of the business studies and economics program, and I was intrigued to learn more about the structure and management of business.”

Obert enjoyed learning creative problem solving strategies and improving processes. Currently, she works with Salve Regina’s students throughout the day — whether it be in person, on a call, via email, through an electronic form, or in an online meeting platform, and she has used her new business strategies to help improve the way that she works.

“I enjoy working with students and am excited to have the opportunity to advise transfer students as they transition to Salve Regina,” she said. “Anyone willing to move and take on a new adventure has a special place in my heart.”

Ryan Teng, technical support specialist in the office of information technology

Teng completed his master’s degree in health care administration with a graduate certificate in cyber security.

“I’ve always wanted to work in the health care field, and working as an IT staff member, I came across health care IT,” he said. “Both fields are constantly changing, and I would love to be a part of that and learn about the new possibilities in medical advancements.”

Teng enjoyed the group discussions with his class peers, and he feels he learned new things from each of the students he met during his time in the program.

“We all came from different backgrounds, and it was nice to share our experiences and learn from one another,” he said.

Other 2021 degree recipients:

• Hannah Cazzetta, academic advising coordinator; graduate certificate
• Madison Kalkstein, part-time receptionist at the business office; bachelor’s degree in global studies
• Jane Walsh, head coach of women’s soccer; master of science
• Natalie Wong, financial aid counselor and loan coordinator; master of science in innovation and strategic management and graduate certificate

2020 employee degree recipients

Corilyn Richard, assistant director of alumni, parent and family programs

Richard received a master’s of business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurial enterprise. It took her two years to complete.

“After returning to Salve as an employee at the beginning of 2018, I wanted to become fully immersed in the community again,” she said. “I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to continue taking courses to further my understanding of fundraising and owning a business.”

Richard is really looking forward to bringing her experiences from her degree back to the Salve Regina community.

“Because I work in the alumni, parent and family programs office, I have a lot of opportunities to connect with many from our community outside of our campus,” she said. “Hopefully, I can use my degree to bring them engaging and exciting events, while supporting our students through philanthropy at the same time.”

Other 2020 degree recipients:

• Amanda Corp, bachelor of arts in psychology
• Nancy Escher, director of human resources and deputy title IX coordinator in human resources, master of science
• Nishante Pearson, receptionist at Academic Center for Excellence; master of science in health care administration and graduate certificate in human resources management and services