Salve celebrates inaugural class of Welcome Corps on Campus

Salve Regina University is among the 17 higher education institutions welcoming the inaugural cohort of refugee students arriving through Welcome Corps on Campus. Through this first-of-its-kind program, campuses nationwide can welcome and privately sponsor academically qualified refugee students through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Salve will welcome two incoming first-year students this fall through the program.

“The Welcome Corps on Campus has set in motion a transformative shift in how higher education institutions can build community on campus while also addressing the global refugee crisis,” said Nele Feldmann, associate director of the Welcome Corps on Campus. “Students, faculty, staff and institutional leaders across the country are embodying America’s longstanding tradition of providing refuge by offering these students this life-changing opportunity.”

Erin FitzGerald, director of Salve’s Center for Global Education and Fellowships, together with the Department of Social Work, initiated Salve’s participation in this important program. To become a host institution, the University had to establish a team of 10 members who all received Welcome Corps training, went through background checks and meets regularly to organize support for the participating students – everything from helping them secure and prepare housing to enrolling in classes, accessing social services and integrating as new members of the campus community.

In addition to Fitzgerald, the Salve Welcome Corps on Campus team includes student sponsor Hailey Daviau ’25; Casey Donahue, assistant director, international student services and exchange partner program; Elizabeth Galvin, director of health services; Dr. Mary Montminy-Danna, professor and chair of the Department of Social Work; James Mournighan, director of residence life; Lauren Neary, medical administrative assistant for health services; Kelly O’Malley, social work lecturer; Dr. Heather Pizzanello, assistant professor for social work; Kelly Powers, director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service; and Kathleen Rendos, assistant director for the Center for Community Engagement and Service.

Daviau, a social work major, said that being a sponsor in the program is “a profoundly meaningful experience. It has allowed me to make human connections that will last a lifetime, connect my classroom experience as a social work student to a larger mission and has allowed me to create a welcoming environment to these students. All of which I will take with me in my future career and continuing learning of various populations I may work with.”

She noted, “The program is particularly important because a college campus is an organic place for a successful resettlement. On campus we have a chapel, health services, counseling services, education, food access, housing access and more, all within walking distance to one another.”

Salve student sponsor Hailey Daviau ’25 brings supplies to set up the dorm room for the Welcome Corps on Campus students’ arrival. Photo credit: Sara Cooney

“Salve is committed to living out our mercy mission in tangible ways, and our participation in the Welcome Corps on Campus enables us to further the work we have been doing to support displaced and refugee students since 2012,” said Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong, president. “As part of this national network, we will be able to offer students even more support in their educational journeys. We’re inspired by the courage and perseverance of these students and our community will be made better by their presence.”

Daviau believes the experience is helping her to actively engage with Salve’s mission. “Through this role I have been able to create a more inclusive and understanding community. I have committed myself to lead this whole experience with compassionate support for these students while they navigate their new environment. This role has also allowed me to promote equality for them and has personally allowed me to face and learn more about the inequalities that most refugees have been presented with in their lives. These students have taught me so much and I am so grateful for them and the things I was able to learn by being a student sponsor in this program.”

The Salve community is encouraged to get involved and support these students as they adapt to their new lives.

• Make a donation: Help cover the costs associated with resettling and supporting these students.
• Become a mentor or tutor: Offer time and expertise to assist these students as they navigate their academic and personal challenges.
• Spread the word: Host an event or share information about the Welcome Corps on Campus to raise awareness and support

To engage in any of these ways or others, please email erin.fitzgerald@salve.edu.