As the University counts down to Commencement, UConn Today is featuring some of this year’s outstanding graduating students, nominated by their academic school or college or another University program in which they participated. For their stories, click on the links below, and keep checking back, as more articles are added in the weeks leading up to Commencement.
Jigish Patel, Future Volunteer Teacher
After graduating as an Honors student with three majors, Jigish Patel ’13 (CLAS) will join Teach for America as a volunteer math teacher in Arkansas for two years.
Brunilda Feraj, Future Social Worker
Her childhood experiences as an immigrant are part of what has driven Brunilda Ferraj ’13 MSW to pursue a degree in social work.
Spencer Reese, Future Opera Stage Director, & Tyler Reese, Future Businessman
Twins Spencer Reese ’13 (SFA) and Tyler Reese ’13 (CLAS) followed separate academic paths, one as a music major, the other in math.
Kyle Hope & Brian Osborn, Future International Engineers
Kyle Hope ’13 (ENG & CLAS) and Brian Osborn ’13 (ENG & CLAS) spent a year in Germany as part of UConn’s Eurotech program.
Darren Luon, Future Pharmacist
Motivated by the illness of a family member, Darren Luon ’13 Pharm.D. is looking forward to a career as a pharmacist and perhaps one day as a pharmacy professor.
Mairead Hynes, Future History Professor
For her Honors thesis, Mairead Hynes ’13 (CLAS) visited Oxford University and read archived letters from WWII Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Winston Churchill.
Celia Poirier, Future Graphic Designer
Celia Poirier ’13 (SFA & CLAS), a dual degree candidate in fine arts and communication, found her niche at UConn’s Design Center.
Frank Cervo, Future Environmentalist
For Frank Cervo ’13 (CLAS), field research in Costa Rica shaped his goals to earn a Ph.D. in environmental science and help improve the environment.
Kylie Angell, Future Registered Nurse
Kylie Angell ’13 (NUR) hopes ultimately to study health policy, earn a Ph.D., and become an advocate for nursing.
Ethan Sarnoski, Future Microbiologist
After excelling in pathobiology research as an undergraduate, Ethan Sarnoski ’13 (CANR) is heading to Yale as a Ph.D. candidate in microbiology.
Carlos Rodriguez, Future Counselor
Carlos Rodriguez ’13 (CLAS) is grateful for the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree, and he plans to ‘pay it forward’ by becoming a counselor.
Joseph Williamson, Future Social Studies Teacher
Connecticut history buff Joe Williamson ’13 (ED) incorporates local history into his lesson plans to engage students.
Alyssa Palazzo, Future Writer, Advocate
The editor-in-chief of UConn’s literary magazine, Long River Review, Alyssa Palazzo ’13 (CLAS) is a talented writer, editor, and advocate for women’s issues.
Lisa Dauten, Future Veterinarian
Twice named Connecticut’s Eastern States Exposition Undergraduate Scholar, Lisa Dauten ’13 (CANR) hopes to make a difference in the world of veterinary medicine.
Addison Zhao, Future Educational Psychologist
Psychology major Addison Zhao ’13 (CLAS) has excelled as both a student and a peer educator. Now he hopes to study educational psychology in graduate school.
Russell Lycan, Future Marine Archaeologist
Russell Lycan ’13 (CLAS) is making the journey from Navy diver to a career in marine archaeology.
