Class of 2010 Profiles

May 21, 2010

From teaching English to youth in New Orleans to starting a creative career in graphic design to becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, the members of the Class of 2010 are leaving Stonehill for an array of new challenges and opportunities. While we can't highlight each of the 541 members of the Class of 2010, we offer profiles of ten graduates who have made the most of their education at Stonehill.

John Hanawalt

Hometown: Easton, MA
Major: Graphic Design

The College's Student Commencement Speaker for 2010, Hanawalt completed his studies in graphic design in December. Since 2008, Hanwalt has been a freelance graphic designer with Boston Medical Center, Prompt Communications and Stonehill among his clients.

In 2009, Hanawalt won the Martin Institute's art contest and its accompanying Fellowship in the Arts for his piece Little Boxes, a collage of images which reflect the complexity and ambiguity of globalization.

Hanawalt was also actively involved with the student-run design studio, InHouse Design as well as the College's literary magazine Rolling Stonehill. For three semesters, he served as production manager for the student-published magazine. In addition, Hanawalt worked closely with the Cushing-Martin Gallery, curating three exhibits.

Kathleen Stephan

Hometown: Clifton Park, NY
Major: International Studies

In the summer of 2008, Stephan traveled to Nigeria to explore ways students could assist development efforts in the remote village of Aku and surrounding areas. As a follow-up to her trip, Stephan worked on a sustainable development efforts research project through the College's Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program in the summer of 2009.

After taking a course on post-conflict reconstruction and after her trip to Nigeria, Stephan created her own Interdisciplinary concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies.

She also studied at American University in Washington, D.C. through the Washington Semester's Peace and Conflict Resolution Program. In addition, Stephan traveled to the Balkans where she conducted field work for the program.

This semester, she has served as a Teaching Assistant for the Learning Community Democratic Institutions and Cultural Differences in the United States and the World and has worked as a Martin Institute Civic Ambassador.

Upon graduating, Stephan will be working as a volunteer with the Border Servant Corps, a 10-year-old ministry of the Peace Lutheran Church, based along the U.S.-Mexican border.

Johannes Tesfai

Hometown: Boston, MA
Major: Criminology

In his early days at Stonehill, Tesfai struggled with his studies. Working with faculty and staff, he transformed himself into a more focused and engaged student. His article on how he made that change appeared in several newspapers. To see it, visit here.

A Devin Scholarship recipient, he has travelled to California and Peru as a H.O.P.E. alternative spring break volunteer, helping people in need.

He has also enjoyed a close relationship with Campus Ministry, working as an administrative assistant the past two years, as well as with the Diversity on Campus (D.O.C.) club.

Beginning in the summer of 2008, Tesfai began a one-year internship with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Co. where he researched and presented reports on improving internal communications. That same summer, he also began his own youth soccer association, Boston Ethiopian Youth Soccer Association (BEYSA), aimed at building community among Boston's Ethiopian youth population.

This semester, he has worked as an intern at the Plymouth Country District Attorney's Office. Tesfai has worked closely with Brockton public service workers in helping address youth crime and drug and alcohol abuse.

Tesfai is currently applying for teaching and mentoring positions.

Sara Roderiques

Hometown: New Bedford, MA
Major: Chemistry

Since entering Stonehill as a first-year student, Roderiques immersed herself in the life of the College. From singing with the Chapel Choir to developing close relationships with her professors through the Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program, these opportunities have allowed her grow both academically and spiritually.

"Stonehill has given me so many opportunities, and traveling around the world for science, singing, and volunteer work are just a few. I have discovered my strengths, my weaknesses, and my passions," noted Roderiques in her speech at the annual Benefactor and Student Scholarship Dinner in April.

The recipient of the DeSouza Ward and the Theresa Ryan Scholarships, Roderiques credits the three H.O.P.E. trips she took part in as helping her discover her true passion for volunteering. Inspired by the results of these trips, she applied for year-of-service programs, and shortly after graduation, she will travel to Florida to begin work with the Humility of Mary Volunteer Service program.

Andrew McCoy

Hometown: Hoover, AL
Major: Philosophy

Commander of ROTC Bravo Company at Stonehill, Andrew McCoy was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army at a ceremony at Faneuil Hall in Boston on May 15.

A certified paratrooper, McCoy will be assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Fort Drum, N.Y. The 10th Mountain Division has been involved in more deployments than any Army division. It is a rapidly deployable light infantry division capable of operations from humanitarian relief to combat.

Since 1976, ROTC has been part of Stonehill life and Bravo Company is affiliated with the 140-cadet Charles River Battalion at Boston University. When two Blackhawk helicopters came to campus in April 2009 to take cadets to Fort Devans for field training exercises, McCoy was responsible for making sure that the entire company of 40 cadets, which includes cadets from other local colleges, was fed, accommodated and prepared for all training events. During tactical operational exercises conducted on campus, McCoy has held leadership positions. To see a photo-essay of Bravo Company training on campus, visit here.

Kathleen Atkins

Hometown: Southport, CT
Major: English/Graphic Design

As President of the Student Alumni Association (SAA), Atkins knows her connection to the College will not come to an end when she graduates. While working for the SAA, she has helped keep alumni in touch with campus life and has helped spread the word to fellow students about their future roles as alumni.

Atkins spent the fall semester studying art history and English literature at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England and this semester she has been working as a Graphic Design and Editorial Intern for the Boston Globe's Design New England Magazine. She has also held summer editorial positions for the Morris Media Group and Moffley Media in Connecticut.

While interviewing for several special events and publishing positions, Atkins will return to Stonehill to assist the Alumni Affairs Office with Reunion in June.

Ben Albert

Hometown: Thomaston, CT
Major: International Studies/Political Science

At the College, Albert has developed his leadership skills. During his junior year, he testified before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva as an intern for the United Nations Watch. His speech addressed the human rights issues in the Congo.

The elected President of the Resident Assistant Council and the Vice President of the 2010 Class Committee, Albert has also served as Chair of the Academic and Missions Subcommittee and a Senator of the Student Senate. As an International and Political Science double major, he has also worked closely with the Martin Institute, serving as a globalization intern this semester.

Albert has been the recipient of several awards including the Robert E. Reardon Award for Outstanding Achievement in Political Science, the Vice President's Award, the Residence Life Award, and the Class Leadership Award.

After graduation, Albert will travel to Agartala, India through Stonehill's Extension India program. While there, he will be teaching in a Holy Cross School for one year. Upon his return to the U.S., he plans to pursue a Master's of Diplomacy and International Affairs degree.

Sara Varadian

Hometown: Norwood, MA
Major: American Studies

Even before she came to Stonehill, Varadian was raising funds to help send Afghan girls to school. The 9/11 attacks prompted her to create her own philanthropic group, Wee Care Bears.

"It was then that I learned how Afghan girls were being denied an education," Varadian told the audience at the 2009 President's Dinner where she was chosen as the student speakers for the event. "The fact that I have been blessed with the opportunity for education is something I never take for granted. Education allows individuals the ability to expand their minds, care for their families, and become contributing members of their communities," she explained.

For the past year, Varadian has interned at the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation in Dighton where she has helped develop and implement fundraising strategies for Guaimaca Mission in Honduras.

Throughout her Stonehill career, Varadian has received several awards, including the President's Volunteer Service Award, the Diversity and Social Justice Award, the Armenian Students Association Gold Medal Award, the Carpe Diem Foundation of Illinois' Humanitarian Award, the National Daily Points of Light Foundation Award, as well as the William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy.

Following graduation, she will return to Lifespan where she was a fundraising and development intern last summer. In her new role, Varadian will be working as an Event Manager Consultant. Beginning in October, Varadian will also be working in the Development Office at Bradley Hospital.

Blayne Lopes

Hometown: New Bedford, MA
Major: Psychology

The recipient of the 2010 Diversity and Social Justice Award, Lopes is no stranger to awards. Having been awarded 28 different academic scholarships before his arrival at Stonehill, he has excelled both in and out of the classroom since his time at New Bedford High School.

Lopes has served as an Upperclass Student Mentor, an ALANA Brother, a Resident Assistant, and as Treasurer of the Student Government Association's Diversity Committee. He was also an active member of the Diversity On Campus (D.O.C.) club.

As a two-time intern in the Office of Intercultural Affairs he wrote for the Intercultural Happenings blog and newsletter. Lopes' second internship in Intercultural Affairs was through the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators' (NASPA) Undergraduate Fellowship Program. This past semester he also served as an intern for Multicultural Recruitment in the Admissions Office.

Lopes also worked closely with the Intercultural Affairs subcommittee, helping draft the diversity section of the College's next Strategic Plan. He also served as the student voice for the College's Bias Response Protocol.

In the fall, Lopes will begin graduate school at Fordham University in its Masters of Social Work Program.

Aislinn Cunningham

Hometown: Milford, CT
Major: English

Every year for four years, Cunningham participated in the H.O.P.E. alternative spring break trips, but it was not until her most recent trip, to Nicaragua this spring, that she began to appreciate fully the meaning of service.

In an article for The Summit, the student newspaper, she reflected on her initial doubts, her worries about being a poverty tourist, and how she came to understand the value and power of service. To read the article, visit here.

After graduation, Cunningham, will join the Teach for America program and will serve as an English teacher in New Orleans. At the same time, she will work to obtain her teaching certification through the Louisiana Practitioner Program.

Contact

For more information, contact Communications and Media Relations at 508-565-1321.