Student Leadership Recognition

Julia Carson is a senior Biology major on the pre-med track from Foxborough, Massachusetts. Throughout her time at Providence College, Julia has been deeply involved in a variety of organizations, serving as the leader of St. Dominic’s Liturgical Choir, Co-President of the PC A Capella Club, Vice President of Physicians at PC, a General Chemistry Tutor, a Research Assistant in Dr. Soto-Reyes’ lab, and a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, Sigma Xi, and the Dirigo Honors Society. Additionally, Julia serves as a Biology Student Mentor, offering guidance to her peers. 

When reflecting on her leadership journey at Providence College, Julia highlighted her role as the leader of St. Dominic’s Liturgical Choir, which provides music for the weekly 10pm mass. For Julia, this position is not just a leadership role but a deeply spiritual experience: “Personally, I find my deepest connection with God through music. I truly feel God’s closeness when we all sing and praise His name together.” She believes that leadership is about bringing people together through a shared passion, and leading the choir allows her to help others experience the power of communal worship and music. 

As Co-President of the PC A Capella Club, Julia works to foster a supportive and creative environment for the group. She has also made a significant impact as Vice President of Physicians at PC, where she engages with pre-med students, providing support, organizing career-focused events, and helping them navigate their academic journeys. Julia’s dedication to academics is also evident in her work as a General Chemistry Tutor and her role as a Research Assistant in Dr. Soto-Reyes’ lab. 

Julia’s leadership philosophy centers on mentorship and personal growth. She explains, “Leadership comes with dedication and sacrifices, but the true reward lies in the growth and impact you leave on those you guide.” Her commitment to helping others grow, whether through tutoring, research, or leading student organizations, has allowed her to form meaningful relationships and make a lasting impact. “The relationships and connections I have helped build give me so much pride,” she shared. 

As she nears graduation, Julia’s hope is to continue creating a welcoming, supportive environment for her peers, “allowing them to appreciate the beauty of their community.” Julia’s leadership has helped shape a sense of togetherness at Providence College, and her legacy will continue to inspire future leaders. 

Looking ahead, Julia plans to pursue a career in medicine. Her leadership experiences have shaped her desire to serve others, and she is determined to continue making a difference in her future endeavors. “Every day, I thank God for the opportunity to lead, to serve, and to build these lasting connections with my community,” she said, embodying the gratitude and commitment that have defined her time at PC. In short, Julia Carson is an exemplary student leader, whose dedication to service, community, and mentorship has left a lasting mark on Providence College. 

The Photography Club at Providence College showcases leadership and dedication by offering students the opportunity to engage with photography while fostering a supportive, creative community. The club’s executive board—Co-Presidents Erin Williams and Martina Scarpa, Vice President Matt Debes, Secretary Anna Gambone, and Treasurer Alexa Wing—work tirelessly to create a welcoming and enriching environment for club members, ensuring that students have the resources and connections needed to enhance their photography skills. 

Despite being a smaller club, the Photography Club has had a significant impact on the campus community, working with countless students and organizations across campus. As such, the club’s leadership team recognizes the importance of external relationships as well as building connections internally among its members: “People are much more motivated to come to a meeting when they have relationships and connections with one another.” This focus on fostering friendships and creating a fun, creative atmosphere is what keeps members engaged and eager to attend meetings. 

During December and January, the club held several meetings designed to give members a wide range of hands-on photography experiences. These meetings provided valuable opportunities for students to explore different aspects of photography, including areas they may not have had access to before. Through these efforts, the club continues to build on its momentum, offering members new chances to develop their craft and connect with others who share a similar passion. Encouraging creativity and collaboration in this way has helped to grow and strengthen the club, allowing students to not only enhance their skills but also form lasting friendships. 

One of the key challenges that the Photography Club has faced as a student-run organization was the drastic decrease in attendance in recent years, leading to meetings with just one or two non-executive members. However, the executive board has put in considerable effort to revitalize the club and increase attendance by creating an inclusive, engaging space for students. Their hard work in rebuilding the club has resulted in consistent attendance at meetings and more active participation from the student body. 

Looking ahead, the Photography Club remains committed to expanding its reach and creating even more opportunities for the PC community to explore photography in diverse ways. Their success lies not just in the creative work they produce but in the community they build. Erin Williams, Martina Scarpa, Matt Debes, Anna Gambone, and Alexa Wing have demonstrated the power of connection, leadership, and passion in ensuring that the Photography Club remains a vibrant and impactful part of campus life. 

Starting before Thanksgiving, the Student Congress Class of 2027 took on the task of organizing the St. Pius Giving Tree, a heartwarming initiative that aimed to provide Christmas gifts for children in need. With the help of generous donations and two successful tabling events, the group raised an impressive $1,749, which funded gifts for 33 children across 11 families. These gifts included items from children’s wish lists as well as family gifts of winter essentials, bringing warmth and holiday cheer to families in need. 

This event perfectly exemplifies student leadership, with many members of the Class of 2027 playing key roles in organizing and running the event. Sarah Chace, Anna Deane, Bridget Dockett, Charlie Hergott, Colleen Dooley, Drew Pryor, Grace Volpe, Harry McAuliffe, Jordon Dunkerley, Kaitlyn Hladik, Kerry Breen, and Sean Hannan were instrumental in making the St. Pius Giving Tree a reality. Their hard work included everything from wrapping gifts and advertising the event, to finalizing the gift list, picking up presents, and delivering them to the families. The Student Congress Class of 2027, alongside the generosity of the broader PC community, made this event possible. Special thanks were also extended to Agnes, the administrative assistant at St. Pius, for her coordination efforts in preparing the list of families. 

The leadership and teamwork required to make the St. Pius Giving Tree a success was evident throughout the entire process. Students took on a variety of roles, from organizing donations to delivering gifts, which contributed to the event’s seamless execution. This collaborative effort allowed students to put their leadership skills to work in a meaningful and purposeful way. The event also demonstrated the power of community involvement, as many individuals from both the Providence College and St. Pius communities came together to support a cause larger than themselves. 

The St. Pius Giving Tree event had a profound impact on those involved. Beyond simply raising funds, it provided students with a sense of purpose and a chance to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday season. Attending students were able to experience the joy of giving and contribute to making a positive difference in the lives of others. As Sarah Chace reflected, “The feeling of giving something to others is so profound, and we hope attending students were able to reflect on the impact that they are capable of making.” 

A key lesson learned from organizing this event was the importance of collaboration. The St. Pius Giving Tree was a prime example of how different groups on campus—students, faculty, and staff—can come together to make a significant impact. The generosity and support from the PC and St. Pius communities were essential in making this event successful, underscoring the value of working together for a common goal. The St. Pius Giving Tree serves as a shining example of student leadership, collaboration, and generosity, and its impact will continue to be felt by the families it supported and by the students who took part in making it happen.