Student Leadership Recognition

Sophie Boucher is a senior Education/Special Education major with double minors in French and Theology from Milton, Massachusetts. Throughout her time at Providence College, Sophie has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication across various organizations, making a lasting impact on her peers and the campus community. She currently serves as the Secretary of the Friars Club, Director of St. Cecilia’s Music Ministry, and a Resident Assistant in Davis Hall. 

Sophie’s leadership journey at Providence College has been deeply influenced by her involvement with the Friars Club, where she works closely with an exceptional executive team, including Madi Haji, Colleen Dorrian, Tim Gagliano, and Mark Tramantozzi. Reflecting on her experience, Sophie emphasized the importance of teamwork and support within leadership. “I’ve learned the importance of leaning on those around me for support and making sure I’m surrounded by people who will do the same for me when I need them,” she shared. This collaborative spirit has been key to her success, both as a leader and as a team member, and has shaped her approach to leadership throughout her time at PC. 

As the Director of St. Cecilia’s Music Ministry, Sophie has worked to bring students together through music, creating a space for spiritual growth and community. Her work as a Resident Assistant in Davis Hall further exemplifies her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for students, providing guidance and creating a sense of belonging for residents. In all her roles, Sophie’s leadership is grounded in the belief that strong relationships and mutual support are the foundation of a successful community. 

Looking ahead to graduation, Sophie is excited about her future as an educator. She aspires to teach in an elementary school beginning next fall, and her experiences at Providence College have shaped her vision for leadership in the classroom. “I hope to continue leading as a teacher,” she said. All in all, Sophie’s leadership philosophy emphasizes growth, support, and collaboration. Through her work in various roles, she has demonstrated a dedication to serving others and creating spaces where students can thrive. Her impact at Providence College is a testament to her commitment to community, mentorship, and service. Sophie Boucher is an exemplary student leader whose passion for education and mentorship will continue to inspire those around her as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey. 

The Student-Led Asset Management (SLAM) club at Providence College exemplifies leadership, dedication, and commitment to professional development. The club’s executive board, led by Co-Presidents Sarah Dudley and Matthew Emmer, and supported by Heads of Portfolio Construction Natalie Morris and Elijah Osagie, Head of Research Kosta Spiliakos, Research Analysts Kevin Legnard and Ryan Douglas, and Head of Recruitment Colleen Dorrian, work tirelessly to provide a dynamic, student-driven platform for financial learning and growth. SLAM’s mission is not just about executing tasks but about preparing its members for future careers by developing valuable skills in leadership, analytics, and public speaking. 

In February, SLAM held four successful club meetings, where 12 teams pitched three companies each week. This ongoing work allowed analysts to apply detailed equity research and present their findings in front of more than 80 members. These activities are crucial in helping analysts build their analytic, public speaking, and critical thinking abilities—skills that are invaluable in the financial services industry. Additionally, Portfolio Managers (PMs) have honed their leadership, mentorship, and time management skills as they guide their teams through complex research and presentations. Through these hands-on experiences, SLAM is contributing to its members’ professional and personal growth, preparing them for success in the competitive financial sector. 

One of the standout elements of SLAM’s success is its student-led structure. As a club that manages real money, the leadership team plays a key role in maintaining high standards and ensuring the group operates with integrity and efficiency. The responsibility for SLAM’s success falls squarely on the shoulders of the students who lead it, and although it can be challenging to motivate members, the value of the experience in SLAM is clear. The club’s leadership focuses on helping members understand that the skills they gain—both technical and soft—are not just about completing financial tasks but about preparing them for a successful future beyond Providence College. 

SLAM’s leadership team also recognizes the importance of mentoring the next generation of leaders. During the 2024-2025 school year, the executive board has worked diligently to enhance the mentoring experience for younger analysts. From improving investment analysis skills to offering greater transparency about internship opportunities, SLAM is committed to preparing its members for the future in every way possible. Additionally, the club has made substantial progress toward full investment by the end of the year, with fewer than 10% of the members still not actively managing portfolios. This remarkable progress is a testament to the leadership’s dedication and the club’s commitment to continuous improvement. 

Looking ahead, SLAM continues to be focused on expanding its reach and creating new opportunities for students to learn and grow. The club’s success is not just about its financial accomplishments but about the community it fosters and the leadership it nurtures. Through the hard work and dedication of Sarah Dudley, Matthew Emmer, and the rest of the executive board, SLAM remains a vital and impactful part of Providence College, helping students not only build their careers but also develop as leaders ready to tackle the challenges of the future. 

On February 11, the Asian American Association (Asian Am) and the Board of Programmers (BOP) collaborated to host a vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration in Moore Hall, bringing the Providence College community together to celebrate the start of the new year and the hope for good fortune. The event featured a traditional Chinese lion dance, red envelopes filled with chocolate coins, and delicious food from a local restaurant, offering attendees an immersive cultural experience. 

This event was organized by a dedicated group of students from both organizations, including Mia Scully, Mika Vuong, Isabella Glennon, Sean Tu, and President Mary Rose Comerford from the Asian American Association, and Jazzlyn Goncalves, Mouhamed Thiam, Chase Quigley, Malik Eustache, and Luisa Rojas-Ojeda from BOP. These students played key roles in decorating the event space, hanging streamers, creating lanterns, setting up tables, and distributing the red envelopes, while also handling logistics like picking up food and making announcements throughout the celebration. Their collective effort helped ensure that the event ran smoothly and provided a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees. 

The Lunar New Year Celebration was an opportunity to spread awareness about an important cultural holiday, and it required significant communication and coordination between the two student organizations. One of the highlights of the event was the lion dance, which was coordinated with a performance group from Brown University. The lion dance, a traditional symbol of good fortune, captured the attention of students and provided an experience that many had never encountered before, offering a rare chance to engage with Asian culture in a meaningful way. This experience not only educated attendees about the traditions of the holiday but also fostered a sense of appreciation for Asian culture within the broader Providence College community. 

The event’s success was a testament to the leadership, planning, and teamwork of the student organizers. It was clear that careful preparation was essential to bringing the celebration to life. A key lesson students learned from organizing the event was the importance of starting the planning process early and having backup plans in place. This was particularly important when the lion dance group originally scheduled to perform became unavailable. Fortunately, due to the early planning, the organizers were able to secure an alternative performance, ensuring the event went off without a hitch. 

The Lunar New Year Celebration left a lasting impact on students, not only by introducing them to a new cultural experience but also by fostering a deeper understanding of Asian traditions and customs. As the organizers reflected, the event provided students with an opportunity to celebrate good fortune while also promoting cultural awareness and appreciation across campus. The leadership and dedication demonstrated by the Asian American Association and the Board of Programmers in organizing this event serve as an inspiring example of how student-driven initiatives can create a positive and educational impact on the entire campus community.