Student Leadership Recognition

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership is proud to recognize Gavin Buttafuoco, a senior Political Science major with minors in Theology and Catholic Humanities, as Providence College’s September Student Leader of the Month for his exceptional faith-driven leadership, service, and devotion to the College’s Catholic and Dominican mission.

From New Fairfield, Connecticut, Gavin exemplifies what it means to be an engaged and compassionate leader on campus. His involvement spans across numerous organizations and leadership roles, including President of Campus Ministry, Student Representative to the Board of Trustees Committee on Catholic and Dominican Mission, Friars Club member, Senior Admissions Fellow, FaithWorks Pre-Orientation Program Leader, WDOM Radio Show Host, and member of both Circolo Italiano and Catholic Relief Services.

As President of Campus Ministry, Gavin helps coordinate and support 25 unique ministries that foster spiritual growth and community among students. His approach to leadership is rooted in faith and humility. “True leadership is rooted in devotion to seeking truth found in Christ,” Gavin shares. “To lead is to serve.”

A highlight of Gavin’s time at Providence College has been his three years serving as a FaithWorks Pre-Orientation Leader, helping incoming freshmen feel welcome and supported as they begin their college journey. “Helping the incoming freshmen feel welcome during their transition into college life has been an honor,” he reflects.

Through his many leadership experiences, Gavin has come to appreciate the reciprocal nature of service. “I have so much to learn from those whom I serve,” he says. “I could not be a successful leader without the valuable input and feedback from my dedicated peers.”

Looking ahead, Gavin hopes to make a lasting impact within Campus Ministry by fostering greater community among ministry leaders through the introduction of monthly formational meetings. His goal is to inspire these leaders to go out and serve the wider Providence College community as witnesses to Christ through their ministries.

After graduation, Gavin plans to continue leading others through service within his local community and hopes to work for an organization that allows him to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Providence College proudly congratulates Gavin Buttafuoco on being named Student Leader of the Month and celebrates his unwavering commitment to faith, service, and leadership.

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership is proud to recognize the Asian American Association (Asian Am) as Providence College’s September Student Club of the Month for their exceptional leadership, cultural engagement, and community impact on campus.

Under the leadership of President Mary Rose Comerford, Asian Am has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting diversity and sharing Asian culture with the Providence College community. Mary Rose coordinates the club’s many events, submitting proposals and handling logistics such as food and supplies. Vice President Mia Scully supports event and meeting planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. Secretary Nena Komon keeps the organization connected through consistent communication with members and detailed meeting notes, and Co-Treasurers Sean Tu and Peter Chim manage the club’s finances. Meanwhile, Public Relations Officers Mika Vuong and Nusara Muongcharoen bring creativity and energy to the group’s outreach by designing event posters and keeping the club’s Instagram page active and engaging.

This September, Asian Am hosted a vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival, an important holiday in Chinese culture. Students enjoyed traditional Chinese cuisine, moon cakes, and colorful lanterns, which represent prosperity and good fortune. The event beautifully reflected Asian Am’s mission of creating spaces where students can experience and appreciate the richness of Asian traditions.

The executive board shared that running a successful student club has taught them the importance of communication both within their leadership team and with members. “Without our members, our events wouldn’t be successful,” they reflected. “Communication keeps everyone connected and excited to come back.”

While the group occasionally faces challenges in finding co-sponsors for events, their perseverance and teamwork continue to drive their success. Looking ahead, Asian Am hopes to engage more underclassmen to ensure a strong future of passionate student leadership within the organization.

Congratulations to the Asian American Association for being named Student Club of the Month and for their continued efforts to celebrate culture, foster inclusion, and build community at Providence College!

On September 24, 2025, Colleges Against Cancer hosted a lively and lighthearted fundraiser, “Pie an Exec,” in McPhail’s, uniting the Providence College community to support the American Cancer Society. From 3–5 p.m., students were invited to pie members of the club’s executive board with plates of whipped cream, turning a fun, interactive activity into an impactful effort to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. In total, the event raised $227, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society’s mission to fund cancer research, patient support programs, and education initiatives.

This event was organized and led by a dedicated group of students from Colleges Against Cancer, including Co-Presidents Ava Manettas and Ashley Sawtelle; Vice President Catherine Hien; Treasurer Alyssa Keefe; Co-Secretaries Stella Grondin and Sydney FitzPatrick; Social Media Coordinator Emma Heald; Outreach Coordinators Grace Gerety and Valerie Auclair; and Event Coordinator Keira Kelly. The executive board played key roles in planning and executing the event, from promoting it on Instagram (@pc.relayforlife) and reaching out to members via email and GroupMe, to setting up tables, signs, tarps, and supplies in McPhail’s on the day of the fundraiser. Each board member also volunteered to be pied, helping create a welcoming and spirited environment that encouraged student participation.

“Pie an Exec” provided more than just laughs, it was an opportunity to bring students together around a meaningful cause while fostering community engagement and compassion on campus. Many attendees not only joined in on the fun but also shared personal stories and experiences with cancer, creating an atmosphere of connection and empathy. The event’s playful concept helped spark conversations about the importance of supporting cancer research and the impact each student’s donation can make.

Ultimately, “Pie an Exec” demonstrated how creativity, collaboration, and service can inspire students to engage with meaningful causes in an enjoyable and memorable way. The event not only raised funds for the American Cancer Society but also encouraged students to consider future involvement in service-driven initiatives such as Relay For Life, further strengthening Providence College’s culture of compassion and community action.

Congratulations to Colleges Against Cancer for being named Student Event of the Month!