• If there's a cancer research breakthrough or precedent-setting court case in the next few years, don't be surprised if an exceptionally accomplished Providence College graduate named Katherine is involved.

Providence, RI--Katherine Mattaini, of Lancaster, Pa., and Katherine Connolly, of Little Compton, R.I., both are graduating at the top of this year's class from Providence College with perfect 4.0 grade-point-averages. Which means that in addition to extensive records of service, accomplishment, and involvement at PC, each young woman earned straight As in every course for four years.

Mattaini, a chemistry major and student in the Liberal Arts Honors program, enjoyed hands-on experience as a research assistant with a PC professor and served as a summer undergraduate research fellow at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., assisting in a project to improve screening methods for liver disease. She will pursue a one-year, post-baccalaureate program in biomedical research at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md.

The recipient of numerous awards for her academic and research accomplishments, Mattaini is a member of four honor societies. She has served as vice president for the PC chapter of the American Chemical Society, has been a private organic chemistry tutor, and has been the team captain for the College's Relay for Life team, which raises money for the American Cancer Society. Mattaini also was a member of the Providence College Concert Chorale and the Liturgical Choir.

Connolly, a member of the Liberal Arts Honors program who majored in English, minored in history, added a concentration in economics and followed the pre-law academic track, will attend Boston College Law School in the fall.

She has enjoyed a varied and successful four years at Providence College. Among her many accomplishments, Connolly has served on the Campus Ministry's Service and Leadership Team and has been treasurer of Best Buddies, an international organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with mental retardation. Also active as an Admission Ambassador and with the College Republicans, Connolly has traveled abroad to Italy, Spain, London, and Paris with honors classmates and faculty. She has volunteered on a national political campaign; and interned at Rhode Island's Superior Court.

--30--