Providence, R.I.--The "PC legacy family" tradition in the graduating Class of 2009 is being upheld this year by 57 seniors who have one or two parents--and in some cases, other family members--who graduated from Providence College.
The legacy seniors include Elizabeth C. Grace of Swansea, Mass., Ryan P. Whalen of Warwick, R.I., and Jordan E. LeBlanc of Westford, Mass.
Grace's father, Dr. Richard J. Grace, '62, professor of history, sister, Marianne '02, and brother, Benjamin '05, preceded her to PC and ignited her interest in the Liberal Arts Honors Program.
"Both of my siblings enjoyed their experiences as members of the Liberal Arts Honors Program, and my Dad has had a strong connection with the program since its beginnings, both as an Honors student and as program director from 1970-87," Grace said. "I knew that it was something I wanted to be part of as well."
Grace called her PC years "the happiest years" of her life.
"My classmates, teachers, and friends in the music department have been very inspiring, and I have been fortunate enough to take part in many wonderful performances in the Smith Center for the Arts," said the music major. "I feel as though I am leaving Providence with a proper, well-rounded liberal arts education."
Grace is graduating with summa cum laude honors and as a member of the Liberal Arts Honors Program. She is receiving the Highest in Concentration award for music and is listed in Who's Who Among Students. A recipient of the music department's Roberts Scholarship, Grace performed in the PC Opera Workshop, I Cantori, Schola Cantorum, Liturgical Choir, Women's Chorus, PC Touring Choir to Russia, and Early Music Ensemble.
This fall, she will attend Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J., to pursue a master of music degree in vocal pedagogy. The program, which educates singers in the anatomy of the voice and in teaching techniques for teaching singing, "will still allow me to study my own voice and perform for others," she said. "It will give me the tools I need to one day have a voice studio with students of my own."
With his father, George W. Whalen '76, and grandfather, Raymond F. Keating '47, sharing many a story with him about their PC years, Whalen said his decision to attend PC was an easy one.
"My dad always told me that Providence College is what got him to where he is today," said Whalen, whose sister, Kelly M. Whalen '10, is a health policy and management major at PC.
"Some of his closest friends today were his classmates at PC. My grandfather, Raymond Keating, went to PC after returning home from World War II. He wore his College ring faithfully each day. His respect and admiration for the school is really what guided me to make the final decision to come to PC."
Whalen feels he made the right choice.
"PC has provided me with four years of memories and knowledge that will chart my life for years to come," he said. "I have built true friendships and relationships that will always be an integral part of my life. Though some of my classes were quite challenging at times, I feel as though I can walk away knowing that I have learned so much during my short time here."
A political science major and history minor who will graduate with cum laude honors, Whalen is a member of PC's chapter of Phi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, and of the Gaelic Society.
He was a member of the 2009 Senior Giving Committee, which achieved the most successful level of senior participation--45 percent--in the history of the Senior Giving Campaign at PC. He also was a member of the Junior Ring Weekend Core Committee, helping to design the Class of 2009 ring and plan and organize Ring Weekend activities.
Whalen helped market and facilitate Homecoming Weekend 2009. "It was the first year where members of the student body were invited onto the committee to help influence what events took place," he explained.
In addition to setting his sights set on attending law school in Washington, D.C., in fall 2010, Whalen plans to continue his extensive volunteer work as director of public affairs for Scoop 44.com. The Web site--like its predecessor, the election-oriented Scoop08.com--gives students across the country the chance to contribute articles on topics ranging from race in America to political engagement on college campuses.
Grace's and Whalen's thoughts on the worth of PC's liberal arts honors education and the lasting friendships one makes at PC were echoed by LeBlanc.
"My mother, Claire Stanford LeBlanc '80, father, Thomas Edward LeBlanc '79, and two of my aunts--Jeanne Stanford Poulin '86 and Mary Stanford Wohlgemuth '83--graduated from PC," said LeBlanc.
"They all had such unique, intriguing experiences during their time here," she continued, "but each of them always mentioned to me how valuable the liberal arts education was to them, as well as the life lessons they learned, the personal growth they experienced, and the lasting friendships they had formed. I now have an even further appreciation for what they tried to convey to me nearly four years ago."
LeBlanc noted, "My time at PC has been both fulfilling and rewarding. I know I will be leaving as a more well-rounded individual with a greater awareness of who I am as a person and of what I am truly capable."
A finance major who is graduating with magna cum laude honors, LeBlanc will begin a job with State Street Global Advisors in Boston as an intermediate portfolio administration associate in June.
Inducted into the Dirigo Leadership Honor Society, Tau Pi Phi, the National Business Administration Honor Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, LeBlanc served as vice president of the Future Friar Executives club and as a career assistant in the Office of Career Services. She is a former member of the women's indoor and outdoor track teams.
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