Kyla Guilfoil:
Kyla Guilfoil will leave Manhattan College behind with an unfillable footprint. In her time at the college, she has not only made record-breaking strides in D1 athletics, but in her academics and extracurricular activities as well.
A double major in political science and communication with a concentration in journalism, Guilfoil has made sure to get herself involved in every area possible on campus. Past editor-in-chief of The Quadrangle, current editor-in-chief of Lotus, and senior captain of the women’s swim team are just a few of the titles she’s held in her four years at MC.
“The first two things, I think, in my Manhattan College identity that have stayed strong were being on The Quadrangle and being a swimmer,” Guilfoil said. “And I think those two are probably the most impactful in terms of shaping the type of people that I met at Manhattan and who I hung out with for a lot of my years here.”
One of the first of many projects Guilfoil would work on during her time at MC was with the WGRC on their women’s handbook project. The project focused on including an eating disorders and body image handbook, the first of its kind to become available as a resource to Manhattan College students.
“It was such an eye-opening thing for me and was something really cool that I was able to do that hopefully helped other people,” Guilfoil said.
On campus, Guilfoil is also a part of multiple honor societies. She was inducted to the 94th class of Pen & Sword, Epsilon Sigma Pi, Chi Alpha Sigma, Phi Beta Kappa, and Pi Sigma Alpha. She also currently holds the three school records for backstroke and is named in all five of the college’s relay records. At graduation, Guilfoil will be a recipient of the Ryan Medal for Government, the Medal for Excellence in Liberal Arts and the Harold E. Hazelton Humanities Medal.
In her future, Guilfoil plans to find a full–time reporting role in the city.
“It’s my dream to keep telling stories truthfully, as cheesy as that sounds,” Guilfoil said. “I love this profession because of the stories that I get to tell and the impact that those stories may have. You get to see [that] real-life people are affected by these things happening all over the country. I hope I look back and I feel like I’ve done something that helps raise awareness and give voice to those people.”
Jocelyn Visnov:
Jocelyn Visnov has definitely made her mark at Manhattan College in more ways than one by bringing her most authentic self into everything she does.
Coming to MC from a small suburban neighborhood in her hometown of Philadelphia, PA, she chose the college as a change of pace.
Visnov previously served as editor-in-chief of The Quadrangle during the 2022-2023 academic year where she was able to revitalize the connection with alumni by reinstating the JasperJist newsletter. She was also active in production for the paper and consistently had creative, entertaining ways of curating content for the publication.
“The Quad really shaped my college experience,” Visnov said. “It was just such an honor to be able to lead something that meant so much to me. Being trusted to lead was just really such an honor and just something that I enjoyed so much.”
Visnov has shown both her prowess for journalism as well as her expertise in advertising through her senior seminar presentation at the Eastern Communication Association Conference. Specifically, she researched the impact of programmatic advertising and how it will be used in the future.
“I just felt like I worked really hard on my senior thesis and it was just something that was really interesting to me,” Visnov said. “So I love talking about it and exposing it to other people.”
Outside of her studies, she is also actively involved in Her Campus and LOTUS magazine where she was campus coordinator and assisted in layout, respectively. She was also inducted into the Pen & Sword honor society as well as Epsilon Sigma Pi and Lambda Pi Eta.
Visnov shared a sentiment that can resonate with both current students and alumni: the Jasper community is unique and tight-knit in its own way.
“I feel like with all the changes The Quad has been the one consistent thing throughout all my years of college,” Visnov said. “The comm department has just done so much for me. I’ll miss the sense of community at Manhattan College. I feel like the community that we have here on campus isn’t like anywhere else.”
James Washington III:
James Washington III is a bubbly and personable senior exercise science major graduating as the undergraduate valedictorian of the class of 2024. Washington is an Army veteran and has been highly involved on campus in his time at the college.
Throughout his time at MC, Washington was involved in various organizations and honor societies, including serving as the veteran liaison between Student Government and the Veteran Success Center, and as president of Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK). Washington is also a student member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AHPERD). Among other things, Washington has also participated in planning campus retreats and has participated on multiple panels relating to identity and other topics.
A Yonkers native, Washington came to MC after serving in the military for eight years. At that time, he approached the Bronx VA about finding an undergraduate institution, at which point he toured and committed to Manhattan College’s exercise science program.
Being an older student, Washington had fears about coming back to school after taking a decade away. He said that despite his fears, Manhattan College has been a wonderful experience and the Veteran Success Center has helped him through it all.
“I wouldn’t say that it was a hard transition, because even if it was, there was something in place that would help me through that and it was the Veteran Success Center,” Washington said. “So as long as I had my community to go back to refresh, restock my thoughts give me feedback, I can always come out onto the main campus and I can be embraced a lot of the younger students and the faculty and anyone else.”
In his future, Washington plans to attend nursing school, with the ultimate goal of earning his doctorate. He encourages all students to participate and take advantage of the opportunities provided by Manhattan College.
Pamela Moleri:
Pamela Moleri will graduate with the Manhattan College class of 2024 with an honors degree in biochemistry. Moleri, a first generation graduate, comes from Bergamo, a town outside of Milan, Italy. Moleri chose Manhattan College for its proximity to the city and small class sizes, but has been grateful for all the friends she has made during her four years here.
Using her language skills, she has worked as an Italian Lab Instructor since her freshman year. In her sophomore year, Moleri was a founding member of Alpha Pi Phi Mu Chapter and has since held the role of Treasurer and External Programing Officer and spearheaded the annual International Women’s Day event.
For the past three years, she has been a research fellow for the college studying chromatin and working to develop a new technique to better study it. She was a part of the Jasper Summer Research program in 2022 and the Kakos School of Science Summer Research Program in 2023.
In addition, Moleri is the vice-president of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, attending their conferences in San Antonio and Seattle; Epsilon Sigma Pi; Sigma Psi, the research honors society, and Gamma Sigma Epsilon.
Moleri is most proud of having her research paper, “Unnatural Amino Acid Crosslinking for Increased Spatiotemporal Resolution of Chromatin Dynamics,” published in 2023. In the Fall, Moleri is trading the East Coast for the West as she will attend University of California San Diego to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. For Moleri, Manhattan College was the first step on track to becoming a professor and the first stop in an academic journey that will take her all over the world.
Brylee Watkins:
Throughout her four years here, Brylee Watkins has managed to dip her toe into nearly every aspect of Manhattan College.
In May, Watkins will be graduating from MC with a degree in communication dually concentrated in public relations and media production, as well as a minor degree in film studies. Maybe most known for her academics, she has been admitted into Epsilon Sigma Pi, Phi Beta Kappa and Lambda Pi Eta, where she served as chapter president this past year. Additionally, she is an active member of Pen & Sword, the secret honor society at MC.
Another one of her interests resides in MC’s PRSSA, where she served as recruitment coordinator and chapter president, which set her up for great opportunities in her future field of work. Additional clubs she is involved in include MC Players and MCTV.
When she’s not impressing in the classroom, you can probably find Watkins performing. Shining on the Manhattan College Dance Team for four consecutive years has brought her some of the most memorable moments of her college experience. While serving as the social media coordinator as well as the team coordinator in her time, Watkins along with her teammates, were able to place 3rd overall in hip hop at this year’s NDA College Nationals in Daytona, FL.
Despite her neverending schedule, Watkins still finds time to work two jobs; one as an office assistant for the Office of Planned Giving, which deals with donor gifts and student scholarships, and the other as an RA in Horan Hall, where she is responsible for 68 residents.
“I’ve met some of the very best people in everything that I’ve been involved in, so I don’t regret being busy 24/7,” Watkins said. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”
With her future shining bright, she recently accepted an internship with Bryant Park on their digital media team, and mentioned her hopes at some point to work in PR events for film. Watkins emphasized how grateful she is for the opportunity and her support system that crafted much of her memories of her time at MC.
“So much bad was thrown our way, but the people that were at this school, my teammates, my friends, they always made it worth it at the end of the day,” Watkins said. “I wouldn’t change anything no matter how rough a year this has been, because it’s all been so wonderful.”
Patrick Black:
Patrick Black, a civil engineering student at Manhattan College, has touched the hearts of everyone who has gotten to know him during his past four years at MC.
Black has been a part of many groups at MC and has held many different positions for the organizations he was a part of. He worked as a student ambassador for admissions, president of the American Society of Civil Engineering, vice president of the Structural Engineers of New York with the Structural Engineering Association of New York, and treasurer of Chi Epsilon, the civil engineering honor society on campus.
Along with it all, Black kept up with his heavy workload as a civil engineer, and also maintained many lifelong friendships. His bubbly and welcoming personality made him the prime example of a light in the MC community. One of the things Black will miss most is the community he’s built as well as the traditions he loves.
“I have a tradition every Sunday, [my friends] will come over to my apartment will cook a big meal and we’ll just watch some sort of movie/television show, and then usually afterward, it ends with going to Jasper Deli and getting something,” Black said. “Being here through COVID, it definitely ties you down more to campus so it feels like it’s a second home to me.”
After taking a break this summer, Black will continue his studies here in the fall for a master’s degree in structural engineering while he works at Turner Construction full-time as an engineering assistant.
Black reflected on MC and the ways in which it prepared him for his future.
“The resources that I’ve had academically have definitely prepared me to think critically about any sort of task that I’m given in the field, but also just the connections professionally,” Black said. “It’s really helped me network in the area that I know a lot of people that I don’t think I would have if I didn’t come to Manhattan.”
MC also allowed Black to grow into the person he is today.
“I was very quiet when I came into college, but Manhattan definitely helped me kind of find a voice that I never knew I had,” he said.
Overall, Black has made quite an impact on the Manhattan College community. Every class, club, or job he has had, he has worked hard and proven to be an exceptional leader and representative of MC.
Christopher Belden:
Christopher Belden is graduating with a triple major in history, economics, and peace studies.
Over his four years at Manhattan College, he has held many essential campus roles including senator in the Manhattan College Senate, student representative on the Educational Affairs Committee (EAC), Jasper Summer Research Scholar and a leader on the Kairos retreat along with several L.O.V.E trips held by Campus Ministry and Social Action (CMSA).
Belden reflects on how his leadership roles throughout campus formed his views around his experience at Manhattan College. Belden’s most significant experience that formulated this was his position as the assistant to the director of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center (HGI).
“People always think that the larger named colleges down the street are going to have a monopoly over opportunities in New York City,” Belden said. “However, through my work at HGI I quickly saw that it was not the case. I have had several fellowships and internships that have derived directly from my involvement on campus which has helped tremendously with networking from New York City to Washington, DC.”
Belden expressed that his time at Manhattan College, specifically while working with Dr. Mehnaz Afridi, has expanded his passion for social justice initiatives and advocacy. One of his greatest accomplishments was his work with refugee and migrant rights. Not only did he start up Refugee Migrant Advocacy Week at Manhattan College, but he had also helped resettle a local Afghan refugee family and continued this work at his current internship with Catholic Charities.
Christopher shared a quote that has inspired his commitment to service.
“I often think of a quote by historian Howard Zinn…that states ‘small acts when multiplied by billions of people can transform the world’,” Belden said. “There is this idea that sometimes we think we are helpless in these huge international crises. However, we need to recognize international crises have local impacts and doing our small part on a local scale can go a long way.”
After commencement, Belden is planning on relocating to Washington D.C. to complete his MA in the School for International Service at American University (AU). This two-year program run by AU is considered a top 10 school for International Affairs. During his graduate period, Belden is hoping to find full-time work at a non-profit or law firm.
Laurah Perrin:
Laurah Perrin will graduate Manhattan College leaving a lasting impact both on the school and students and friends she’s leaving behind.
Perrin has committed herself to being an extremely active part of campus, with her being a part of the track and field team, a co-president of Black Student Union (BSU), diversity chair for the student athlete advisory committee (SAAC), and president of Pen & Sword. She has undeniably made a name for herself around campus, and credits her extracurriculars for helping her grow as a student.
“My involvement [in extracurriculars] has allowed me to not only help and showcase to others the importance of directing and bringing awareness of certain issues across campus as well as helping spearhead initiatives to help resolve them, but it has also allowed me to gain a diverse perspective on the experiences of others and learn from them as well,” Perrin said. “This has shaped me as a better student by allowing me to appreciate the hard work of others and share the camaraderie of development, leadership, growth and community with my peers as well.”
With being such a well-rounded student comes great academic achievement. Proving this is Perrin’s induction to Epsilon Sigma Pi this past fall semester.
“As a student and athlete, being able to balance and commit to the tasking obligations of both over these four years has been rewarding and difficult,” Perrin said. “Being in tune with the discipline of having a conscientious outlook on how I devote myself to my academics as well as my responsibilities with athletics, I think speaks in of itself to having the privilege of being honored as an inductee.”
Perrin has dealt with her fair share of setbacks during her four years at the college, including an injury that led to a halt in her athletic career and which required two surgeries to recover from. Despite this, Perrin remained strong in her recovery, and was able to return to the track for her senior year. At the 2024 Jaspy’s, Perrin was awarded the “Comeback Player of the Year,” award, a true testament to her perseverance during these tough times.
Throughout her time at Manhattan College, Perrin has been a star both on the track and off it, and has been a great figure to look up to for students all over campus.
Emily Gianni:
Emily Gianni is graduating with a double major in childhood special education and English with an upward extension.
Over her four years at Manhattan College, she has held many essential campus roles including being a resident’s assistant (RA) in Lee Hall, VP of academic development in Sigma Delta Tau (SDT), secretary of Kappa Delta Pi, VP of residential affairs and Cheer team captain. In addition, Gianni has had various campus employment opportunities with Student Engagement and Residence Life.
Gianni’s time within SDT acted as a special beacon within her four years at Manhattan College which she is extremely proud of.
“My leadership positions and opportunities in SDT were the most significant part of my college experience,” Gianni said. “It [SDT] gave me so much confidence and truly allowed me to grow into the person I wanted to be while supporting becoming who I am today.”
Gianni expressed how the education department has fostered her success along with preparing her for the future. She felt constant support from the faculty she was placed with and feels extremely grateful to be placed at amazing schools for her student teaching experiences.
Gianni felt as if she had left her mark on Manhattan College most through the freshmen that lived on her floor within Lee Hall.
“I just loved being an RA to the freshman in the Arches Program,” Gianni said. “I feel as if I have been able to shape their year through supporting and listening to them and having that system is very important, especially throughout their first year.”
After commencement, Gianni will be attending graduate school at Manhattan College, studying special education under some of her favorite professors in the community that she has loved for the past four years. Additionally, she hopes to gain a graduate assistant position. In the future, she hopes to have a classroom of her own.
Gianni shared some advice with current Manhattan College students.
“Put yourself out there and do everything you possibly can,” Gianni said. “I just tried on my cap and gown and realized that I will never be in college again with the same group of students I came in with four years ago. So, use this time to create your best friends, find out who you are, do as much as you can and have fun while doing it.”
Lauren Marie Raziano:
Lauren Marie Raziano’s impact on Manhattan College has not gone unnoticed by her peers. Since freshman year, Raziano has been a part of The Quadrangle taking on many positions such as social media editor, assistant sports editor, copy editor and multimedia editor. She also has been a part of the Lotus Magazine as the art director. For the last three years Raziano has been a part of the Student Government Association (SGA). In the past, she was the vice president of her sophomore class and held a position on the SGA’s executive board for the 2022-2023 academic year. In this role, she served as vice president of club administration where she had a budget of over $400,000 to disperse among the college clubs. While working on The Quadrangle, Raziano won a Catholic Media Award for 2022, along with her co-writer, Jilleen Barrett.
As of this past year she was the vice president of the senior class. This academic year, Raziano worked at the Center for Academic Success, and became president of Alpha Epsilon Delta, which is the pre health honor society at MC. As president she oversees seven different board members, as well as 26 active members.
Raziano loves getting involved on campus, whether it’s planning events like the senior formal or being an active member of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority, she is glad to bring enjoyment to the campus. Additionally, Raziano conducts genetic research in the biology department working with mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA.
Raziano reflects on her last four years at the college and is thankful for attending the institution.
“I’m really grateful for my education here at Manhattan College,” Raziano said. “I really think the value is worth it. I am really grateful for my education in Manhattan College and all the relationships I’ve made. I really feel that I’ve been able to be myself, and grow to be a better person here. I think it’s really a nice place. It’s not always easy, but if you know how to utilize the resources available, you’re able to succeed. I truly believe that and I do a lot of things and I love it all. I’m very grateful that a place like this allows me to be myself and do what I want.”