Hometown Residents Awarded Degree during Salve Regina University’s 67th Commencement

Newport, R.I. - June 6, 2017 – The following local residents were awarded degrees during Salve Regina University’s 67th commencement on Sunday, May 21.

* Noel Pichardo of East Providence, RI (02914) was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in administration of justice.

* Marrissa Ballard of East Providence, RI (02914) was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in English communications summa cum laude.

* Jessie Sheridan of East Providence, RI (02914) was awarded a Master of Arts degree in holistic counseling.

* Devon Medeiros of East Providence, RI (02914) was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

* Anna Sousa of East Providence, RI (02914) was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

* Victoria Melo of East Providence, RI (02914) was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in social work.

* Casey Gonsalves of East Providence, RI (02916) was awarded a Master of Business Administration degree in business administration.


Salve Regina President Jane Gerety conferred 679 degrees in total, including 450 bachelor’s degrees, 220 master’s degrees and 12 doctoral degrees.

Internationally acclaimed musician Jon Batiste, a Forbes “30 under 30” who is the music director and bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, presented the commencement address and was awarded an honorary doctorate. Also receiving an honorary degree was music industry icon George Wein, creator of the Newport Jazz Festival and co-creator of the Newport Folk Festival, among many other well-known events.

“The world will be the greatest teacher you ever have,” Batiste told graduates. “Understanding what you’ve been taught, the values that have been instilled in you in your four years here, I think you are well prepared to step out there and take the stage.”

Salve Regina University is a Catholic, coeducational university founded in historic Newport, R.I. by the Sisters of Mercy. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the university offers a comprehensive education with a liberal arts foundation that fosters the development of each student’s individual talents. More than 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled from across the U.S. and around the world. It is home to the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy a multidisciplinary research center focused at the intersection of politics, policies and ideas.