KR
Kaitlyn Riley
  • Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience and Behavior
  • Class of 2016
  • East Falmouth, MA

Kaitlyn Riley Honored with Crown and Shield Award

2016 May 20

On the eve of Commencement on Friday, May 6, Kaitlyn Riley was honored with Assumption College's Crown and Shield Award. The Award recognizes students who have distinguished themselves throughout their tenure at the College in the areas of leadership and community service. Award recipients have protected (shield) and furthered (crown) the interests of the student body and Assumption as a whole. Crown and Shield recipients are nominated by faculty, staff and administration for their exemplary service and leadership

"As a Catholic institution of higher learning, Assumption College encourages its students to use their gifts in service to others in need," said Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., president of Assumption College. "During the last academic year, Assumption students collectively performed in excess of 137,000 hours of volunteer work throughout the area. The student leaders who coordinate the many service opportunities do so embracing the mission of the College to engage in compassionate service. It is through classroom instruction, service opportunities and other forms of experiential learning that Assumption students are prepared to make a meaningful difference in the world in which they live."

Riley graduated with a degree in biology, with a concentration in neuroscience and behavior, and minors in psychology and mathematics. While at Assumption, she was an SGA senator and SGA vice president for academic affairs; head tutor in the Academic Support Center and a nationally certified master's level tutor in mathematics and the sciences; as well as a two-time recipient of Augustine Scholarship and a SOPHIA Collegian.

A nominator said that Riley "has the ability to put people at ease, assist them in finding their strengths and nudge (them) to perform beyond what they believed possible. These are the traits of true leadership.” After graduation, she will pursue her masters in genetic counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University.