ALUMNAE CORNER Graduates from the Class of 2017 and the Class of 2018 share experiences and accomplishments from their time at college.
Sophia Bellavia, ‘18
Gina Rienzo, ‘18
University of Florida
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
As part of e-NABLE VT our yearlong project is to develop two prosthetic arms for a 7 year old Blacksburg resident whose ultimate goal is to be able to play baseball and football. The team I’m apart of is designing the prosthetics for everyday tasks, such as allowing Charli to get dressed by himself, with two different attachments: one static and one multifunctional.
I was accepted into the University Honors Program out of almost 400 applicants. This program recognizes students who have earned points for their academic achievements and extracurricular involvement in the university.
Haley Cesario, ‘18 Bucknell University
As a Bucknell University Civil Engineering student I am in the midst of conducting two separate research projects in Civil Engineering in the speciality of geotechnical engineering. My research’s goal is to increase concrete as a thermal conductor for geothermals piles, a relatively new renewable energy technique using the method of geothermal energy in foundation piles of buildings to supply energy and power.
Caroline Gmelich, ‘17 University of Virginia
I am enjoying my time at UVA. I am Biology major and staying busy with my pre-med
curriculum. As the captain of the women’s swim team, I am proud to be an NCAA Division I All American and am excited to have qualified for Olympic trials in both the 100 back and the 100 fly. I have achieved ACC all academic scholar and serve as the Athletic Chair for Outreach for the ONELOVE foundation promoting healthy relationships and teaching students ways to avoid abuse. 14
