{"id":8482,"date":"2025-12-08T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T09:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worcester.edu\/campus-life\/?p=8482"},"modified":"2026-01-14T21:38:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T21:38:17","slug":"excel-fall-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worcester.edu\/campus-life\/2025\/12\/08\/excel-fall-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Congratulations Fall 2025 Excel Graduates!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Congratulations to the seven students who completed the Excel program this fall: Brandol Ogando Saladin, Claire Rondeau, John Beford, Maria Delia, Max Passarelli, Rylie Flipp, and Sarahie Pierre! <\/strong>Read below to learn more about these amazing student leaders!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The final tier in the three-tier Circles of Leadership program, Excel provides a culminating leadership experience for those students who have completed both Emerge and Engage. Throughout the fall semester, students met weekly with Sarah Potrikus and Linzy Martinez to broaden their understanding of their strengths and those of others, think critically about current social justice issues nationwide, and reflect on their leadership journeys. The program culminated in each student sharing their personal leadership story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Claire Rondeau<\/strong>
\nPsychology, Class of 2026
\nStudent Manager for Conference & Events Services<\/p>\n

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
\n<\/em>These leadership programs have been very helpful in helping me realize my leadership potential and strengths, and how I can use those strengths in my leadership roles.<\/p>\n

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
\n<\/em>Hangout in the student center more. It\u2019s a lot of socializing, but it\u2019s also going to help you form connections, make friends, and get to know people better.<\/p>\n

Read Claire’s Emerge philosophy<\/a>
\nRead Claire’s Engage philosophy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

John Beford<\/strong>
\nPublic Health, Class of 2027
\nDance Company officer and choreographer, Resident Assistant, Student Center Manager<\/p>\n

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
\n<\/em>I\u2019ve learned how to compensate for my weaknesses with my strengths<\/p>\n

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
\n<\/em>I would tell me first semester self \u201ckeep pushing! step out of your comfort zone, but also take time for yourself. life is a balancing act, don\u2019t tip too far on either end.<\/p>\n

Read John’s Emerge philosophy<\/a>
\nRead John’s Engage philosophy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Maria Delia<\/strong>
\nComputer Science & Business Administration, Class of 2026
\nMath tutor, Honors Program, IT support technician and Help Desk assistant, Orientation Leader, PAL Mentor, AAFCPAs Intern<\/p>\n

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
\n<\/em>Each leadership program has offered a unique and meaningful experience, helping me discover more about what I\u2019m capable of. I\u2019ve learned that I can accomplish far more than I initially believed by trusting myself and gradually taking on more responsibility. These programs strengthened my ability to organize my schedule, improved my communication skills through collaboration, and helped me build genuine, long-lasting relationships. Facing challenges and working through difficult moments has shown me how resilient I am, and I\u2019m proud of everything I\u2019ve overcome.<\/p>\n

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
\n<\/em>Be fully present in everything you do. Take every opportunity that comes your way, and approach each one with intention, to learn more about yourself and to see just how much you\u2019re capable of achieving. Move through things with ease and trust your journey. Your reality becomes what you choose to create.<\/p>\n

Read Maria’s Emerge philosophy<\/a>
\nRead Maria’s Engage philosophy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Max Passarelli<\/strong>\"\"
\nPolitical Science & Geography, Class of 2026
\nHonors program, independent research projects, Delta Alpha Pi officer, Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice, professional driving instructor<\/p>\n

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
\n<\/em>I think I have become a more confident\u00a0person through these leadership programs.<\/p>\n

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
\n<\/em>During your time at Worcester State you will have numerous opportunities for growth. I suggest you take advantage of these opportunities, as they will not be available forever.<\/p>\n

Read Max’s Emerge philosophy<\/a>
\nRead Max’s Engage philosophy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Congratulations to the seven students who completed the Excel program this fall: Brandol Ogando Saladin, Claire Rondeau, John Beford, Maria Delia, Max Passarelli, Rylie Flipp, and Sarahie Pierre! 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