Regis students Kristin Barrett ’24, Lilla Torontali ’24, and Olivia Alvino ’24 have been selected as co-valedictorians for the university’s 2024 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11 at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston.
From left to right: Olivia Alvino, Kristin Barrett, and Lilla Torontali
Barrett, of Plymouth, a marketing and communications major who is also minoring in business management and journalism, has pursued several leadership roles during her undergraduate journey at Regis. In addition to serving as the president of the Student Government Association, Barrett completed an internship with WATD 95.9 FM South Shore Radio and served as a senior editor for the Regis Herald, the university’s independent student newspaper.
Barrett is also a student-athlete, competing for the Women’s Basketball team in her freshman year and the Women’s Track and Field team throughout her time at Regis. Barrett was recognized at the Regis Academic Awards Ceremony this spring earning the Female Senior Scholar-Athlete Award.
"Whenever asked my advice to a first-year student, I always say to ‘put yourself out there, try something new, and get involved’, because it truly is the involvement opportunities in addition to the amazing education that has prepared me for success beyond Regis," reflected Barrett.
Torontali, of Lexington is a first-generation student with a dual major in secondary education and English. Throughout her time at Regis, Torontali studied abroad in Hungary and served as the managing editor of Hemetera, Regis’ literary magazine. In the same year, she served as an editorial assistant for the International Association for Literary Journalism Studies newsletter. Outside of the classroom, Torontali works as a studio coordinator at her local karate school.
Torontali has received several awards during her time at Regis, including the Student Leadership Academic Excellence Award, Regis Pillar of the Community Award and Regis Rising Star Award.
“It's surreal to have achieved my long-standing goal of being nominated as valedictorian,” said Torontali. “I am very honored by this recognition and look forward to continuing my contributions to this institution in my upcoming role as an undergraduate admissions counselor at Regis.”
Alvino, of Haverhill is a nursing major who recently completed her senior nursing preceptorship in the Emergency Department at Lowell General Hospital. Prior to this, Alvino worked as a patient care assistant, nursing assistant, and recreational therapy assistant at various healthcare institutions throughout the state. She was recently inducted into the Pi-Epsilon at large chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the international honors society for nursing.
Despite her busy nursing schedule, Alvino has pursued a passion for the performing arts through the Regis Glee Singers club and the Regis College Dance Company. Alvino was recently awarded the Sister Marie de Salles Dineen Artistry Award this past spring at the Student Leadership Awards Ceremony, an award bestowed upon students involved in the arts as nominated by faculty.
On May 1, Alvino completed her independent music study of classical music with a concert, where she performed selections from Mozart, Schubert, and Handel.
“Regis has given me a solid foundation to build my nursing career. Through Regis, I've had many opportunities to grow in service, through academics, and as a person. Regis seeks to educate the whole person and I believe they have done just that,” said Alvino.
