Minor: Creative Writing

Sydney Toland

Bachelor of Arts: Art Practice

Minor

Creative Writing

Hometown

San Ramon, California

My Greatest Supporters

My biggest supporters have always been my mom and dad. Thank you for everything. I would also like to thank professors Laura Miller, Lydia Greer, and Rosemary Graham for guiding me during my time at Saint Mary's.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

I really enjoyed taking my Fencing and Japanese Language and Culture Jan Term classes. Both classes offered a unique experience of learning something I would otherwise not be able to do, and they also allowed me to meet really great people.

My Next Chapter

I am excited to see where the art world will take me, and am planning on continuing my own creative practice. I hope to work with animation studios on character design and concept art, while also pursuing my dream of publishing my own graphic novel.

Clubs and Activities

GRID Art Club

Favorite Quote

"You can fly even higher."
“If you can't fly, then run. Today we will survive. If you can't run, then walk. Today we will survive. If you can't walk, then crawl.”

— Haikyuu!!, BTS

Sean Hennigan

Bachelor of Science: Psychology

Minor

Creative Writing

Honors

Summa Cum Laude

Hometown

Oakland, California

My Greatest Supporters

To Many to Count:
My Friends - Across the many schools and programs I’ve attended
My Parents and Sister - Who never stopped supporting or believing in me
My Grandparents - Who I consider more like second parents
My Cousins - All of whom I love like siblings above distant relatives
My Professors and Teachers - Who inspired me to keep going even when I felt I couldn't
Everyone Else - Thank you all!

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

So hard to choose just one, although the night the power went out was quite the adventure! From late night trips for food, desperate to recharge our phones, to venturing into new areas of campus and experiencing new and exciting things with new friends I never expected I would have, it was certainly a night to remember!

My Next Chapter

I look forward to a summer of traveling and reconciling old friendships with those I’ve been separated from as a result of the pandemic. With the eventual plan of returning to academia for graduate school, I will actively look for a job, internship, or volunteer opportunity to occupy my time during my gap year.

Clubs and Activities

D20
Diversity Organization Council
Gael Force
Gael Gaming
Gael Pantry
International Club
Mental Health Club
Phi Kappa Phi
PRIDE
Psi Chi
Psychology Club

Favorite Quote

"''I wish it need not have happened in my time,' said Frodo.
'So do I,' said Gandalf, 'and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'"

— J.R.R. Tolkien

Mark Molz

Bachelor of Arts: Communication

Minor

Creative Writing

Hometown

Pleasanton, California

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporters during my time at SMC were my family, grandparents, and everyone that I have had the privilege to call my friend since moving onto campus my Freshman year. Everyone I have met has played integral part into shaping the person I am today and I don't think I would have made to where I am without them.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite Saint Mary's memory was moving into Justin Hall the first day of freshman year. That day I met some of my best friends here at SMC and started a new chapter in my life that I will forever remember.

My Next Chapter

My next chapter includes going abroad after I graduate as I plan to be a language assistant in the beautiful city of Madrid, Spain. Once my time in Madrid has come to end I hope to move back to the states and see where the world takes me as I will begin an even newer chapter in my life.

Clubs and Activities

MENA (Middle Eastern North African Association/Culture Night)

The Collegian

Kimberly Wesley

Bachelor of Science: Psychology

Minor

Creative Writing

Honors

Magna Cum Laude

Hometown

San Jose, California

My Greatest Supporters

My Greatest Supporters are Dr. Palmer, Jenee Palmer, Dr. Carnetta Porter, and Dr. Emily Hause. With their guidance and mentorship, I was able to reach my highest potential. I would not be on the path I am today, without their unconditional support. I specifically love Jenee and Dr. Palmer and I aspire to mirror their dedication and mentorship when I get my professional job.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite SMC memory was being able to go to the American Psychological Association Conference in Chicago (2019) with Dr. Palmer, Kennell Henry, and the rest of the Akoben Research Lab. This increased my appreciation for research and counseling psychology. My other favorite memory was studying abroad in Italy (2020) and being able to go to Paris with my partner, Nesther Fernandez.

My Next Chapter

I am proud to say that I will be continuing my education for an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at Boston College's Lynch School of Education and Human Development.

Clubs and Activities

High Potential Program
Black Student Union (BSU)
The Collegian (Culture Writer)

Favorite Quote

"you are not here by accident"

— Jenee Palmer

Jordan Barcena

Bachelor of Arts: Integral Liberal Arts

Minor

Creative Writing

Honors

Magna Cum Laude

Hometown

S. San Francisco, California

My Greatest Supporters

Thank you to my family and friends who softened the blows of college life. Especially on those days long ago, when I needed to hear from the life I had shed in San Francisco. Thank you to those who would stay up late with me to share laughs. And especially to Papi who worked hard to fully support me so I that I could endeavor to graduate in such a manner that my hard work would parallel his own.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Some of the richest memories I made at St. Mary's had to be in my first year when I spent my nights star-gazing and studying the wildlife on campus!

Favorite Quote

"Mrs. Puff, can I be excused for the rest of my life?"

— Spongebob

Geoffrey Geissinger

Bachelor of Arts: Theatre Performance and Theatre Studies

Minor

Creative Writing

Honors

Summa Cum Laude

Hometown

San Diego, California

Aaron Cuellar

Bachelor of Arts: Politics

Minor

Creative Writing

Hometown

El Dorado Hills, California

My Greatest Supporters

My Aunt Rosie
My mom and dad
My girlfriend, Rachel Barrantes
And her dog, Yoshi
And my dog, Indy the Hound

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

I saw him once, and behold looked into the heart of darkness as the Geat Albino Racoon stood on its hind legs. The great white trash panda against the backdrop of the night; its shadow shimmering in the orange street lights. Its black eyes pierced my soul, looking past all the physical crude matter onto my very being. And on that day, I understood. He's the hero we need, not the one we deserve.

My Next Chapter

Wouldn't you like to know, weather boy?

Clubs and Activities

I existed.

Favorite Quote

“Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have.” -Thomas Hildern, Fallout: New Vegas

"Law School? I prefer to make my living honestly." - Arnold Rothstein, Boardwalk Empire

"The only Seminar book anyone reads is Allegory of the Cave and Maus." - Anonymous Professor, English 5