Dance major Raffaele named ‘Student of the Month’ for February

Virginia Raffaele, a senior from Merate, Italy, majoring in Dance, has been named Student of the Month for February by the Office of Residence Life.

She was nominated for this award by Department of Theatre and Dance Professor Paul Mockovak.

Ms. Raffaele, who has a 3.72 GPA, is very active on campus. She is president of the Student Dance Organization in the Department of Theatre and Dance and in that role, she works on the PR/Marketing team as well as their social media account.

In her junior year, Raffaele co-founded the Unofficial Student Equity and Accessibility Committee which calls for action and changes in the theatre and dance department. Though he only taught her in one course, Mr. Mockovak witnessed Raffaele step up and produce a great volume of media promotion in addition to everything else she had going on.

“I’ve also been encouraged to follow my passions and interests and that has truly helped me begin to flourish into the artist and human I want to be,” Senior Virginia Raffaele

For those reasons, Mockovak knew that Raffaele not only met the Student of the Month qualities but exceeded them.

Raffaele said her favorite things about Fredonia are the opportunities she has been provided. “Because the classes and activities are so intimate, I’ve been able to get the most out of my education. The faculty and mentor I have come across have cared about my success.

“I’ve also been encouraged to follow my passions and interests and that has truly helped me begin to flourish into the artist and human I want to be,” Raffaele said.

When asked about goals, Raffaele indicates that she has always wanted to be a multi-hyphenated artist and can confidently say that she’s becoming just that. “Because I am not American, I have to work five times as hard to prove that I am worthy of staying in his country. Once I receive my work authorization I plan on working in production, performing/dancing, and working on personal projects to build my portfolio and apply for my artist visa.”

The Student of the Month program was implemented in 2003 to recognize students who are well-rounded, excel in their academics, and contribute positively to the campus and community. To nominate a student for the honor, go online for the application.