Northeastern’s newest “Huntington 100,” a group of extraordinary students selected for their impressive achievements and impact both on campus and around the world, was honored last week at a reception with university leaders, faculty, and staff.
The honor, now in its second year, recognizes seniors and underclassmen who have excelled in their respective areas—from research and entrepreneurship to experiential learning and athletics. This year’s newest “100” members were joined at the reception by underclassmen who received the distinction last year.
“We’re very proud of your accomplishments,” Aoun said. “You were chosen because you are role models, and you’ve had a great impact on the university, students, faculty, staff, and society.”
Many graduating seniors are set to begin exciting careers or prestigious graduate programs. Aoun urged soon-to-be-graduates to remain connected with Northeastern as alumni and network with fellow alums across the globe. “Your job is just beginning,” he said. “No matter where you go, you will be a Northeastern graduate and a leader. Take a piece of Northeastern with you.”
Leadership was a common characteristic among the group, which included Student Government Association President Nick Naraghi, CIS’15; women’s soccer captain Hanna Terry, SSH’14; Max Kaye, DMSB’14, CEO of IDEA, Northeastern’s student-run venture accelerator; Stanislas Phanord, SSH’14, who recently received the esteemed Rangel Fellowship and Fulbright Scholarship; and Laura Marelic, AMD’15, who has spearheaded the creation of the new student design agency SCOUT.
Many “Huntington 100” students have also had dynamic co-op experiences. Nate Bessa, CIS’14, developed a software program that monitors a physician productivity incentive program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Rachael Tompa, E’14, worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the Thermal Technology and Fluid Systems group. Klevis Xharda and Laura Mueller-Soppart, both SSH’14, were selected to complete experiential learning opportunities at the White House.
Students hailed co-op as both a primary factor in their choosing Northeastern and their professional growth during their time here. Keith Rayburn, E’14, completed three co-ops at CDM Smith, a Cambridge, Mass.-based consulting, engineering, construction, and operations firm. On his third co-op, he was tasked with leading a sewer system rehabilitation project.
In addition to his work on co-op, he’s a member of Northeastern’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders, which has brought clean water to families in Honduras and Bbanda, Uganda since its founding in 2005. This spring, he accepted a full-time position as an environmental engineer at Environmental Partners Group in Quincy, Mass. “The on-the-job training was so valuable for me, just learning the day-to-day operations,” he said.
Michele Bellini, DMSB’14, was part of the student leadership team that organized the university’s inaugural Global Summit on the 2008 financial crisis held on campus earlier this month. The Italy-native is also in the D’Amore-McKim School of Business’ BSIB program and chapter of Net Impact, an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to make a positive impact on society by growing and strengthening a community of leaders who use business to improve the world.
“I’ve expanded my horizons here,” he said. “Northeastern really works hard to empower its students.”
-By Greg St. Martin
