Two members of the Class of 2021 earned the distinction of salutatorian, or the second highest grade point average in the class.
Emma Cravo
Hometown: Westfield, N.J.
Major: Neuroscience
Activities: Zakuro Daiko and Global Fusion Band, Early Music Ensemble, Commencement/Baccalaureate and Writing Board committees, 2020 Making U Possible Internship at the Joan Nicole Prince Home, Scholars Program
Favorite class: Sophomore Scholars Project with Professor Jennifer Matsue. I fused my passion for neuroscience and music through this research project. This experience inspired me to become more active in the music department and led to my world music and cultures minor.
What I'll miss most: The support and guidance of Union professors and peers!
Advice for incoming students: Explore your interests and develop your passions during these four short years. Try to challenge yourself both academically and personally. Most importantly, failure can lead to wonderful opportunities, so do not be afraid to take chances.
Life after Union: Conduct neuroscience research in Germany as part of the DAAD Fellowship and then attend medical school in Utah.
Jennifer Mutch
Hometown: Sherborn, Mass.
Majors: English, French
Minor: Studio Fine Arts
Activities: Varsity women’s crew team, arts editor of The Idol, Planned Parenthood Generation Action
Favorite class: I have to say it is a tie! Professor Shena McAuliffe’s Workshop in Fiction was the first time I’d taken a formal creative writing class, and it ended up inspiring me to write a novel as my thesis with Professor McAuliffe as my amazing advisor. Then, in the spring of 2020, I took Professor Laini Nemett's Special Projects in Painting remotely. The class' individualized projects meant that I spent many hours painting outside, and we were able to digitally meet some really incredible artists. I even recommended my favorite painter to Professor Nemett, and she was able to arrange for her to be one of our speakers! Both classes were such fun groups of creative, talented people whom I enjoyed working with immensely.
What I’ll miss most: My crew team. The laughs we share at every practice, our team breakfasts after early morning lift, the sense of community and support... all of it has been amazing. I walked on to the team on a whim my first fall on campus and was immediately hooked. Both the sport and my teammates have taught me so much.
Advice for incoming students: Explore and try out anything that interests you, and once you find what you enjoy, really dedicate yourself to it. There are so many people on campus who are willing to help you, and it is the perfect time to dive deep into your passions. You will meet some incredible people along the way.
Life after Union: I am planning to work in publishing in New York City, hopefully with books of fiction.