Somers Resident Receives Degree from Providence College

Jessica Estanislau, a resident of Somers, was among over 900 students from Providence College who received undergraduate degrees during the College's Ninety-Fourth Commencement Exercises held on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Estanislau received a bachelor's degree in Biology, Cum Laude.

The Commencement address was delivered by Viola Davis, who received an honorary doctorate in fine arts. Davis is a native of Rhode Island and a critically revered actress of film, television and theater. She won the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Award for "Best Actress" and was a nominee in the same category for an Academy Award for her portrayal of 'Aibileen Clark' in the award-winning film, "The Help."

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Four other distinguished individuals, all PC alumni, received honorary degrees from the College. They are: Dr. Charles J. Goetz '61, Catherine "Cammi" Granato '93, Dr. Paul A. Kearney, Jr. '75, and Deacon Patrick Moynihan '99G.

Providence College is the only college or university in the United States administered by the Dominican Friars. The Catholic, liberal arts college has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 3,900 students and offers degrees in 49 academic majors. Since 1997, Providence College has consistently been ranked among the top five regional universities in the north according to U.S. News' America's Best Colleges.