Why Suffolk Student Stories

Boston Proud, Suffolk Strong For Westfield, Massachusetts, native Joshua Catino, Class of 2026, living and learning in Boston is a dream come true.

Shaking Hands with CEOs Ellorie Corcoran, Class of 2027, will never forget the moment she first set foot on Suffolk’s campus.

Thriving in community Melani Martina Cuevas, Class of 2026, is a first-generation student with a rich international background. Born in Curaçao to Dominican parents, she came to Boston to pursue her studies and eventually made her way to Suffolk.

For Westfield, Massachusetts, native Joshua Catino, Class of 2026, living and learning in Boston is a dream come true. “I love Boston,” says the graphic design major and Suffolk men’s track and field captain. “I think the city is so unique, and I feel safe here.” Joshua’s love of Boston is what drew him to Suffolk. Located in the city’s dynamic downtown, Suffolk opens doors to life-changing experiences, thanks to its proximity to vibrant neighborhoods, historical and cultural attractions, and leading companies in numerous industries. “I can essentially go anywhere at Suffolk. I can walk to the North End and get dinner with friends after class, or I could go to the Boston Public Garden to do my homework,” Joshua notes. “And then there are all the connections you make along the way. Suffolk’s in the heart of the city, so we have amazing opportunities for finding internships and gaining real-world experience.”

five male athletes running on a track in a race

Latino male leaning against a wall with various types of artwork on it

Ellorie Corcoran, Class of 2027, will never forget the moment she first set foot on Suffolk’s campus. The Smithfield, Rhode Island, native already knew she wanted to major in marketing, yet her search for the perfect school had yielded some underwhelming results. “I’d gone on a number of campus tours, but none of them seemed right,” Ellorie shares. But within the first 30 minutes of her Suffolk tour, “I just felt at home.” Suffolk’s commitment to providing its students with immersive learning experiences sealed the deal for Ellorie. Right from the start, she was able to dive into impressive projects, including presenting a marketing proposal to the powers-that-be at Saloniki, a popular local chain of fast-casual Greek restaurants. “That just blew me away,” Ellorie says. “Here I am, 19 years old, still in my first semester of college, and I’m already shaking hands with CEOs and chief marketing officers.”

Group of women smiling in front of a screen

Young white professional woman typing at a computer and similing

Melani Martina Cuevas, Class of 2026, is a first-generation student with a rich international background. Born in Curaçao to Dominican parents, she came to Boston to pursue her studies and eventually made her way to Suffolk. “I went to a community college at first, and when I transferred to Suffolk, I wanted to still feel like I was part of a community,” says Melani, a criminal justice and law double major. “Luckily, there are a lot of resources here that help you connect with campus life.” Community engagement has been key to Melani’s success. She serves as president of the Honors Council, is an Honors Ambassador, and works as a Trustee Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Admission. She’s even starting her own organization, a multicultural club. “You do have to look at whether a college is good for your major,” Melani says. “But for me, it’s also about living a whole experience. I wanted to find a school that provides that experience, and Suffolk definitely delivers.”

CAS Honors students smiling and posing with Rammy on a basketball court