Last May, the class of 2025 left the Hilltop with goals to succeed in their post-graduate lives. While some students knew what their next steps were before graduation, others have discovered their ambitions since crossing the stage at commencement. The class contained 418 well-deserved students that received diplomas with a 94% satisfaction rate of their Saint Anselm College education.
Of the graduating class, 99% of graduates are either employed, pursuing further education, serving in the military, or volunteering. 95% of employed graduates who responded to the first destination report got a job within six months of graduation. Of these employed 2025 alumni, 86% of them work in New England.
The Criminal Justice, Economics and Business, Politics, and Psychology departments had the most graduates that chose to further their education. 76% of these alumni are seeking a master’s degree and 5% reported to be entering into doctoral or professional degree programs.
Communication major Molly Timberlake ’25 is employed as an admission counselor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where she supports first-year students through the college search and application process. She works primarily with students from Essex County, Massachusetts and the state of Maine, helping them navigate their next steps after high school. One of Molly’s other roles is to travel to college fairs and visit high schools to connect with students during the recruitment process.
She also meets one-on-one with prospective students and families to answer their questions about academics, campus life, and the admission process. A substantial portion of her job is making sure students feel confident and supported as they enter the next chapter of their lives.
While on the Hilltop, Molly was heavily involved on campus. She was class president for four consecutive years where she planned and executed fundraising programs to support class events, as well as fostered school spirit and collaboration through inclusivity. She also served as a new student orientation co-chair, where she oversaw planning, trained student leaders, coordinated programming, and built support systems to welcome incoming students and families.
In addition, she was a marketing content intern for the Office of College Communications and Marketing. In this role, she supported the creation of student-centered content for the Saint Anselm College website and social media platforms.
“My college experience was the most transformative chapter of my life so far. Saint Anselm College was the perfect fit for me—it became my second home and gave me opportunities to grow, lead, and truly feel a sense of belonging. Through those experiences, I discovered my passion for working in higher education. Now, in my role in admissions, I have the opportunity to help students find their own home away from home, just like I did,” said Timberlake.
English and Secondary Education double major Nick Longo ’25 is employed as a high school English teacher and track coach at Barnstable Public Schools. At Saint Anselm, Nick was involved in athletics as well as other extra curriculars.
He is an avid runner and was on the men’s cross-country team and the club ultimate frisbee team. Nick also was a part of the Student Government Association and worked for the Meelia Center.
"My time at Saint Anselm College shaped how I wanted to teach. I try to pass on the idea of a liberal arts education to my students through the works we read and the conversations we have in class. For example, I taught my first lesson on the Allegory of the Cave, as a nod to St. A's. I believe it is an important message for all high schoolers as they prepare to enter college or the workforce."
Nursing major Julia Smith ’25 is employed as a registered emergency room nurse at Lowell General Hospital. She is working in the same unit that she completed her senior preceptorship at during the spring semester of her senior year.
While on the Hilltop, Julia was involved in the college choir, dance club, Student Nurses Association, College Health Committee, and various campus ministry groups. She also took part in numerous service opportunities as well as working for the Office of Admission as an admissions ambassador.
Julia believes that being so involved on campus has given her countless chances to explore new interests but showed her the importance of effective time management. Aside from her position as an ER nurse, she is also the choreographer for the spring musical at her former high school and is helping run a youth group through a local parish.
“The support I received while at SAC showed me that it is possible to build a career that you are passionate about while still making time for interests that excite you. I am forever grateful to my nursing professors for the knowledge they shared with me, that a strong nurse is one who competently takes care of patients but also takes good care of themselves,” said Smith.