December 2022

Laura Byrne 1994

DEGREES:
B.A. - Liberal Studies, Minor in Sociology

CURRENT EMPLOYER
The Clubhouse Model

CURRENT OCCUPATION
Volunteer

DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
After graduation, I moved to Ireland and I now volunteer full time with The Clubhouse Model, including their international accreditation. Clubhouse is a dynamic program of support for individuals embarking on their journey toward mental health recovery. It is first and foremost a community that offers individuals hope and an opportunity to achieve their full potential. The Clubhouse is a non-medical model and therefore the focus is on the strengths of the individual rather than their illness. Clubhouse provides an environment of support and acceptance and is committed to enhancing the potential of each member, enabling individuals with mental health difficulties to live full and productive lives in the community.

MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
Inclusiveness and diversity – specifically in my experience concerning student ministries. I was president of Baptist Student Union and to see the variety of religion/ spiritual outlets is absolutely beautiful.

WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
- president of the Baptist Student Union, helping the program’s diversity and inclusion initiatives;
- RA in the nursing dorm, helping establish the bus shuttle services and transportation schedule to and from the off-campus nursing dormitory; and
- an anthropological student aid.

BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
Being involved with student ministries, including Campus Crusade for Christ and being the president of the Baptist Student Union.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
My father had the contract to precast the concrete at the activity center building in the 1980s. I fell in love with the campus during my visits to his work site. I later talked with an admissions counselor and applied.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
"City of Growth." Salisbury is being introduced to a lot of people, ideas and products for growth, creativity, and innovation.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
Ireland – I loved it so much I moved there.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Graduating in 1994 – I was the only one in my family with bachelor’s degree. After graduation, it was quite the accomplishment to be on my own and make decisions without my family’s help or influence. Another major accomplishment has been being sober from drugs and alcohol for over five years.

WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I have dual citizenship in both the United States and Ireland.

HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
Exploring and documenting Irish nature and walking with a purpose. Reading and relaxing. Praying and mediation. Gardening.