Lisa Marie Zabel, Claire Elizabeth Greene Graduate From Salve Regina

The following Madison residents were awarded degrees during Salve Regina University's 61st commencement on Sunday, May 15:

Lisa Marie Zabel of Madison, Conn. was awarded a bachelor of arts & science degree in Secondary Education & Biology.

Claire Elizabeth Greene of Madison, Conn. was awarded a bachelor of science degree in Accounting. Greene is a member of Sigma Beta Delta national honor society for business.

Jill Biden, Second Lady to the United States, a 30-year educator and longtime community advocate, will present the commencement address and be awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters. Also receiving an honorary degree will be William Vareika, longtime Newport art gallery owner, preservationist and philanthropist.

Sister Jane Gerety, Salve Regina president, conferred 678 degrees in total, including 441 bachelor's degrees, 212 master's degrees, 18 certificates of advanced graduate studies, and seven doctorates.

Salve Regina, a Catholic, co-educational university founded by the Sisters of Mercy, enrolls more than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Its 80-acre oceanfront campus is in the heart of the Ochre Point-Cliffs National Historic District.