Civic Engagement
Connor Flynn ’25, a double major in history and political science and president of the Class of 2025, has always had an affinity for civic engagement. Connor’s journey began as a student at Natick High School, where he volunteered with the U.S. Senate campaign of Massachusetts congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III. This early experience laid the groundwork for an internship with Governor Maura Healey at the State House in Boston after his sophomore year at Providence College and was made possible by a Veritas grant through the Chirico Career Center. In the Office of Constituent Services, he answered phone calls, letters, and emails, and met with constituents, embodying the essence of government service. “That is government at its best: helping people,” Connor reflected. He was particularly impressed by the number of young people on the governor’s staff, noting the strong connection between his work and the humanities education he received at Providence College. The Veritas grant, made possible by generous donors, enabled Connor to seize an invaluable opportunity and strengthen his commitment to public service.
This past academic year, Connor accepted an offer from college president Father Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. to serve as the student representative on the faculty planning board of a series of campus-wide discussions on contemporary challenges called “With Mutual Respect,”. In this role, Connor met weekly with Fr. Sicard and faculty members to model constructive discourse, cultivate a spirit of healthy democracy, and foster civic engagement. As the student representative on the faculty planning board, Connor served as facilitator of the panel during the event. He admits that addressing faculty, staff, and peers first seemed like a challenge, but he cherished the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse and talented team at Providence College.
Since his freshman year, Connor continues to serve as the president of the Class of 2025. Motivated by his passion for civic service, he ran for the position during his third week of college, despite the risks and discomfort involved. Bringing students together was a driving force throughout his tenure. “It means the absolute world to me to have the faith and trust of my class,” Connor remarked. The experiences of leading his class, engaging in meetings, organizing events, and running campaigns not only prepared him for life beyond Friartown, but also left a lasting impact on him. He treasures these experiences and the trust his peers placed in him.
Connor sees his time at Providence College as a period of significant personal growth. He believes that facing and overcoming challenges helped him uphold the values that Friartown represents. “Friartown is not something that you can explain; it’s something you feel…
Every day here truly has been a gift for me.
Thanks to the Veritas grant, funded by donors to the Veritas Endowed Distinguished Internships Fund, Connor has been able to fully embrace the spirit of service and leadership that Providence College strives to instill in its students by interning at a non-profit organization over the summer.
