For Mount Saint Mary College Criminology major and Sociology minor Robert “Bobby” Bottone of Wantagh, N.Y., service and community have always played a large role in his life.
Following Commencement from the Mount this May, Bottone plans to pursue a career in law enforcement. But until then, he has focused on several service-based leadership positions throughout his time at the Mount. Most notably, he has been working closely with Lawrence Force, professor of Psychology and co-director of the Center on Aging and Disability Policy (CADP).
Force asked Bottone to be a part of the student-led club Aging United, which goes out in the community and to nursing homes to help those in need. Currently, he has taken on the Vice President and Communications/Technology Executive roles within the club.
“When COVID hit, we had stopped going out to nursing homes and being in the community,” Bottone explained. “But now, we are trying to get back into being more hands on and productive as we pass this honor to the next set of students who will be in charge.”
In late March, Bottone also took on the role of research assistant with CADP, helping the organization locate agencies that would want to work with, and be part of, the ProActive Caring program. While the assignment was originally part of his Aging and Society class with Force, Bottone has expressed an interest in continuing the role.
While working closely with Force, Bottone has also been involved in several clubs on campus, and has even taken on leadership positions, including President of Knight Notes (the Mount’s a Capella group), Treasurer of the Criminology Club, and Public Relations Officer for Gaming Group.
“I will miss being able to see the friends that I have made here,” Bottone said. “I will also cherish all the memories that I have made the past four years here at the Mount.”
Now, as he prepares for a future in law enforcement, Bottone has reflected on the experiences and professors who have guided him throughout his time at the Mount, including Thomas Jones, adjunct professor of Criminology, and Jenifer Lee-Gonyea, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer, who helped him both academically and in his pursuit of his dream job.
“Everything that I have been a part of is a huge honor and I can’t thank the Mount enough except to say that I’m proud to be a Knight."