By: Samantha Mansolf | Staff Writer
A new and exclusive series coming to the Salve Mosaic Newspaper: Salve Celebrities. Featuring some of the most well-known, charismatic, entertaining, and involved students our campus has to offer, this series aims to spotlight unique students to get their own take on their stardom.
For our second edition: senior Liam Cooney.
Quick Facts
Hometown: Portsmouth, RI
Major/Minor: Secondary Education and History, pursuing a master’s degree in international relations.
Favorite On-Campus Spot: Rodgers Recreation Center, Miley Dining Hall
Favorite Food in Miley: Jon’s Eggs Benedict
Favorite Color: Blue
Fun Fact: I wear a size 15 shoe.
Senior Education and History major Liam Cooney has been called one of Salve’s most notable on-campus celebrities. With that kind of reputation, some have preconceived notions about what kind of person Liam is. Most of the time, they assume him to be an average jock who only cares about his sport. Some say that Liam’s celebrity status comes directly from his athletic involvement; however, Liam believes these claims are far from the truth.
This prompts a question: Where did his fame begin?
Liam is an Aquidneck Island native, attending public school in Portsmouth until he landed at Salve Regina University to play lacrosse. He grew up on Salve’s campus due to his father’s involvement within the athletic program. Head lacrosse coach Patrick Cooney has been at Salve for 21 years this upcoming spring.
“I grew up on this campus. I know a lot of the alumni by name,” Liam commented. In an exclusive interview, Liam is a guide for his everyday life and how being named a campus celebrity impacts his experience at Salve.
When asked if he recognizes himself as a notable figure at Salve Regina, Liam has his reservations. “I have been told I’m well known on campus. I hope it’s because I’m involved within the community and not just because I play a sport.”
Aside from being lacrosse captain, Liam is an active member of the Mosaic Student Newspaper– where he writes on topics varying from sports to political issues. He is also an orientation leader, guiding first-year students through their first week at the university. One of his orientees, Cameron Mencunas, spoke highly of Liam’s warm introduction to the campus. “He was nice and welcoming to us. He taught us a lot about what Salve has to offer and how to better our first-year experience.”
Cooney was also a summer student ambassador, spending June through August giving tours to prospective students. He is also on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and in the Student Education Association (SEA). Liam’s involvement in a variety of extracurricular activities allows him to meet a diverse group of students and gain notoriety.
So, does this sort of status come with any negatives? Liam doesn’t seem to think so. “No, however sometimes I attempt to be an overachiever,” he said. “My level of involvement can be overwhelming. Sometimes I have to give up certain opportunities because I’m already busy.”
Still, juggling all these activities is far from something he regrets. He added, “Being involved has allowed me to come out of my shell and strengthen my EQ and social skills, which will help me greatly in my career goals in education or higher ed.”
Finally, I asked Liam what professor made the largest impact on his college career to which he responded, “Dr. Neary and Sister Betty. Dr. Neary of the history department has been a kind and supporting role model. Sister Betty and her classes have been challenging and she is also a great role model as a future educator.”
When I first met Liam, I thought he was your average jock. Someone who only cared about sports and his “bros”. I found his major a bit odd seeing as he is a student-athlete that is usually grouped within business, marketing, or criminal justice majors. I also believed he was the definition of a nepo baby due to him attending a school with his father as such a presence on campus. However, as I have grown to know Liam, he is much more than the captain of the lacrosse team. While he works hard at his sport and pushes himself and his teammates to get better, he is also intelligent, kind, and truly cares for the betterment of the university. He will graduate this spring as a member of the Class of 2024 and has left a tremendous mark on Salve; however, we will not see the last of Liam this upcoming spring. His fans will be excited to hear that he is furthering his academic endeavors at Salve in pursuit of a master’s degree.
To keep up with and get to know one of Salve’s biggest celebrities, be sure to follow @lwc.19 on Instagram, as well as be on the lookout for her upcoming Mosaic articles!
Photos provided by Samantha Mansolf.
