Ellis Iacono arrived at the University of Rhode Island with the goal of becoming a doctor, and like any curious scientist, he kept his mind open to experiences and discoveries that could broaden his perspective and sharpen his focus.

The Barrington native will share some of what he has learned with his classmates, their families and friends, and the community when he addresses them at the University’s 132nd Commencement on May 20. The URI Student Senate chose Iacono to represent the Class of 2018 as its student speaker.

Iacono will graduate with a double major in biology and journalism and a minor in thanatology, the study of grief, death and dying. After graduation, he will pursue a master’s degree in public health at Virginia Commonwealth University and hopes to one day go to medical school, with the goal of working in community health.

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