Architecture Major Will Continue at RWU to Pursue Master’s Degree, Real Estate Certificate

BRISTOL, R.I. – After four years at Roger Williams University, senior Rachel Borzone will receive her diploma later this month, but her academic journey at RWU won’t end there. The Architecture major and Sustainability Studies minor from Syosset, N.Y., has enrolled in the Master of Architecture program and will also pursue a Real Estate Certificate this fall. From serving as the captain of the Women's Volleyball team her senior year to interning in Manhattan, Borzone’s time at RWU has been an enriching experience, and she said she is looking forward to what’s yet to come. 

Borzone’s seamless integration into the RWU community was evident from her first moments on campus, where she found a supportive atmosphere and a passionate cohort with both the Cummings School of Architecture and the Women's Volleyball team. 

As one of her most enriching experiences, Borzone interned with RXR Realty in Manhattan for two summers – an opportunity she acquired through Todd Rechler ’93, chief construction and development officer at RXR Realty and a member of RWU’s Board of Trustees. “Todd set up a meeting for us, and the rest is history,” she said. “I was in the engineering operations department where I oversaw all the properties’ engineering and operations. It’s nice that Roger Williams has the alumni pool they have and that alumni are always coming back to campus looking to help students.”

Borzone said she already knew that she wanted to continue her education at RWU by enrolling in the Master of Architecture program, but her experience at RXR Realty is what piqued her interest in adding the Real Estate Certificate to elevate her graduate degree.  

During her junior year, Borzone had the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, for the full spring semester. “In Barcelona I immersed myself. I saw the interconnectedness of architecture and exploring new places, allowing me to gain a new perspective that I could have only had while abroad,” she said.

In addition to her academics, Borzone played on the Women’s Volleyball team and became captain her senior year. She attributes her ability to pursue her passion for volleyball while excelling academically to RWU's Division III status.

“It was a way to get outside of the classroom but still be involved with campus and have a connection to RWU and represent the school in a way. I got to put my school first and then also continue to be active.” 

At the Student Achievement Awards on May 5, Borzone received a President's Core Values Medallion, which recognizes graduating students who best exemplify the core values of RWU. 

This summer Borzone will be interning at Gensler New York, a leading global design and architecture firm, an opportunity she secured through a career fair by RWU’s Center for Career and Professional Development in collaboration with the Cummings School of Architecture. As Borzone embarks on the next chapter of her academic journey, she said she is excited to have the continued support of RWU's vibrant community and dedicated alumni network.