By Move-in day, Fall 2023.
New students were hauling their luggage from cars to dorm rooms.
“Laura was there yelling at the top of her lungs, cheering people on, dancing, and just making people feel welcome,” said a classmate who was also helping out. “She’s the type of person who will always bring laughter into any encounter.”
Laura Fontaine is a senior at Carroll studying Chemistry and Spanish. She is from Darien Center, 40 miles east of Buffalo, New York. Laura has been an RA since her sophomore year and is involved in campus ministry. She also works off-campus at a pharmacy.
This past winter break, Fontaine worked with Engineers Without Borders. In 2023, she was a part of the Carroll College Gold Team.
Fontaine is the epitome of a “people person.” When she thinks back on what made Carroll is special to her; she thinks of “not just friends, but the people, the professors and peers I have had conversations with.”
When friends describe Laura, they often highlight her kindness.
“Her laughter, for one,” said Sarah Hiller, one of Fontaine’s roommates, reflecting on what makes Fontaine, Fontaine. “I’d say it’s probably one of the most contagious things I’ve
ever heard, and her ability to just sacrifice for the people around her.”
Fontaine has made many connections throughout her time at Carroll, especially during her time as an RA.
“Of all the people my parents remember meeting, they remember Laura because of how kind she was,” said Melissa Nava, a junior nursing student.
Fontaine has been praised for being a great resource for students and fellow staff.
“Her talent for talking to people, her talent for reaching out to those unreachable folks. Making people comfortable in a space with her,” said Syd Mammano, a residential housing area coordinator and 2022 alumnus, thinking on why Fontaine made a good RA, “An invaluable trait to make her residents feel safe and comfortable with her.”
Behind that kindness is her deep faith.
“It inspires me how much she prioritizes her faith, and how she integrates that into how she lives as a person,” said Nava. “How she lives out a virtuous life and adds her own touch to what it means to be a Catholic.”
Fontaine hopes to work as a chemist after she graduates.
“You will not find someone who is as committed to working hard and knowing everybody as you will in Laura,” said Mammano when asked what she would say to a future employer of Laura’s.
As she ends her journey and prepares to move on, she has no regrets.
“I think Carroll is so special because the professors actually care about me and the questions I have in classes,” said Fontaine. “I love Carroll’s Catholic community, having access to all those spaces, and being able to grow in faith with my friends.”
