John Ryan, Owner

Alphagraphics

Owner of Alphagraphics in Providence Rhode Island and Waltham Massachusetts. In addition to chairing the Board at the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations, John is also an active participant in the Narragansett Boat Club and participates on the Board of RI Arts & Business Council.

Daniel Minter, Artist

Professional illustrator, arts educator, painter, sculptor and creator of the Kwanzaa stamp issued in 2004. Minter assists with The Underground Railroad in Portland, Maine, of which he is a board member. His work has appeared at many shows throughout Portland and can be seen in the official logos of the Underground Rail-Road and the Maine Interfaith Youth Alliance.

Melanie Demarais, Associate Director of Major Gifts

Assumption College

Melanie has worked at Assumption College for more than 25 years, where she currently serves as the Associate Director of Major Gifts. Melanie previously worked as a conference services manager at Boston University and has held a variety of leadership roles within higher education. She currently serves as the president of the Worcester Area League of Women Voters.

Gregory P. Kramer, DMD

Gregory practices general dentistry in Bangor, Maine. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Maine Dental Association. Gregory received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA.

Dr. Russell Quaglia, President/Founder

Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations

Dr. Russell Quaglia is the President/Founder of the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations. He has been described by NBC-TV Today Show as America's foremost authority on the development and achievement of student aspirations. As a dynamic speaker, he travels extensively presenting research-based information on student aspirations and motivation to audiences throughout the United States and around the world. His opinions and comments on aspirations and controversial educational topics have been sought after and published in national media such as the Washington Post, Boston Globe, New York Times, USA Today, Chronicle of Higher Education and Education Week. He has also appeared on national and international television and radio including CNN, NPR, BBC, CSPAN, and NBC. Dr. Quaglia has pioneered the work in student aspirations as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of students that have taken the My Voice Survey. He has since formed a partnership with Pearson Assessment, the largest testing agency in the world, who will be the sole distributors of his work. He also serves on numerous national commissions ensuring the voices of students are always recognized, heard, and acted upon. He received his Bachelor's degree at Assumption College, a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Boston College, and a Master of Education and Doctorate from Columbia University specializing in the area of organizational theory and behavior. He has also been awarded numerous honorary doctorates in Humanitarian Services for his work with students around the world. Quaglia's research has been published in numerous professional journals, such as Educational Administration Quarterly, Journal of Instructional Psychology, American School Board Journal, Adolescence and the Journal of Psychological and Educational Measurement. His thoughts and opinions have also appeared in popular magazines such as: Reader's Digest, Better Homes and Garden, Parent and Family Magazine and Ladies Home Journal. He is also the author of numerous books including; Believing in Achieving; Student Aspirations: Eight Conditions that Make a Difference; Raising Student Aspirations: Classroom Activities for Grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12; Changing Lives Through the Principalship; Don't Lose Sight of the Target; and Sam's Adventures in School.