Kendra Caruso, a 2003 graduate of the theatre program with a psychology minor, is an IT supervisor for the Social Security Administration who supports the needs-based Supplemental Security Income Program. Caruso and her partner, Jason Tilghman, welcomed their son, Devin, last November. For eight consecutive years, Caruso has given to the Honor Elizabeth Wainio Communications Memorial Scholarship to remember the life of Honor Elizabeth Wainio, a passenger on United Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001. Elizabeth (Lizz) was a close family friend of Caruso, who says, “Although nothing can lessen the pain of losing Lizz, there is meaning in being able to contribute to a scholarship that embodies Lizz’s values and passions, gives opportunities to numerous recipients, and aids them in enriching their lives and following their dreams. It is such a beautiful legacy for Lizz and her family and one that I am honored to be a part of.”
Audrey Dineiro, a 2008 graduate of the speech pathology and audiology program, works at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital on the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit as a speech language pathologist with a clinical specialty in dysphagia (swallowing disorders). She and her wife, Leslie Joyce, have a two-year-old daughter, Mia. Dineiro has given loyally to TU for six consecutive years. “Towson University provided so many opportunities to me as a graduate student that I feel more successful due to the experiences I had. My graduate assistantship at TU made my education much more affordable, the program provided additional coursework opportunities, like learning about tracheoesophageal punctures/laryngectomies, which made me more marketable, and externships facilitated community connections that allowed for an easy transition into a clinical fellowship. By giving back to TU, I can help other students to have the same benefits I did. I also met my spouse at Towson University, so in a sense our family really started there.”
Todd Paradise is a 2000 graduate of the business administration program. He is a partner at WPG Financial Group, a financial planning and wealth management firm. Todd lives in Baltimore City with his wife Kim Paradise ’92, three-year-old daughter, McKenzie, and dog, Levi. For eight consecutive years, Paradise has supported his alma mater. He often reflects on the personal and career success he gained at Towson University. “My degree in finance enabled me to get a job right after graduation doing what I love. I also formed many lasting friendships with my fellow lacrosse teammates. Having had so many positive experiences is why I want to give back and hopefully provide future Towson University student-athletes with the same opportunities.”
To make a gift to Towson University, visit www.towson.edu/giving or call 1-866-301-3375.
