<img src="assets/Images/Homepage/Profiles/Maizie_Hill_853.jpg" alt="Maizie Hill poses with President Jay Gonzalez and Bridget Green holding her Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society Certificate" width="853" height="533" class="blockImg" />When Maizie Hill ’25 first stepped onto the Curry campus, she brought with her a strong sense of curiosity and a deep interest in justice, but she wasn’t exactly sure where those interests would take her. Three years later and ahead of schedule, she graduated with two degrees as the Class of 2025 Salutatorian and achieved the College’s highest student honor - the New Era Award - given to a graduating senior who has made an exceptional impact. As a double major in <a href="/academics/undergraduate-degrees-and-programs/criminal-justice-and-sociology-degrees/criminology-and-criminal-justice-degree-major-and-minor" target="_blank" class="intLink" title="Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree Major and Minor" rel="noopener">Criminology and Criminal Justice</a> and <a href="/academics/undergraduate-degrees-and-programs/criminal-justice-and-sociology-degrees/community-advocacy-and-justice-major" target="_blank" class="intLink" title="Community Advocacy and Justice Major" rel="noopener">Community Advocacy and Justice</a>, Maizie immersed herself in academic experiences and leadership opportunities. Her coursework challenged her to think critically about social systems, while faculty mentorship helped her turn ideas into action and research. Her academic journey included a prestigious National Science Foundation (NFS)-funded research program at UNC Charlotte, where she analyzed patterns of violent crime and gang desistance. She also gained valuable hands-on experience as an intern with the Rhode Island Environmental Police. Related: <a href="/about-us/news-and-events/news/emerging-student-leader-transforms-self-doubt-into-distinguished-achievement-through-crime-research-program-at-unc" target="_blank" class="intLink" title="Emerging Student Leader Transforms Self-Doubt into Distinguished Achievement through Crime Research Program at UNC" rel="noopener">Emerging Student Leader Transforms Self-Doubt into Distinguished Achievement through Crime Research Program at UNC</a> <a href="/about-us/news-and-events/news/criminal-justice-students-honored-by-neacjs-for-excellence-and-service" target="_blank" class="intLink" title="Criminal Justice Students Honored by NEACJS for Excellence and Service" rel="noopener">Criminal Justice Students Honored by NEACJS for Excellence and Service</a> On campus, she played an active role in student life as a Lead Resident Assistant, Programming Assistant for the <a href="/about-us/diversity-center" target="_blank" class="intLink" title="Diversity Center" rel="noopener">Office of Diversity & Inclusion</a>, and Co-President of <a href="/student-life/clubs-and-activities" target="_blank" class="intLink" title="Clubs and Activities" rel="noopener">Curry Cares</a>, a student-led group focused on food justice and service. Because of her strong academic foundation and internship experiences, Maizie was well-prepared to step into her first fulltime role as a Paralegal in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, working out of the Superior Court’s Criminal Division. In this position, she supports felony-level cases by reviewing case materials, conducting legal research, assisting with trial preparation, and managing case filings across multiple court systems. She also coordinates with police officers and witnesses, prepares legal motions and briefs, and helps ensure the smooth handling of time-sensitive court documents and proceedings. By fully engaging in academics, campus life, and hands-on learning at Curry, Maizie grew both personally and professionally. These experiences not only helped clarify her career goals but also gave her the confidence and skills to pursue them, thanks in large part to the guidance and encouragement she received from faculty, staff, and peers along the way. <h3>“The friendships and connections I made over the years are the best part about my Curry experience,” she said. “Reflecting on my growth since freshman year, I’m so happy with how far I’ve come, thanks to the incredible support system I found there.”</h3>