Senior makes most of her Lakeland experience
At some point during the past four years at 51ĀŅĀ×, you were bound to cross paths with senior Jenna Caterino.
Between her classroom work ā she is a double major in criminal justice and psychology with a minor in English ā to her lengthy list of extra curriculars and other service to the university, there arenāt many corners of the place that Caterino hasnāt touched.
The Stanton, Mich., native recently captured several honors in recognition of her work.
She was named one of two winners of the 51ĀŅĀ× Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award, which celebrates top undergraduate students who meet a rigorous grade point average requirement and have contributed to the advancement of knowledge for the public good through independent and group research, community education outreach or innovative experiential learning projects in their field of study.
Caterino is actively involved in group and individual research through the Lakeland Psychology Laboratory, where she has served as a research assistant for the past two years.
Last year, she co-led a research project entitled āModerating Influences on Differential Attitudes Towards Mental Health Services.ā She presented this work at the 2024 Midwest Psychological Association (MPA) Conference. MPA invited her to return to Chicago this spring for the 2025 annual meeting, where she shared the results of her new study, āDo Personality Traits Moderate Our Ability to Use Music to Regulate Loneliness and Build Social Connection?ā
āI have been fortunate to accompany my students to the conference in Chicago over the 12 years that I have worked at Lakeland, but I have never seen a studentās research as well received as Jennaās was,ā said Lakeland Professor of Psychology Jessica Kalmar. āJenna is passionate about her work and that sentiment comes across and draws others in.ā
Caterino was named a 2025 Lakeland Outstanding Student in Psychology, and she was a finalist for the 60th annual Clarence H. Koehler Award, presented each year to a Lakeland senior who best exemplifies āThe Lakeland Spiritā through participation in and support of the universityās programs and activities.
A four-year member of the LU soccer and basketball teams, she was a central player for both teams and served as a captain and on the leadership council for both. She is a multi-time winner of the NACC Scholar-Athlete Award, was named the Academic All-District Womenās Basketball Team twice and is a mainstay on Lakelandās Deanās List.
She also mentored and advocated for students as a Blue and Gold Champion, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member and the student lead working at the on-campus Muskie Mart.
Caterino said her involvement helped her develop a strong network of friends. āIndividuals that I met during my freshman year are still some of my best friends, including those who were not a part of any athletic teams,ā she said. āThey provided insight that was completely different from not only mine but from other athletes.ā
Following graduation in May, Caterino is applying for law school as she pursues a career as a lawyer. She completed internships in Michigan in a county prosecutorās office and a private legal practice to help prepare for her next steps.
āI have enjoyed learning about my intended career path, the legal profession, but the addition of supportive acquaintances is something that I have not experienced until Lakeland,ā she said. āThe opportunities at Lakeland enabled me to step out of my comfort zone which has put me in a position to excel.ā
