MMC’s Matthew Corridoni ‘13 Receives Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship

Matthew Corridoni '13

Born in Pittsburgh, Corridoni is majoring in political science with a minor in theatre. He is a member of the Student Political Association, the Mock Trial Team and the International Studies Club. Corridoni graduated from Saltsburg Middle-High School in Saltsburg, Penn. Following his graduation, he returned to direct Beauty and the Beast. Since coming to New York, Corridoni has also been involved in Gilda’s Club, a wellness center founded in Gilda Radner’s memory, a place for people affected by cancer to come together and heal through laughter. 

Established by the Thomas J. Watson Foundation in 1999, the three-year fellowship program offers paid summer internships, mentoring and enhanced educational opportunities to New York City undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional promise, outstanding leadership skills, and commitment to the common good. Watson Fellows have their pick of coveted job placements over three consecutive summers in nonprofit agencies, business organizations, and government service that give them a chance to grow and develop interpersonal skills and gain self-confidence in a variety of professional settings. 

In the third summer, Watson Fellows can apply for an international assignment through partnerships with the Institute of International Education, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Save the Children, and many other organizations. 

A summer series of weekly seminars further enhances the learning experience by encouraging debate and interaction and also by providing an opportunity for Watson Fellows to share learning from their work experiences. Visits to cultural institutions, such as Shakespeare in the Park, the New York Botanical Garden, and the Museum of Natural History, enable students to discover New York City’s free summer offerings. Every Watson Fellow receives a generous stipend as compensation and support for summer employment and continuing fellowship obligations. 

Twelve colleges, including Marymount Manhattan College, compete annually for 15 Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship openings; at least one college from each borough is included in the group of eligible colleges. Each school may nominate up to four candidates to the citywide selection panels. 

In the past, Marymount Manhattan College recipients have spent their first summer at such organizations as the New-York Historical Society, Echoing Green and Donors Choose. Previous Marymount Manhattan College recipients are (2000) Kasia Reterska ’02, (2001) Melissa Rodriguez ’03 and Isabel Sinistore ’04, (2002) Jessica Murray ’05 and Marilyn Ordonez ’05, (2003) Cornel Bradford ’06, (2004) Christopher Perre ’07, (2006) Jamie-Lynn Argenta ’14, (2008) Jeffrey Lewis ’10 and Olivia Warren ’11, (2009) Alex Kane ’11 and Julianne Willis ’11, and (2010) Erica Jackson ’13. 

Marymount Manhattan College is an urban, independent, liberal arts college. The mission of the College is to educate a socially and economically diverse student body by fostering intellectual achievement and personal growth and by providing opportunities for career development.

Published: April 04, 2011