May 22, 2024
Learner, leader, Friar: Anthony DiSpena ’24 leaves his mark
By Michael Hagan ’15, ’19G
When Anthony DiSpena ’24 and his family were returning home to Reading, Massachusetts, after touring potential colleges, his sister suggested a stop to see Providence College.
DiSpena hadn’t thought of it. He had barely even heard of it. But the family parked and walked around campus for an informal, self-guided visit, and something felt right. So DiSpena returned, first for a formal visit, and then as a student.
DiSpena graduated summa cum laude in May with a major in political science and minors in theatre and in business and innovation. He was a member of the Honors Program and received the Gerard D. ’73 and Nathaniel S. ’07 Downing Award in American Politics, which honors academic achievement oriented toward community and public service.
When he arrived at PC, DiSpena was intrigued by the Development of Western Civilization Program, known to students and alumni as Civ. In his first semester, reading Homer and other texts from the ancient Mediterranean, he recognized many names and terms from Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson novels, which were among his favorite books growing up. Those connections were informative and fun, but among ancient texts, the works of Plato most moved him. He was struck by the foreignness yet enduring relevance of the dialogues he read, which posed questions about right and wrong, truth and beauty, justice and integrity.
“In studying the past, I am always looking for connections and applications to the present,” DiSpena said. “Plato might not be for everyone, but the questions he asks are important to me. And by writing dialogues, he demonstrates that truth and meaning come through conversation.”
He felt at home in his political science classes, which integrated the abstract and practical aspects of politics and political theory.
“I’m a person who likes to learn how to learn and how to reason. My introductory course in politics explored different political philosophies and their applications. Everything I learned made me want to learn more. There were so many possibilities,” DiSpena said.
In his first weeks at PC, DiSpena decided to do some applied political science outside of the classroom. He ran for class president, and he lost.
“And I’m glad I did,” he said.
Losing the election prompted him to seek other ways to be involved. He applied to be an appointed member of Student Congress. He served on the Outreach Committee, which coordinates events and service initiatives to build community between students and city residents, then on the Advocacy Committee promoting student interests. As chair his senior year, he participated in ongoing conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion at the college, and in October 2023, he was invited to speak to the Board of Trustees.
“I have learned as a student that Providence College’s Catholic and Dominican mission, far from standing in the way of inclusion, demands it,” he said in his address. “Many people look at the mission and see restrictions. I see opportunities.”
Political science taught DiSpena to see the world as made up of diverse polities. His minor in theatre taught him “all the world’s a stage.” As a sophomore, he joined the cast of the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Film’s production of 9 to 5: The Musical, featuring the music of Dolly Parton. As a junior, he performed in the spring musical, Pippin.
“Theatre is more than just the shows. It’s a whole community within the broader campus community, bringing together theatre students and students from all sorts of other disciplines,” DiSpena said.
Through his studies and involvement, DiSpena became a strong public speaker and skilled presenter, which he describes as “such an edge” as he steps into the professional world. In studying business and innovation, he learned strategies for ideation and the practice of design thinking, which have been valuable in his academic, extracurricular, and professional work.
“Looking back, I want to thank no one more than those I disagree with. I want to thank those with whom I empathized and who gave the patience to empathize with me. Unanimous decision-making helps nobody, especially in the political realm. Good policy takes deliberation, diversity in identity and thought, and, once again, empathy,” DiSpena said.
Toward the end of his first year, DiSpena connected with Mark Kravitz ’02 of Habitat for Humanity of Rhode Island. Soon, he was putting the more technical side of political science to work, researching laws and writing procedures and guidelines for the organization. Even out of the spotlight and away from Habitat job sites, he was fulfilled by his confidence in the tangible impact of his work.
Since then, he began working with a former New York state legislator on lobbying initiatives.
“For many, ‘lobbying’ is a dirty word. But what we’re doing isn’t big oil; it isn’t big pharma. It is mental health, aging, labor, and other common concerns. It isn’t all passing or fighting legislation either. We act as mediators between public interests and the government, influencing the latter to benefit the former,” DiSpena said.
DiSpena eventually plans to pursue a graduate degree.
“I am not done learning,” he said. “We never really are.”
Weeks before walking across the stage at the AMP to receive his degree, DiSpena and peers from Student Congress ran across the finish line of the Newport Half Marathon in Rhode Island. As he trained, he’d run into Providence via Smith Street, enjoying the sights as he continued along the bank of the Providence River. As for many runners, these long jogs prompted moments of reflection.
“I love Providence. I’ve loved my time at Providence College. I know where I’ve left my mark. It’s been a lot of work, a lot of fun, and a lot of learning,” DiSpena said.
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