Alumni in Action-October 7, 2025
St. Lawrence graduates have a thirst for knowledge and are innovative problem-solvers. This periodic roundup features Laurentians who are in the spotlight for making a positive impact on their communities, companies, and the world.
Trustee Marion Roach Smith ’77
St. Lawrence University Trustee Marion Roach Smith ’77 recently brought her trademark mix of candor and wit to the Los Angeles Times, where she penned an essay on how to prepare—emotionally, practically, and even playfully—for the inevitable.
What begins as a reflection on loss turns into an invitation to host a “Date With Death Dinner,” a surprisingly funny and freeing way to talk about dying on our own terms. A government major at St. Lawrence, Roach Smith is the author of four books, including The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life, and teaches memoir online.
Taylor Capuano ’14
Taylor Capuano ’14, co-founder of CAKES Body, was recently featured in a story in Inc. Magazine about how she scaled her business into a powerhouse that generates more than $100 million in revenue annually.
In the story, Capuano, who studied economics at St. Lawrence University, discusses the importance of social media marketing as opposed to traditional retail exposure in today’s business climate.
Zola Braswell '24
Zola Braswell '24 was recently featured in North Country Now as she returns to St. Lawrence as the new assistant softball coach.
Braswell, who studied government at St. Lawrence and earned her Master of Education from Lesley University, was a four-year member of the Scarlet and Brown from 2021-24 and served as a team captain during her senior year. She posted a career-best .275 batting average in 2023, recording personal highs in RBIs and walks, and capped her career with 19 hits as a senior.
Jack Kelly ’21
Jack Kelly ’21 was recently featured in the Watertown Daily Times for his job leading a crew of firefighters with the Student Conservation Assocation tackling wildfires in the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
“As part of a team in our situation, it's great to be able to help small communities be more resilient when it comes to wildfires,” Kelly said.
Share Your News
Do you know a St. Lawrence graduate at the focus of a news feature? Submit the link to the news story for possible inclusion in an upcoming edition of the “Alumni in Action” roundup.
