Alumna Spotlight: Jennie Viosca Graffeo ’90 💚 Chapelle is proud to spotlight Jennie Viosca Graffeo, Class of 1990, who continues to make an impact through her leadership and dedication in the professional world. Jennie is a valued member of the team at Lofton, where she recently reached an exciting milestone by strengthening the company’s partnership with a long‑standing client in Covington. As the client prepares to expand operations with a new office opening in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, they entrusted Jennie as their exclusive recruiting partner for key positions, including Shipping Clerks, IT, Clerical, and Pharmacy Technician roles. Her ability to build trust, cultivate relationships, and deliver results reflects both her professionalism and commitment to excellence. Being chosen as the sole recruiting partner for such an important expansion speaks volumes about the confidence her clients have in her expertise and integrity.  Jennie’s accomplishments are a testament to the strong foundation of leadership, work ethic, and service that Chapelle women carry into every field. We are so proud to see her continuing to grow partnerships, open doors, and make a difference in our local community.

Vice President of the Special Olympics College Club at UL Last week, we celebrated Marissa Rinderle ’24, Founder & President of the Special Olympics College Club at UL Lafayette. Today, we are proud to spotlight the other half of that incredible partnership, Rachel Meariman ’23. When Special Olympics Louisiana began expanding its college club program, Marissa teamed up with Rachel to help bring the vision to life. Today, Rachel serves as Vice President of the Special Olympics College Club at UL, where she continues promoting inclusion through sports, friendship, and the celebration of all abilities. The club has already hosted a successful field day filled with activities for participants of all abilities and is planning even more exciting events next semester, including a basketball tournament, kickball game, and an outing at Rock ‘N’ Bowl. Rachel’s leadership doesn’t stop there. She is also the President of the Kinesiology Professional Association and serves as a mentor for the UL LIFE Program, supporting college students with disabilities in their academic, community, and career development. Rachel credits her time at Chapelle, especially as a member of the basketball team, with preparing her for these roles. Through athletics, she learned teamwork, accountability, responsibility, and communication skills that continue to shape her leadership style today. Her experience volunteering with Special Olympics while at Chapelle sparked the passion she now lives out in college. Together, Marissa and Rachel are building something truly special at UL, and we are so proud to see two Chipmunks leading with compassion.

Founder & President, Special Olympics College Club at UL Lafayette Chapelle is proud to spotlight Marissa Rinderle ’24, who is already making an incredible impact during her time at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Marissa is the Founder and President of the Special Olympics College Club at UL Lafayette, a student-run organization dedicated to creating meaningful connections between college students and individuals with disabilities through athletics and campus events. “I actually founded the club after Special Olympics Louisiana reached out to me in hopes of expanding the college club program,” Marissa shared. “Rachel Meariman ’23 and I collaborated to get it all started!” The Special Olympics College Club at UL provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to connect with college students through various athletic events. The mission is simple yet powerful: to promote inclusion on the UL campus through sports, friendship, and the celebration of all abilities. Marissa’s passion for inclusion is deeply rooted in her involvement with the UL LIFE Program, which is designed to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience college life while furthering their education and life skills. “The LIFE Program has encouraged and prepared me to begin Special Olympics UL,” she said. In addition to leading the Special Olympics College Club, Marissa also serves as Vice President of the Kinesiology Professional Association, demonstrating her continued commitment to leadership and service. At Chapelle, Marissa served as a Student Ambassador, a role she credits with helping her grow as a communicator and leader. “Being an ambassador enhanced my communication and leadership skills, preparing me for the various roles I now have in college,” she shared. Marissa exemplifies the Chapelle mission by leading with compassion, courage, and a heart for service. We are so proud of the difference she is making and can’t wait to see how she continues to inspire inclusion and build community. Congratulations, Marissa! Your Chapelle family is cheering you on!