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AND PERSONALSTUDENT PROFILEAs a child, she may have been more comfortable in the stands, but today Maria Mauti wantsnothing less than center stage. On a trip to Cedar Point, Mauti’s godfather pushed her to gointo a mock recording studio. When her recording wound up being played over the parkloudspeakers, it was her first step into the limelight, fueling a passion for performing.A car accident spoiled her plans to study dance in college. After a year at Point ParkUniversity as a musical theatre and ballet major, Mauti took the advice of her dad, JosephMauti ’78, and transferred to RMU last year. She soon landed a lead role in the schoolproduction of Elton John’s remake of Aida, followed by roles in High School Musical andGodspell with the Pittsburgh Musical Theater, which is headed by RMU professorKen Gargaro, Ph.D.“It wasn’t until I came to RMU that I had the confidence and freedom I needed in order totruly follow my dreams,” Mauti says. “When Ken Gargaro looked at me and said, ‘You’rea star!’ I realized the potential I had here. He really became likemy musical dad and gave me the experience I needed toknow that anything is possible.”Maria Gabrielle MautiHer younger brotherDaniel was adopted fromCambodia, and twice Mariahas gone there as a volunteer.She taught English in PhnomPenh and helped at an “AIDSvillage,” where families go toreceive treatment for the diseasetogether rather than beingseparated. Cooking, singing,and playing guitar for thechildren, Mauti gained anew perspective on herfuture dreams tomanage acharity ornonprofitorganization.WRITTEN BY AUBREY DIVITO23