Bryant Engage - April 2021

Engage Alumni expand their opportunities virtually with the Bryant Professional MBA Online

Sean Kenny ’98, ’20MBA, a member of

Sean Kenny ’98, ’20MBA celebrated with his family virtually from Florida last May when COVID-19 postponed on-campus Commencement ceremonies. Sean’s wife, Melissa, captured this photo of their two proud sons, Brendan and Liam, with their father in his graduation regalia.

the program’s inaugural class. Kenny, along with Dustin Goldstein ’95, ’20MBA, both members of the National Alumni Council, were among the program’s first applicants.

“Although I live in Chicago, I’ve maintained strong ties to campus by volunteering and staying active in our Midwest alumni network,” notes Goldstein, a Senior

Lauren (Clare) O’Donnell ’12, ’20MBA agrees. “I always knew I wanted to get my MBA once I had several years of professional experience under my belt.

I finally decided to go for it and then Bryant announced its online MBA program just as I was about to start at a different school — I immediately deferred the other virtual program and applied to Bryant. I’m so happy I got to continue building my leadership skills and knowledge at my alma mater.”

Bryant’s Professional MBA is designed to work around the busy schedules of our successful alumni and other professionals. The 10-course program can be covered in 12 or 24 months, with flexible starting dates throughout the year.

The Bryant Professional MBA Online is for working professionals with a minimum of five years of qualified work experience who seek a convenient, flexible way to pursue a graduate degree.

For more information, visit

gradschool.bryant.edu or call 401.232.6230. The summer II term application deadline is June 25, 2021.

P H I L A N T H R O P Y U P DAT E

Bryant: As vibrant as ever

By David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23

A

s we near the end of a challenging spring semester on our way to Commencement, a wide range of emotions are present throughout the Bryant community. There is a sense of relief — that so many students, faculty, and staff have been able to remain healthy while working to maintain a safe campus environment that continues to deliver academic excellence. With our pride of accomplishment, we also acknowledge that this has been a long road, filled with disruption and shared sacrifice, and much has been asked of many. But, much has been given, as well. I share the gratitude that we all owe to the many alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who have stepped up and answered the call when we asked our community to Be Bryant Strong.

Clearly, the Bryant community is always ready to help one another.

The more than 800 gifts we received to the Be Bryant Strong Fund have allowed us to find innovative David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23 ways to sustain Vice President for the programs University Advancement that have shaped the future for the Class of 2021 and so many other Bryant continues on page 10

INSPIRED TO EXCEL

engage with dedicated faculty members as they immerse themselves in the skills required to meet the challenges of today’s diverse and global marketplace.

And, like other business programs at Bryant, the Professional MBA Online has creatively incorporated several virtual team projects.

“Since graduating from Bryant, I’ve wanted to earn my MBA, but my growing family and work always made that goal just out of reach,” notes

2 Reunion@Home schedule 3 Alumni mentorship 8 Women’s Summit

Bryant University

MELISSA OBERG ’02, ’20MBA

1150 Douglas Pike

The relevant MBA curriculum and interacting with the Bryant faculty helped me hone my skills to evaluate, analyze, and solve business problems.

Vice President at U.S. Bank. “Getting a second Bryant degree was the right choice for me because it brought me closer to the campus community that has been the foundation of my success.”

Another Illinois resident, Melissa Oberg ’02, ’20MBA, parlayed her degree into a new corporate position as senior director, revenue and forecasting at Urovant Sciences. “The relevant MBA curriculum and interacting with the Bryant faculty helped me hone my skills to evaluate, analyze, and solve business problems,” comments Melissa.

Volume 26 No. 2 April 2021

Smithfield, RI 02917-1284

careers and enhance the performance of their organizations by building leadership skills and knowledge.

Bryant’s online MBA students closely

I N S I G H TS A N D OPPORTUNITIES F O R A LU M N I , PA R E N TS , A N D FRIENDS

Follow us on social media

A

s more and more universities added online MBA programs, Bryant’s alumni asked for one they could call their own. “Bryant wanted to get it right,” notes Dean of the College of Business, Madan Annavarjula, Ph.D. After determining the best-in-class technology platform, Bryant launched its own Professional MBA in 2019. Now entering its third year, it has been a resounding success, attracting more than 200 students from around the globe, almost a quarter of whom are Bryant bachelor’s degree holders.

Bryant’s program combines the same trademark personal attention with the small class sizes and world-class resources of our campus program, but in a fully virtual environment. The program is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their

B RYA N T UNIVERSITY

D E E P, L I F E - LO N G C O N N E C T I O N S

NAC

My Class of 1985 has always gone all-out for Reunion.

And while we hope to be together on Bryant’s campus soon, the guidelines for gatherings are still advising only small group functions and limited travel ­— so the reunions we hoped to hold in late June of 2021 are now re-scheduled for June 5-7, 2022.

CORNER

Thankfully, our Alumni Engagement team has taken a creative approach and planned a series of fun, virtual events — Reunion@Home — spanning two weeks in May. I plan to ask my college friends to join me for a group Zoom or Google Hangout around one or more of the events. A full schedule is adjacent, and there is something for everyone.

We’re tasting wine, mixing drinks, and listening to a popular Bryant DJ or a live concert at Parente’s. The staff is putting together virtual campus tours of the Smithfield and East Side campuses. And if you want, we’re demonstrating how to make a charcuterie board and a paella dinner! All with alumni experts demonstrating their skills and talents.

R E G I S T E R N OW F O R R E U N I O N @ H O M E

If restrictions on visitors are lifted by the fall, Bryant plans a great Homecoming weekend, including the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Smithfield campus, which opened in late September, 1971. We’ll be in touch with all alumni via email and we’ll have an update in the July issue of Engage.

Thursday, May 13

ON-DEMAND PROGRAMS

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Virtual Mixology Mixer with Dieter Kamm ’88

The Art of Making the Perfect Charcuterie Board with Narine Hagopian ’15, ’21MBA Join Narine Hagopian ’15, ’21MBA who

ZOOM OR SIDEBAR

We’ll be mixing cocktails in our new branded Bryant cocktail shaker, part of the Reunion@Home swag bag.

Friday, May 14

In the meantime, join me for Reunion@Home 2021 to reconnect with your Bryant friends.

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Wine Tasting with Bill Bishop ’78 ZOOM OR SIDEBAR

We’ll be tasting wine with Bill Bishop ’78 — coming to us from Napa, California. All three wines will be from Castello di Amorosa in Napa and may be purchased in advance. Bryant alumni will receive a discount on the wine! Join early and put together the Perfect Charcuterie Board with help from Narine Hagopian ’15, ’21MBA.

— Jay Weinberg ’85 President, The Jay Group

Please visit alumni.bryant.edu/reunion2021 to register.

Smithfield Campus Tour Bryant’s campus has changed over its 50-year history. Take a walking tour with alumni from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s to see how the Smithfield campus has evolved.

The Trees and Plants of the Bryant Campus Join us during the day for a horticultural virtual walking tour of the Bryant campus.

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Family Dance Party with DJ Bishop

the art of making paella, direct from Puerto Rico.

Recipes for seafood and meat paella will be in your Reunion@Home swag bag.

(Harold Peacock ’98).

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM Late-night Dance Party with DJ Bishop TWITCH

Later, we’ll be tapping our heels to some R&B music on Twitch with DJ Bishop for a late-evening dance party. Get your music requests ready!

Wednesday, May 19 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Mike Coletta Live from Parente’s Restaurant

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FACEBOOK LIVE

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Did you go to Bryant on the East Side of Providence or want to see where Bryant was located prior to moving to Smithfield? Join us for a virtual walking tour of the former Providence campus.

Paella with Fernando Fumero ’92 Join Fernando Fumero ’92 while he shares

Get the kids involved in this family fun night while we dance away with DJ Bishop

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East Side Campus Tour

Tuesday, May 18 TWITCH

JOIN YOUR BRYANT FAMILY & FRIENDS FOR REUNION@HOME IN MAY

will demonstrate how to put together sweet and savory charcuterie boards. Recipes will be included in your Reunion@Home swag bag.

40 19

MARK YOUR 50TH REUNIONS CALENDARS FOR FOR ’70/’71 HAVE JUNE 25-27, 2021 BEEN SCHEDULED TO COME BACK TO BRYANT FOR 9.11.21

Gather your friends in a Zoom room or Google Hangout and take in our Facebook live feed from Parente’s, where Mike Coletta will be performing.

Bryant Scavenger Hunt Assemble your Bryant memorabilia from our list and snap a picture, then email it or post it on Facebook or Instagram with the tag #BryantAlumni. Every entry will get a prize, with special prizes going to alumni with 10 or more items from the list.

Saturday, May 22 Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremonies Watch a live stream of the Undergraduate Commencement Exercises.

Sunday, May 23 Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony Watch a live stream of the Undergraduate Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2020, featuring remarks by President Emeritus Ronald K. Machtley.

alumni.bryant.edu/reunion2021

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Engage ISSN 1099-1913 is published four times a year in January, April, July, and October for the alumni of Bryant University. Publication offices are located in the Office of Alumni Engagement, Bryant University, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917-1284. Periodicals Postage Paid at Providence, Rhode Island.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Engage, Bryant University Alumni Office, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917-1284.

2 Engage | April 2021

COLLEGIAL COMMUNITY

A mentor for a day… or a lifetime F

Jacqueline Tovar ’00, the

have a job that meets all my career goals, I’m also working to connect more than two decades and started Bryant students to opportunities in my her junior year at Bryant when she was current field of data analytics through introduced to Vicente “Vin” Pina ’88 my association with the national through an alumni mentorship program non-profit ALPFA (Association of Latino over winter break. Tovar, majoring Professionals for America),” Tovar says. in Management and Marketing and “Even though it’s been two decades minoring in Statistics, impressed Pina since we last met in person, I can tell with her focus and determination. she has the same focus and determination They stayed in touch after Tovar to succeed,” Pina adds. landed her first job in Manhattan at the Not all alumni/student outreach World Trade Center. Pina remembers needs to last a lifetime. An hour or so of that “on September 11, 2001, amidst all career advice can make a big difference to a student seeking to explore a new venture.

Entrepreneurship major Taylor Vahey ’23 reached out to Rita Williams-Bogar ’76 for some insight to compare entrepreneurship to a traditional corporate path.

Williams-Bogar was happy to share her personal experience and provide Vahey with some solid advice. “I left a top Vicente “Vin” Pina ’88 Jacqueline Tovar ’00 corporate position in 2003 to that happened, I thought of Jacqueline. launch my own leadership development Eventually I was able to reach her consulting business, and frankly, I’ve to make sure she was all right.” Over never looked back,” she says. the following years they kept in touch, Sharing experience is a perfect with updates on career and family way to connect with today’s students, and their MBA studies. The advent of and Vahey agrees. “I appreciated LinkedIn made connecting easier. having Rita’s support and validation “Knowing that I could reach out to for my career interests,” she says.

Vin over the years has helped me remain close to Bryant. Today, not only do I or

mentor/mentee relationship spans

Alumnifire is a private platform for alumni, current parents, and students to offer career advice, share internships and job openings, and build professional networks. Since it’s specific to Bryant, alumni have already agreed to offer advice, and there are no fees to use it or to send messages. Students and alumni can search using Bryant-specific keywords, like 4Mile, or by major or industry. Sign up at bryant.alumnifire.com.

F R O M O U R A LU M N I Fans far and wide were able to watch the Bryant Bulldogs’ first-ever NEC Title game March 9 on EPSN2. Although the Bryant men’s basketball team came up short against Mount St. Mary’s with a final score of 73-68, Bulldogs around the country and the world connected to share their enthusiasm, excitement, memories, and passionate support. Former men’s captain Jim Choquette ’03 reached out with the following heartfelt letter.

To Coach Grasso and Staff,

M

y name is

Jim Choquette ’03,

Bryant Men’s Basketball Captain

for Coach Max Good. I graduated right before my teammates made it to the DII National Championship in 2005.

When your players and staff walked off the court Tuesday night [March 9] you saw the scoreboard above the doors. I’m very familiar with where it’s located in our gym.

But this is a quick email to your program on what you didn’t see (besides a football field full of screaming student fans)...

You didn’t see a group text message started by former players going back 15-20 years with 30-40 former players talking all week about the lead-up to the game. You didn’t see players connecting from CA to TX to GA to CT to MA to RI. You didn’t

In addition to taking the team to the NEC semifinals, Bryant Men’s Basketball Coach Jared Grasso was also named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association District I Coach of the Year.

see friends and teammates talking for the first time in years, catching up, checking in on each other, and loving Bryant hoops. You didn’t see reminiscing about the glory days, and reliving some of our best moments, and you didn’t hear or see the pride 100 percent of us — and so many other Bulldogs — felt that night.

You didn’t see the 10 of us watching on zoom together and 5 different guys having tears in their eyes at the pregame warm ups, amazed that our team, our gym, our Bulldogs were on ESPN!!!

I heard you say in an interview before the game that it would be a night to remember, and it was. On behalf of all of us, the ones near and far, thank you for one of the best basketball nights of our lives. All of us were on the edge of our seats, 100 percent decked out in old-school Bryant b-ball gear and amazed at the talent that was on display. continues on page 11

Academic innovator Veronica McComb, Ph.D. named new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences B

ryant University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Glenn Sulmasy, JD,

LL.M, along with President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., announced in March that after an extensive national search, Veronica McComb, Ph.D., has been appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

McComb is currently Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Lenoir-Rhyne University, with three campus locations in North and South Carolina. She also served as Director of the University Honors Academy, Academic Chair for History, and Program Coordinator for Africana Studies at Lenoir-Rhyne.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Veronica McComb to Bryant’s academic leadership team,” said Provost Sulmasy. “She is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership, forward thinking, and passion for academic excellence. Dr. McComb also brings with her deep experience in innovative program development and strategic planning.”

“Since the University’s College of Arts and Sciences and integrated business and liberal arts curriculum was introduced in 2004, Bryant has been at the forefront in

Gittell. “As Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Veronica McComb will play a crucial role in further advancing our curriculum’s distinction and

relevance that gives students strong preparation for career success and community This is a critical contributions.”

“The issues affecting time for us higher education make Veronica McComb, Ph.D. to cultivate 21st it clear that who is century leaders, teaching and who is learning is changing in the 21st century,” McComb said and Bryant University is in accepting the appointment, effective poised to lead in this arena.

July 1. “Whether it is accelerating the transition from traditional disciplines to VERONICA MCCOMB, PH.D. interdisciplinary thinking or enhancing the curriculum to integrate the genders, preparing students with the combination races, classes, ethnicities, faiths, and of hard and soft critical skills most in abilities of experts and learners, change demand by employers,” noted President is essential for today’s academic

institutions. This is a critical time for us to cultivate 21st century leaders, and Bryant University is poised to lead in this arena.”

McComb received her Ph.D. in American and New England Studies from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts degree, Senior Fellow with Honors Film & Television Studies, from Dartmouth College. Prior to her roles at Lenoir-Rhyne University, she was a member of the faculty at Boston University and Wheelock College. Her research and teaching interests include American cultural history; race, ethnicity, and immigration; African diaspora; film and television studies; religious identities; and digital storytelling.

As Dean of Bryant’s College of Arts and Sciences, McComb will succeed Wendy Samter, Ph.D., who co-chaired the search with Vice President for Enrollment Management Michelle Cloutier.

Engage | April 2021

3

COLLEGIAL COMMUNITY

Bridging the Gap virtual panel offers advice and perspective from alumni of color E

veryone could use some advice when starting a career, and a number

of alumni stepped forward in February to help by sharing their own personal experiences and perspectives on navigating their professional careers post-Bryant.

The panel discussion, titled “Bridging the Gap,” featured alumni of color who gathered as part of the University’s celebration of Black History Month to share their paths while at Bryant and beyond.

A collaborative effort with the Intercultural Center of the PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement,

the popular annual event delivers career advice from multicultural and international Bryant alumni to students of similar backgrounds.

Panelists reflected on their experiences finding (and making) community at Bryant, taking advantage of a combination of resources and programs such as athletic teams, clubs, and organizations, 4MILE, WOKE Athletes, and the Multicultural Student Union, as well as their own personal relationships to forge their own paths for growth and learning.

Each of the alumni discussed their professional experiences as it relates to dealing with bias, and

their own organizations’ commitments to diversity and inclusion. And they offered advice for students and recent graduates navigating transitions and early career decisions.

Networking factored heavily in their advice. Quentin “Q” Phipps ’05 made a point of encouraging students to apply to INROADS — an organization

Your diversity, your traits, the things that make you different — they have value. Walk in it, own it, and go for it.

Christina Watts ’16 and Evelyn Hayes ’02 both encouraged students and young graduates to embrace their differences in a professional setting, explaining how to turn a perceived challenge into an advantage.

“Your diversity, your traits, the things that make you different — they have value. Walk in it, own it, and go for it,” said Hayes.

THE PANELISTS

• Evelyn Hayes ’02, Chief Auditor, Citigroup Institutional Clients Group Technology

• Kevin Javier ’12, Senior Talent

EVELYN HAYES ’02

Acquisition Specialist and Leader of Campus Recruiting, EBI Consulting

designed to help remove career barriers to corporate opportunities for people of color. All of the panelists urged the audience to make use of as many Bryant campus and networking resources as possible as they seek to develop their own skills and competencies in preparation for the future.

“And make sure you do more than just get the business card!”

Kevin Javier ’12 added. “Make sure you make that call and ask, ‘how do I get into your company?’ There will be people to help you.”

• Nicole Kim ’19, MPAC’20, Accounting Associate, Haymarket Books

• Alexandra Ortiz ’18, Leadership Development Program, Textron Inc.

• Quentin “Q” Phipps ’05, State Representative in the Connecticut General Assembly and the Director of Advocacy and Policy for Excellence Community Schools

• Christina Watts ’16, Molecular Biology Ph.D. candidate in the School of Biomedical Sciences at Kent State University

Clockwise from top left: Christina Watts ’16, Quentin “Q” Phipps ’05, Alexandra Ortiz ’18, Kevin Javier ’12, Nicole Kim ’19, MPAC ’20, Evelyn Hayes ’02

I N M E M O RY JAMES “JIM” BENEDIX, SR. ’59 of Litchfield, Maine and Cocoa Beach, Florida, passed away on February 22, 2021 at the age of 86. Jim attended Bryant after serving in the Navy in the Korean War, and graduated in 1959.

Jim moved to Maine in 1974 where his entrepreneurial spirit took hold, developing Benedix Enterprises with a number of businesses in the region. He also helped found the Kennebec Ice Arena as a home for skaters and hockey players in Central Maine. Jim was generous to his community and to Bryant through the years, attending reunions on campus and alumni events in Florida and Maine. He was predeceased by his first wife, Trudy, in 2009. He leaves his wife Jane, five children, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

JEFFREY L. DOPPELT ’73 passed away on January 16, 2021 at the age of 70. A senior vice president at Merrill Lynch in Great Neck, NY, since 1985, Jeff was an inaugural member of the Bryant Wall Street Council and a longtime member of the Bryant Leadership Council of Donors. He was also a Hall-of-Fame student-athlete, whose philanthropy helped guide Bryant’s 22 varsity athletic programs from Division II to Division I and into the national spotlight. Jeff’s contributions have been felt across the Athletic Department thanks to the Jeff Doppelt ’73 Black and Gold Challenges, which

4 Engage | April 2021

have raised nearly $100,000 in the last three years. Jeff also funded the new home for the Bryant Athletics Hall of Fame located in the lobby of the Chace Athletic Center. He started his Bryant career when the school was in Providence and was a part of history at its new home in Smithfield. A member of the varsity baseball team, Jeff hit the first home run on the Smithfield campus in the spring of 1972. He finished his Bryant career as the program’s leader in batting average, slugging percentage, and extra-base hits. Jeff is survived by his wife, Ileen, and their two children.

ROBERT “BOB” MARTIN ’66 passed away on December 3, 2020 at the age of 77. After serving in the U.S. Army, Bob graduated from Bryant in 1966, and was an active member of his fraternity Chi Gamma Iota, for which he served as Athletic Director. He and his brother Bill “Isms” Martin’69, were mainstays of Bryant’s fraternity reunions. Bob was the owner of RJ Martin, Inc. in Smithfield, and was known state-wide as an excellent accountant and Enrolled Agent. Bob served as Committee Chairman for Troop 3 Greenville BSA and was proud to see both his sons earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He served for decades as an officer of the Smithfield Sportsman Club, often serving as Chairman of their annual “Field Day.” He was an active member of the Smithfield Elks and served as Trustee. Robert leaves his wife, Theresa (Simonelli) Martin ’61, and two sons.

VICTOR PRIMAVERA JR. ’49, P’81 passed away on December 3, 2020 at the age of 93. Victor served his county during World War II and returned to graduate from Bryant in 1949.

He joined his father at Danecraft, Inc, a nearly100-year-old family operated artisanal jewelry manufacturer. A second-generation owner, Victor was responsible for growing the business from a regional to a national company, now run by a third Primavera generation. He and his late wife Rose established the Primavera Endowed Scholarship Fund at Bryant University, providing financial assistance to a student in need and majoring in Management. Victor is survived by his son Victor Primavera III ’81 and his wife Rebecca; a daughter, Gail Gesmondi; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A full list of alumni who have recently passed away is available at alumni.bryant.edu/classnotes

Students host Q&A with Bernice King, J.D., daughter of civil rights icons B

ernice King, J.D., daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr.,

Known as a powerful speaker, she has addressed audiences around the world.

and leader for African-American equality Coretta Scott King, delivered Bryant University’s seventh annual MLK Legacy Keynote on February 25.

The event was part of a series of campus performances, lectures, and dialogues held in honor of Black History Month at Bryant.

King is a global thought leader, orator, and peace advocate.

As the CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center), she advances her parents’ legacy of Kingian Nonviolence, which she rebranded as Nonviolence365™, and educates youth and adults about the nonviolent principles they modeled.

Bernice King, J.D.,

During the keynote, a Q&A session moderated by student leaders, King spoke about her parents’ legacy and teachings as well as her work at the King Center, where the mission is to prepare global citizens to create a more just, humane, equitable, and peaceful world through nonviolent teachings.

“The King Center has the vision of a world that reflects the Beloved Community, where everyone is valued, respected, and treated with dignity. As my father taught, the road to the Beloved Community is via nonviolence,” said King. The social justice advocate spoke about her father’s philosophy and how to create lasting change through understanding, friendship, and love.

As my father taught, the road to the Beloved Community is via nonviolence.

BERNICE KING, J.D. Nearly 500 students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni attended the virtual event, which was supported by a range of University offices and student organizations, and was organized and managed almost entirely by Bryant students.

See video from the event at

videos.bryant.edu.

Vision 2030 Strategic Planning Launched THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL TRADE: CHANGES, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES

MAY 26, 2021

S

ince the Bryant University Board of Trustees meeting in January

launched the first phase of planning for the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, faculty, staff and students have been meeting to share perspectives and ideas.

With the significant challenges faced across higher education and more broadly in society, it is increasingly important to be inclusive and strategic in our outlook. Bryant’s plan will be developed over the year ahead and will emphasize the importance of our distinctive curriculum and integrated academic and student life programs.

Our plans will be informed by data, with areas of focus to include:

In May, Bryant will launch a Vision 2030 Strategic Planning website designed to share information, generate ideas, and collect suggestions and comments.

Vision 2030 provides an exciting opportunity to focus on Bryant’s potential to be a national leader in preparing students for professional and personal success.

BRAND

SAVE THE DATE! Join us on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, for our 36th World Trade Day and experience our new virtual event, featuring keynote speakers, small group discussions, and networking!

World Trade Day is one of the largest such events in the region and provides numerous opportunities for learning, thoughtful discussion, and networking.

Register today at worldtradeday.bryant.edu

Why Bryant? How will we differentiate ourselves? What should our brand be and how will we communicate that to new demographics?

President Ross Gittell, Ph.D.

CURRICULUM What will we be teaching in 2030?

How will we be delivering our programming in 2030?

STUDENT LIFE Who are our students now, and who do we want to be serving in 2030?

What will student life and the integrated academic and residential life experience be like in 2030?

Over the coming weeks and months ahead, Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., will hold a series of programs to engage alumni and parents in the planning process. We hope you will join the conversation. Watch your email for a chance to participate in the upcoming sessions held by Zoom.

GLOBAL MINDSET How will Bryant engage the world in 2030?

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY How can we increase spending efficiency and what will our revenue streams look like in 2030?

Engage | April 2021

5

I N V E ST I N E XC E L L E N C E

Frank ’69 and Mary ’69 Reis Scholarship Funds celebrate the power of education T

Both Frank and Mary would go on to serve in leadership positions at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, with Frank retiring as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, and Mary retiring as Associate Dean of Business, Math, and Technology.

Mary ’69 Reis Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Frank ’69 and Mary ’69 Reis Partners in Scholarship Fund.

Bryant was such an important part of our lives…

We’re grateful to be able to give back to the place that gave us so much.

he lifelong commitment to education that has guided the lives and careers of Frank Reis ’69 and Mary (Thornton) Reis ’69 began during their first years as Bryant students in 1965. Recently, they have made that commitment part of their legacy at Bryant with their generous gifts to establish the Frank ’69 and

Frank Reis arrived at Bryant hoping to play basketball as he studied to become a teacher and a coach, but he soon narrowed his focus to academics while serving as president of his fraternity. Mary chose Bryant for its solid business reputation, but soon switched to the teacher education program, and also became president of her sorority.

“The sororities and fraternities were great places for developing leadership skills and making lifelong friends,” says Mary. “We’re fortunate to have remained very close with so many of them over the years.”

The couple married soon after graduation in 1969, and over the next decade both taught in Providence, RI high schools while they each earned master’s degrees in education.

When they relocated to Ohio after Frank enrolled at a doctoral program at Ohio State University, their careers pivoted from teaching to higher education administration. While working toward his Ph.D. in public policy and economics, Frank served as an administrative associate in the Ohio State human resources division, the field that he would eventually work in for the rest of his career.

With their extensive experience in K-12 schools, community college, and university settings, Frank says that both he and Mary know, firsthand, how difficult it can be for students to pay for education. “Through various jobs, student loans, and the G.I. Bill — we had to find a variety of ways to finance our many years of school,” Frank says. “We want to give back by helping other students who otherwise may not be able to afford higher education.”

For both their scholarship funds, preference will be given to students with a concentration in Human Resource Management — a first at Bryant. “The Reis Scholarships will empower students who understand how critical Human Resources professionals are to the success of a company,” said Bryant Professor and Department Chair of Management Eileen Kwesiga, Ph.D. “We are so grateful that Frank and Mary see this opportunity at Bryant and are helping to expand it.”

Frank Reis ’69 and Mary (Thornton) Reis ’69, pictured here with Tupper II, have generously established the Frank ’69 and Mary ’69 Reis Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Frank ’69 and Mary ’69 Reis Partners in Scholarship Fund.

Over the years, Frank and Mary have remained leaders among their former classmates, hosting Bryant events, encouraging fellow alumni to reconnect with Bryant, and chairing their 50th Reunion celebration in 2019.

“Bryant was such an important part of our lives,” says Mary. “It’s where Frank and I met, and it launched our careers. We’re grateful to be able to give back to the place that gave us so much.”

Consecutive Giving Society celebrates loyal donors B

ryant University’s vibrant culture of philanthropy has been built year by year, donor by donor, gift by gift. It continues to thrive and grow, thanks to the many members of Bryant’s Consecutive Giving Society.

The Society’s 1,589 current members are alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who have made an annual

Bryant has been such an important part of my life and gave me the tools to be successful. I’m proud to give back each year.

BERNIE JACKVONY ’67 gift to Bryant for the past three or more consecutive years. Their loyal support allows Bryant to allocate critical resources toward emerging needs and priorities, providing flexibility that has proved especially important during the past year. During

6 Engage | April 2021

fiscal year 2020, of the nearly 6,000 donors who made gifts to Bryant, more than a quarter of them were members of the Consecutive Giving Society.

Society member Bernie Jackvony ’67 made his first gift to Bryant a few years after he graduated, and has remained a loyal donor — most recently giving for 20 consecutive years — since 2000. “Bryant has been such an important part of my life and gave me the tools to be successful,” he says. “I’m proud to give back each year.”

His annual contributions have helped drive the University’s rising reputation and the continued success of each new class of Bryant graduates, including recent graduate Renee Lawlor ’15. She is one of many young alumni who have established an unbroken record of annual giving since making her Senior Class Gift and walking through the Archway at Commencement.

“Almost daily, I recognize the value of the skills I learned at Bryant,” Lawlor says. “I give each year because Bryant is a part of my accomplishments and the foundation I continue to build on, and I see it as a responsibility to pay that opportunity forward.”

Loyalty is strong among the faculty and staff at Bryant, and they are well represented in the Consecutive Giving Society. Associate Athletics Director Jason Sullivan made his first gift in 2004 and has been giving each year to Black & Gold Athletics since 2011 through automatic payroll deduction.

“I am grateful to be part of the Bryant campus community,” Sullivan said.

“My annual gift reflects the appreciation I have for so many of my colleagues who work hard to make Bryant a special place.”

Many in the Bryant community continue to make the University a philanthropic priority long after they leave campus: more than 400 Society members have given to Bryant in 10 consecutive years or more, nearly 150 members have given in 20 consecutive years or more, and 51 members have given in 30 consecutive years or more.

Danny Lamere, Associate Director of Stewardship, says that Bryant will soon acknowledge the extraordinary support of Consecutive Giving Society members with a series of newly designed membership pins that commemorate their milestone years of consistent and loyal giving to Bryant.

“The generosity of our Consecutive Giving Society members is inspiring,” he says, “and our gratitude to them is as steadfast as their loyal support for Bryant.”

Theresa Garlacy: Building a Bryant legacy, on and off the court T

heresa Garlacy remembers her first day as Assistant Coach of the Bryant Volleyball program in 1994. She wasn’t thinking about the countless accomplishments and accolades that she and her program would achieve over the next quarter-century: Serving as head coach for an unprecedented 25 seasons, and leading the Bulldogs to 10 NCAA Division II Tournaments in 12 years; being honored as 2015 NEC Coach of the Year; a Division I program-record 22 victories, an NEC Championship, and an NCAA tournament berth in 2018; a monumental 500 career wins and a career record of 531-356 (.599).

She couldn’t imagine any of it, but she says “I thought to myself, ‘This is the best job in the world,’ and 27 years later, that’s still true today.”

Now, she’s chosen to give back to the Bryant community that welcomed her and has been such an important part of her life. Through a strategic and tax-advantaged planned gift using her Bryant retirement fund, she and her husband Ted are creating the

Theresa and Ted Garlacy Volleyball Enrichment Endowed Fund to leave a

Theodore “Ted” Garlacy ’07MBA

things. “We’re focused on life goals. joined her as a volunteer coach The things student-athletes learn on legacy for a Bryant volleyball program in 1994, and has been by her side, the court — how to face adversity, that will grow stronger each year. on and off the court, ever since. how to be accountable — it sets them A Smithfield High School threeTheresa is quick to credit Ted’s up for success throughout their lives.” sport athlete — basketball, field contributions as a large part of her She says one of the best parts of success and says the job is the lasting relationships that while many people she maintains with former players Bryant has given us so much joy. I’m support their hobby — when they come back to visit with giving back to a truly special community. or passion with their day their families, or when she visits them job, “I am so grateful during team road trips. “Seeing them that I get to do what support each other in their careers, hockey, and softball I love as my job, and I get to do it with and watching their kids play together — Garlacy first my family.” at special events. To experience that played volleyball Growing up the youngest of seven is a gift.” recreationally children, Garlacy says her mother She hopes her own gift — the during her was always her biggest fan, attending first-ever planned gift to Bryant first year as a every game she played, and always Athletics — sends a message to players, student at encouraging her to follow her passion colleagues, and everyone at Bryant.

Providence without limiting herself to the pursuits “When I encourage alumni and College. that were traditionally considered former student-athletes to give back “I just fell in “for girls.” to Bryant, it’s important for me to love with the game” Her family’s influence has shaped lead by example,” she says. “Bryant she remembers.

Garlacy’s coaching philosophy toward has given us so much joy. I’m giving “It’s such a team goals that are set higher than back to a truly special community effort, coordinating simply winning games. She says she that will welcome my eventual multiple people with multiple skills to is committed to educating strong, successor, give them the same support get the job done. You can’t touch the resilient, confident women who leave that I had, and make them want to ball twice in a row — you need your Bryant ready to accomplish great stay for as long as I did.” teammates to be successful.”

It was her husband Ted who introduced her to the game that would If you would like to learn more about how you can make an impact on the lives be the focus of her life and career. of Bryant students through a tax-advantaged planned gift, contact Ed Magro at A retired sergeant from the North emagro@bryant.edu or 401.232.6528.

Smithfield Police Department,

M A K E A D O N AT I O N TO H E L P P R E S E RV E O U R H I S TO RY Spring Cleaning? Please consider donating Bryant memorabilia to enhance our archives and preserve our valuable history.

Yearbooks, class rings, Greek life mementos, diplomas, banners, photographs, and even clothing are all welcome. Please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@bryant.edu or 401.232.6040 to make arrangements for us to receive your cherished possessions.

The coolest place to be on Bryant’s campus this winter was the new Marion ’81

and Frank Hauck ’81, P’08 Ice Rink.

The 80-by-40-foot recreational ice-skating surface was installed between the Unistructure and the Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Wellness and Athletic Center and was open for the first week that students returned to campus as part of the Be Bryant Strong community health initiative, which provides new outdoor opportunities for physical and social activity with appropriate distancing and masking.

Engage | April 2021

7

BUY TICKETS ONLINE NOW AT

I N V E ST I N E XC E L L E N C E

wsummit.bryant.edu

2021 Bryant University Women’s Summit to highlight resilience and growth E

stablished in 1997, the Bryant University Women’s Summit® is the largest and longest-running conference for women in Rhode Island and the region.

It has sold out every year since its inception.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR WOMEN’S SUMMIT 2021: RESILIENCE AND GROWTH

BRYANT UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S SUMMIT TRUSTEE AND ALUMNAE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, Character Lab; Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor, University of Pennsylvania; and author of the New York Times bestseller, “Grit: The Passion of Power and Perseverance.”

Raquel Cordeiro ’13, ’17MBA,

Amy C. Edmondson, Ph.D., Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, acclaimed psychologist, author, and one of the world’s top management thinkers

Jody Hoffer Gittell, Ph.D., Author

The 2021 Women’s Summit will be held on Wednesday, June 16, in a multi-feature virtual format designed to make the inspiring and impactful content accessible to a wider audience. The event has been developed with the insights of a distinguished committee of Bryant University trustees and alumnae and includes programming appropriate for students, entry-level, early career, and mid-career professionals, and those at the senior, executive level.

Highly relevant this year, the theme of the 2021 Bryant Women’s Summit is Resilience and Growth. Resilience and a growth orientation have both been very important for individuals and organizations to survive in these challenging times and will be necessary for future success.

In addition to accomplished keynote speakers, the 2021 Bryant Women’s Summit will feature breakout sessions and panel discussions led by engaging presenters who are industry leaders and Bryant faculty experts in their fields.

The day also includes recognition of the Kati C. Machtley Businesswoman of the Year and Bryant University Women Who Lead awards.

Special pricing for parents and alumni made possible by the generosity of sponsors. Contact alumni@bryant.edu to learn more.

and Professor at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management; Originator of Relational Coordination Theory and Executive Director of the Relational Coordination Research Collaborative

Arlan Hamilton, Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a fund dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBT; and author of “It’s About Damn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated into Your Greatest Advantage.”

The Bryant University Women’s Summit® is the largest and longest-running conference for women in Rhode Island and the region. Registration is open at wsummit.bryant.edu.

Sales Operations Compensation Analyst at LogMeIn

Nancy J. DeViney ’75, Executive Coach and Bryant University Trustee Ann-Marie Harrington ’86, Advisor/ Investor/Consultant and founder of Embolden, Bryant University Trustee

Shruti Kansara ’18, Consultant in Data and Analytics at Slalom, Bryant University Trustee

Christine Katziff ’86, Chief Audit Executive at Bank of America, Bryant University Trustee

Diane A. Kazarian ’83, Managing Partner for the Greater Toronto Area and National Banking and Capital Markets Leader at PwC Canada, Bryant University Trustee

Renee Lawlor ’15, Chief Operating Officer at Azenity Labs

Angelique Perrone ’20, Marketing Analyst at Cigna Corporation, Bryant University Trustee

Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, Consultant, Bryant University Trustee

Rita Williams-Bogar ’76, President and CEO of Personal Development Solutions, LLC; President of the Bryant University National Alumni Council; Bryant University Trustee

D. Ellen Wilson ’79, Office of the Chief Executive and Executive Vice President, UnitedHealth Group; Bryant University Trustee

Summit expands and innovates with sponsor support T

hough it will look different than in past years, the Women’s Summit is expected reach a record number of participants, thanks to an innovative reimagining of the event with the help of several sponsoring corporate partners. Led

by Platinum-level sponsor Amica Insurance — an annual Women’s Summit sponsor since 2003 — the event will leverage the emerging strengths of online business and educational environments, thanks to generous support from more than 20 sponsoring corporations.

This year’s theme — Resilience and Growth — is reflected in efforts to meet the challenges of providing a vibrant conference experience despite pandemic-related restrictions.

Designed with input from sponsors, the virtual event will utilize a new web browser-based platform that will provide continuity for attendees and allow for break-out sessions and seamless networking opportunities for individuals and small groups.

Sponsors can share information via virtual exhibition booths where attendees can meet with company representatives via livestreaming. The virtual format also allows attendees

8 Engage | April 2021

and sponsors to return to the site following the conference to view additional sessions that they could not attend live. “The beginning-to-end user experience will be simple and welcoming,” says Leah DeCesare, Women’s Summit Chair.

“We’re taking full advantage of the benefits of a fully virtual platform, with no space or geographical restrictions, to bring the same high-quality content that people have come to expect from the Women’s Summit.”

Along with attracting a diverse group of professionals, including early and mid-career professionals and senior- and executive-level leaders, this

year’s event will be accessible to more students than ever before. Thanks to generous support from the new

Diamond-level sponsor Bank of America, complimentary registration will be offered to targeted high school students and guidance counselors throughout the country.

Women’s Summit sessions offer insights and expertise from a broad range of thought leaders and industry experts, with topics that include leadership, communication, finance, entrepreneurship, personal branding, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, technology, career advancement, and more.

2021 WOMEN’S SUMMIT SPONSORS PLATINUM Amica Insurance

DIAMOND Bank of America

GOLD PwC Teknor Apex

SILVER AAA Northeast

HP Inc.

BankRI BD

Navigant Credit Union

Brown Medicine

Taco Comfort Solutions

CVS Health

TIAA Financial Solutions

Ellucian Hasbro

TJX

BRONZE

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the 2021 Women’s Summit, contact the Bryant Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations at 401.232.6250 or

corporaterelations@bryant.edu.

BankNewport Beacon Mutual

Gilbane Building Company

Customers Bank Ocean Spray Robinson+Cole Dassault LLP Systemes Simulia Corporation

Target

SOCIAL MEDIA

IDEA 2021

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

JOIN THE CONVERSATION o keep up with the latest news from Bryant and learn more about what alumni, faculty, and students are up to, follow us on social media.

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Engage | April 2021 9

I N SSPPIIRREEDD TO TOEEXC XCE LE L

PA A R I G O PA L A K R I S H N A N M D , ’09 M B A :

The doctor is in

W

M A R GA R E T W. L AW S O N ’ 53:

A force for good in Greater Hartford

Greater Hartford Arts Council, and the

medicine doctor who works at hospitals

W

studies at Bryant, she didn’t envision

just evolved,” she explains, noting the

— in Greenville, SC, and Providence, RI.

becoming a legend in Hartford’s business

advice of a long-ago mentor: “There’s

Chief Medical Officer of Kent Hospital,

But he says his MBA (with honors) from

community. But a professor noticed

an opportunity every single day, but you

faced a different set of challenges:

Bryant University is what prepared him

Lawson’s creativity and work ethic and

have to recognize it.”

He needed to prepare his hospital, staff,

most for the crisis.

advised her to “branch out.”

hile most Bryant MBAs were

and completed his internal medicine

trying to navigate their

residency at Brown University, and has

businesses to meet the demands of a

worked as a hospitalist — an internal

Paari Gopalakrishnan, MD, ’09MBA new, long-distance model,

and the Rhode Island community to

“I pursued a Master’s in Business

Margaret (Wallace) Lawson ’53 began secretarial hen

“That’s when I changed to marketing

Bushnell Performing Arts Center. “It

One of her proudest achievements is revitalizing The Hartford Club, a

face a never-before-experienced global

Administration because I wanted to

and sales because that’s what I loved,”

business association founded in 1873

health crisis.

understand the finance side of medicine,

recalls Lawson. “My experience was

for gentlemen only. She was one of the

but I found more than that — I really

excellent. Bryant had terrific courses and

first women to be granted membership

“This was an unprecedented public health emergency,” says Gopalakrishnan.

learned how to work as a member of a

“We had no idea how to treat this virus,

team among many disciplines,” he

how to approach it. There was no data

explains. “Studying to be a doctor, you

on which to make decisions, which

succeed or fail on your own. But the

is how health care usually operates.”

Bryant MBA taught me that being a good

“ There are so many talented young people who deserve an opportunity. I think it’s very important to help students who cannot afford higher education on their own.”

“ It’s been 12 years, but my [Bryant MBA] team members and I are still in regular contact.

We still bounce ideas off each other, and that’s one of the most valuable resources I have.”

— Margaret (Wallace) Lawson ’53 in 1973, and in 1983, she became the

— P aari Gopalakrishnan MD, ’09MBA leader means using the strengths of the people around you to produce better, Rather than just react in a bubble, however, he found valuable information and support in the network of area hospitals and medical centers — which usually view each other as competitors.

“This last year showed me how great, in many ways, our health care system can be,” says Gopalakrishnan, who led the effort to set up Rhode Island’s COVID-19 field hospital in Cranston. “We shared our successes and failures — it’s the best we could do without the benefit of years and decades of research. Everyone in health care is very resilient and adapted quickly to keep patients and staff safe.”

Gopalakrishnan received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

faster outcomes.”

first woman elected as President.

She continues to serve on the Board of was ahead of its time. It gave me a very

Directors, where she has expanded the

good background and knowledge of how

Club’s membership, restored financial

business works.”

stability, and was successful in getting

She honed her networking skills

Street in downtown Hartford — added

be a buyer in retailing in an upscale,

to the National Historic Register and

because it allowed him to combine his

family-owned store. Later, she moved

commemorated with a brass plate. She

love of science with his love of helping

to Hartford, CT, and took a position

also commissioned a book about

people. He moved into the administrative

working for an executive in one of the

the Club’s history and its members.

end of the field to exponentially expand

large insurance companies. Then she

The sophisticated venue has become

the number of people he could help.

went to work for the President of the

a favorite setting for business and

Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce,

social functions.

Gopalakrishnan became a doctor

“Feeling like I’m making a real difference for a larger group of people is

where, over nearly two decades, she rose

what drives me,” he says. “We’re

from Assistant to the President up to

Partners in Scholarship Fund at Bryant,

positively impacting the community, and

Vice President and Corporate Secretary.

recalling the financial assistance

that’s priceless.” Also priceless to

Her position as Vice President of

she received. “My parents could not

Marketing at The Hartford Steam Boiler

afford to send me to Bryant. I had

made at Bryant. “It’s been 12 years, but

Inspection & Insurance Company followed.

to get scholarships to add to the little

my team members and I are still in

There, Lawson expanded the specialty

they could provide. There are so many

regular contact. We still bounce ideas off

insurer’s brand recognition; created a

talented young people who deserve an

each other, and that’s one of the most

model for workplace fundraising for the

opportunity. I think it’s very important

valuable resources I have.”

arts; and helped create The Polytechnic

to help students who cannot afford

Club (later called ON20), a restaurant

higher education on their own.”

Her affinity for Bryant also endures

its dining experience and magnificent

in other meaningful ways. “Two of

view of the Connecticut River.

my best friends came out of my Bryant

Lawson never intended to become

experience,” says Lawson with gratitude.

a powerhouse fundraiser for groups

“We still communicate frequently

as diverse as Junior Achievement,

and try to see each other at least once

Connecticut Public Broadcasting, the

a year.”

continued from page 1

graduates. Community generosity has helped to ensure a vibrant student experience with healthy outdoor activities like winter skating, thanks to a generous gift for the Marion ’81

and Frank Hauck ’81, P ’08 Ice Rink.

Despite the distance between us, Bulldogs everywhere are lacing up their shoes and getting on their bicycles this spring to participate in our second annual #WeAreBryant Virtual Race, energizing our community and raising critical funds for our Be Bryant Strong initiative. In June, our

10 Engage | April 2021

Lawson generously supports a

Gopalakrishnan? The connections he

on the building’s top floor, renowned for

PHILANTHROPY

the Club’s building — on Prospect

in Providence, RI, while training to

annual Women’s Summit will feature a theme of “Resilience and Growth” while utilizing an innovative virtual format to reach more participants than ever before with its mission of empowering women professionally, personally, and financially. On June 5, we will reprise our annual event at Newport Polo, hosting alumni and parents at our first in-person event in more than a year. And, on June 28, alumni and friends will gather in Newport for the 17th annual President’s Cup Golf Tournament, an event that

has raised more than $1.4 million to provide scholarships to Bryant students.

Bryant is as vibrant as ever, and as we approach the end of our fiscal year, if you haven’t already made your annual gift, it’s a critical time to renew your support. Thanks to a generous, one-to-one matching gift from Joe Puishys ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) Puishys ’81, your contribution to the Be Bryant Strong Fund and the Bryant Fund before June 30 will have double the impact on Bryant programs

and students. The leadership giving of so many generous alumni and friends reflects a philanthropic culture that continues to grow at Bryant, inspiring all of us at a crucial time in our institution’s history. We’ve met the challenges of the past year and have kept moving forward, gaining strength from the participation of everyone in our community. With your help, we will continue to #BeBryantStrong.

David Wegrzyn ’86, P’23 Vice President for University Advancement

M A R C G R O N DA H L ’8 8 :

Lessons from Planet Fitness M arc Grondahl ’88 wasn’t a bodybuilder, or even a very

He discussed these real-world

business lessons with students in a

serious fitness enthusiast, when he

Business Policy class in strategic

and his brother Michael co-founded

management taught by Trustee Professor

Planet Fitness in 1992, he told a class

of Management Michael Roberto,

of Bryant students in early February.

D.B.A., where the students were able

He was a businessman instead, and that

to ask questions about Grondahl’s

perspective turned out to make all the

background, his business model, and

difference in the fitness chain’s ultimate

how he made the critical decisions

success, despite the founders’ lack of

that would ultimately build such a

experience in the industry or in franchise

successful fitness enterprise.

businesses.

By catering to the over-40 crowd,

Grondahl shared that, having grown up in a small Connecticut town,

and even mocking the sometimes

he wanted to study finance at Bryant,

intimidating culture often found at

thinking perhaps he would pursue

bodybuilding gyms, Planet Fitness

an accounting career. Working for a

established itself as a “judgment-free

small manufacturing company south

zone” where middle-aged novices

of Boston after graduation gave him

“ Find something you really like to do. Be persistent about it — if you believe in something, keep doing it.”

— Marc Grondahl ’88 valuable business experience that would later come in handy when he and his brother launched Planet Fitness,

F R O M O U R A LU M N I

continued from page 3

That game, your season, your players, mean more to so many alumni ballers than any scoreboard could ever reveal! I hope in the near future you all can take a breath and understand the full impact of what you really accomplished this year. It wasn’t an NEC championship game appearance... it was reminding all of us of the 5 a.m. lifting, film sessions, practices, shoot-arounds, walk-throughs locker room chats, individual workouts, long bus rides, walking in the 6 inches of snow from the townhouses to the gym for practice with no one else on campus all winter and all the other sacrifices

we all made during our time wearing the black and gold. Your program and that night transported all of us back to the best years of our lives playing basketball together at Bryant. We love you guys! We’re so proud of you all and couldn’t be prouder to call ourselves Bulldogs! Thank you for leaving it all on the court and giving us a special night that we’ll never forget.

Hope to meet you soon! See you in the big dance next year where history will continue for you all!

Jim Choquette ’03 Bryant University Men’s Basketball Alumnus

JOIN US FOR THE 17TH ANNUAL

President’s Cup Golf Tournament Monday, June 28, 2021 at historic Newport Country Club Your participation supports the President’s Scholarship Fund, which has provided more than $1.4 million in critical tuition aid to Bryant students. Your day of golf with Bryant alumni and friends will help to transform a student’s life forever.

where he served as CFO and Chairman of the Board.

He remembers his time at Bryant could work out at the intensity that suited them best. In a notoriously difficult and competitive industry, the positioning was enormously successful, and it rapidly became one of the largest health club chains in the world, with thousands of franchised locations.

Grondahl moved on from Planet Fitness in 2012, and has since embarked on another venture, Bluebird Self Storage — a business that benefits from much of his past experience, where he learned that customers appreciate a clean environment, a high-touch approach to service, and a fee structure that makes payments easy and affordable.

with appreciation. “I always found the [Bryant faculty] to be very caring,” he says. “If you were having challenges, they were always very easy to talk to.”

Grondahl’s advice to the students: “Find something you really like to do.

Be persistent about it — if you believe in something, keep doing it,” he said.

Additionally, he advised them to “try to keep negativity away… the more you can avoid it, the better and more productive you are.”

“And don’t be afraid — especially if you’re an entrepreneur — to do something different,” he added. “You’re going to make mistakes. You can’t

Learn more about participation and sponsorship opportunities at

avoid that. Keep trying!”

bryant.edu/presidentscupgolf

YOUR GIFT KEEPS BRYANT STRONG ALL GIFTS MATCHED 1 to 1

Your gift will be doubled when you give to the Be Bryant Strong Fund or the Bryant Fund

Make your gift before June 30 at Bryant.edu/givebryantstrong

Engage | April 2021 11

D E E P, L I F E - LO N G C O N N E C T I O N S PA R T N E R S H I P S

November 9, 2019 | Marblehead, MA Connor Carey ’13 and Jessica Carey

August 1, 2020 | Ashland, MA Kelsey (Roy) Reynolds ’10 and Matt Reynolds

Send wedding photos that feature a group of Bryant alumni to alumni@bryant.edu.

Please send high-resolution photos for print, and contact us in advance to receive a Bryant banner for your event.

We receive more photos than we can print for each issue of Engage. To view all wedding photos received since the last issue, as well as the names of alumni in attendance, please visit facebook.com/bryantalumni.

Submit your “Partnerships” and “Additions” to the Office of Alumni Engagement by emailing alumni@bryant.edu or enter a class note through our online directory at alumni.bryant.edu.

September 6, 2020 | Sagamore Beach, MA Nick Puccio ’10 and Jillian Puccio

ADDITIONS Yvette Vary served her country as a Navy WAVE in World War II and graduated from Bryant in 1953 (Yvette Rogers). She recently celebrated her 100th Birthday in Barrington and was serenaded by the high school band.

Among her many citations was a freshly printed diploma and congratulations from Bryant President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., and Provost Glenn Sulmasy, JD, LL.M. We would love to hear about other alumni centenarians. Email alumni@bryant.edu with news and photos.

Jessica (Beck) Weiner ’10 and her husband Scott, welcomed their third child, a son, Jordan Samuel, on October 8, 2020.* Jessica (Tramontozzi) Hockenberry ’05 and her husband Nathaniel, welcomed their first child, a son, Nathaniel Christopher Jr. on November 14, 2020.

Send your birth announcement to alumni@bryant.edu. *Corrected from January 2021 edition

E V E N T C A L E N DA R MAY

JUNE

OCTOBER

Coffee Break Conversation May 11, 10 AM Advancing Career and Relationships

Newport Polo June 5, 4 PM Portsmouth, RI

Champions of Philanthropy and Alumni Achievement Awards Ceremony October 1, 6 PM

Virtual Reunion@Home Events May 13, 14, 18, 19 See Schedule on Page 2

ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY:

Graduate School Commencement May 20, 5 PM

A Virtual Opportunity for the COVID-19 Climate

alumni.bryant.edu/services

Class of 2021 Commencement May 22, 10 AM, 3 PM

SEPTEMBER

e n gag e s ta f f

For questions, updates, story ideas, and to send photos of you and other Bryant alumni, contact us at alumni@bryant.edu or call 401.232.6040.

e d i to r - i n - c h i e f

Join Bryant’s secure online community at alumni.bryant.edu, where you can update your info, submit class notes, find classmates, volunteer for AlumniFire, learn about events and programs, and access exclusive Bryant alumni resources.

m a n ag i n g e d i to r

12 Engage | April 2021

AUGUST Hartford Yard Goats August 22, Noon Hartford, CT

Class of 2020 Commencement May 23, 11 AM

Robin Torbron Warde P’17 Sarah Garnsey d e s i g n /p r o d u c t i o n

Jessica Purcell

Homecoming October 2

Pride Month Virtual Panel TBD

Baccalaureate May 21, 4 PM

s t ay i n t o u c h

Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by searching “Bryant Alumni.”

President’s Cup Golf Tournament June 28, 11 AM Newport Country Club

Archway Society Induction Classes of 1970 and 1971 September 11, Noon On campus

e d i to r s / w r i t e r s

Kathleen Brown Jenna Buraczenski Cecilia Cooper Jessica Dang ’16 Denise Kelley Elizabeth O’Neil Christina “Tina” Senecal ’95 Jeffrey Stupakevich Pat Vieira

NEW EVENTS ARE ADDED FREQUENTLY

Check alumni.

bryant.edu/events for the most up-to-date calendar and to register for events.

project specialist

Leslie Bucci ’77 a r c h way s o c i e t y

( loya l

guard) liaison

Donna Harris P’03

c a l e n da r r e c o r d s l i a i s o n

Meg Cummins a lu m n i w e b m as t e r

Jessica Cantone ’21MBA