Engage - April 2022

Engage

B RYA N T UNIVERSITY 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 Volume 27 No. 2 April 2022

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VISION 2030

Convocation Center and Arena

6-7 10

ryant Fund Co-Chairs B Announced Back to Bryant Reunion Alumni Profiles

Bryant announces landmark Convocation Center and Arena providing a premier venue for championship athletics, performing arts and campus-wide activities including Commencement and Convocation.

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Incoming Provost Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., adds, “Vision 2030 positions Bryant to extend its exceptional return on education investment to new

commencement and convocation.

Funding for the project will include significant philanthropy.

In announcing the project, Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., noted, “Vision 2030 investments will position Bryant University as a leader in high impact and high return 21st century education, the student experience, and professional and personal development. This is exemplified by the University’s top 1% return on investment and participation in the 2022 Division I NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Bryant is one of the very few universities in the country to achieve national recognition in both brackets.”

academic programs, disciplines and a growing pool of highly talented and well qualified students.”

This Convocation Center and Arena, when paired with significant investments in Student Life, residential life facilities, and a planned major investment in academic buildings, will make Bryant’s 428-acre campus a destination for talented students from across the country and around the world.

Bryant’s recognition among the nation’s top 1% of colleges and universities for return on education investment and lifetime earnings (Georgetown University CEW, 2022) has positioned the University with the largest applicant pool in Bryant history and the University’s campus and facilities are currently ranked among continues on page 11

s spring bloomed on Bryant’s 428-acre campus, our community celebrated Bryant’s 159th Commencement exercises.

The Class of 2022 has been busy accepting job offers and planning for life after college. Last year, 99% of the Class of 2021 was either employed (with an average salary of $64,000) or enrolled in graduate school just six months after their Commencement, and we expect the same for this year’s seniors.

Throughout its history, Bryant has emphasized career readiness and experiential learning to prepare students for a lifelong journey. We are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2022 as they begin their next chapter and join the international network of Bryant alumni.

It’s exciting to think about future Commencement ceremonies in our new Convocation Center and Arena, Bryant’s recently announced premier athletic facility and performing arts venue, which is slated to break ground next year. The Convocation Center and Arena will be a hub for activities that will bring the entire Bryant community together, including as the future home of Convocation and Commencement exercises bookending each academic year. It will also serve as the home of our basketball and volleyball teams.

This year, the men’s basketball team’s success helped to shine the continues on page 11

INSPIRED TO EXCEL

BRYANT UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ROSS GITTELL, Ph.D.

By David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23

Bryant University

“ Vision 2030 investments will position Bryant University as a leader in high impact and high return 21st century education, the student experience, and professional and personal development.”

The Future Is Now

1150 Douglas Pike

life experience, competitive athletics and unmatched return on education investment.

The Bryant Convocation Center and Arena will be built adjacent to Bryant’s

award-winning Bulldog Strength and Conditioning Center, part of the David M. ’85 and Terry Beirne Bulldog Stadium Complex.

The Bryant Convocation Center and Arena is being designed as a premier athletic facility with state-of-the-art features for the University’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Volleyball teams, a performing arts venue, and a site for campus-wide activities including

Smithfield, RI 02917-1284

ryant University recently announced plans to break ground on new facilities, including a landmark Convocation Center and Arena for its Bulldog Athletics, upgrades in residence halls, a newly imagined Country Comfort, and a new dining hall, in 2023 as part of its Vision 2030 strategic plan. Bryant’s unmatched institution-wide commitment is to educate students to be real-world ready for success and to realize superior outcomes through focus on delivering a transformational education and campus

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PHILANTHROPY U P DAT E

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

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

TRAVEL THE WORLD

As I enter my final months as president of the National Alumni Council, it’s a good time to reflect on the important role our graduates play as ambassadors for Bryant, and as partners for our University’s future.

NAC

CORNER

Much has been reported about the top 1% ROI that Bryant graduates achieve during their lifetimes, and how Bryant graduates are “real-world” ready.

When I graduated in 1976, roles for women in the workplace were evolving, but I was prepared, at the time, to launch a meaningful career in insurance. I was also prepared — years later — to leave that guaranteed paycheck and branch out on my own as a leadership consultant with my own firm, Personal Development Solutions, LLC. Today’s students benefit from our strong and engaged alumni body of 50,000 worldwide. Alumni give back to Bryant in many ways — by acting as mentors and career advisors, offering internships and entry-level jobs, and supporting our alma mater through annual giving. Each of these is important, and we celebrate our success by measuring all forms of alumni engagement.

Leveraging Our Alumni Network

with Bryant Alumni

to Tuscany and the Umbrian Countryside NOVEMBER 5-15, 2022 Tuscany and the Umbrian Countryside

Join us on this journey through Italy’s roads less traveled, we’ll discover its endless treasures from Rome to Umbria to Tuscany, and the marvels of wine, cuisine, culture, and history in between. Learn more today!

8 SPOTS REMAINING DEPOSIT DEADLINE: JUNE 8, 2022

More information on this unique travel opportunity is available online at alumniconnect.bryant.edu/alumnitravel or call Robin Warde at 401.232.6253 for more information.

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Bryant’s recent alumni survey showed that our graduates want to stay informed and are interested in seeing Bryant recognized for preparing graduates to be future leaders in a global and increasingly data, science, and technologically advanced society. We don’t want to be anyone’s “best kept secret” and you, our alumni, as ambassadors can help spread the word.

Please be there for Bryant — as a fan at games, as an advocate in the workplace for hiring, as an annual donor to the Bryant Fund, and as a proud alumnus who encourages family, friends and colleagues to consider Bryant for a degree. Stay informed as Bryant’s plans for Vision 2030 evolve. Bryant won’t change its core values — and its mission remains the same. However, as an institution, we will adapt to meet the needs of our changing society, and our graduates — like you and me — will be prepared to discover our passions and be innovative leaders with character

Bryant alumni from across the US and abroad watched the men’s basketball team when they battled Wright State in the NCAA Tournament in March. Our friends in Boston, Dayton, Hartford, and Smithfield sent in photos of the fun. Although the final score wasn’t what we hoped, the team’s overall success and the national spotlight brought alumni together to share their black and gold pride.

Boston, MA

Dayton, OH

around the world.

— Rita Williams-Bogar ’76 President, National Alumni Council Member, Bryant University Board of Trustees

rwbogar@bryant.edu Please visit alumni.bryant.edu/getinvolved or contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement at alumni@bryant.edu to join our efforts.

Hartford, CT

Smithfield, RI

ALUMNI AND PARENT NE TWORKING EVENTS

P U I S H YS ’ P H I L A N T H R O P I C L E A D E R S H I P W I L L S E T T H E F U T U R E C O U R S E F O R A N N U A L G I V I N G

Trustee Joe Puishys ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) Puishys ’81 Co-Chair Bryant Fund Joe Puishys ’80 T(Jurewicz) Puishys ’81

and Kathi have been long-standing leaders of the Bryant University alumni community, with their generosity and enthusiasm benefitting multiple generations of Bulldogs. Stepping into their new roles as Bryant Fund co-chairs is a natural extension of their advocacy and it will expand their reach as philanthropic leaders.

“The education we received at Bryant gave us the tools we needed to be successful in our careers, but just as important are the relationships we built,” Kathi remarks. “We met each other because of Bryant! We also made lasting friendships in our sorority and rustee

We want alumni to feel connected to the campus in deeper, more exciting ways, and we want them to make philanthropy and giving back a habit.

TRUSTEE JOE PUISHYS ’80

fraternity and hosting alumni events in California and Minneapolis means we continue to make important connections.

We want every Bryant student to have that same chance we did regardless of their financial resources.”

For Joe and Kathi, acting as Bryant Fund co-chairs allows them to build an even greater infrastructure to ensure future Bryant students have the same opportunities for personal and professional success that they did.

They are especially passionate about raising funds for scholarships, and they have led all three annual Bryant Giving Days with leadership gifts.

“With Joe and Kathi Puishys as co-chairs, we will continue to build a culture of annual philanthropy,” says Nora Marzocchi, Director of the Bryant Fund. “More alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends of Bryant giving back annually and supporting the

areas of campus that mean the most to them means that more students will receive the resources they need, and the Bryant student experience is expanded and enhanced for all students.”

Robin Warde, Executive Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement, explains how critical the co-chairs will be for inspiring other alumni to give back and why the Puishys are so well-suited to lead in this manner.

“Joe and Kathi are generous in giving back to Bryant and they leverage their support to motivate others to give back as well. Any time alumni speak about the importance of supporting their alma mater, others are inspired.

It’s so powerful to have alumni voices encourage annual giving.”

The Puishys have ambitious goals for their first term as Bryant Fund co-chairs, goals that will enrich every facet of campus life. Chief among them is establishing a diverse, multi-generational Bryant Leadership Council Executive Committee to make annual giving part of the culture for alumni of all ages. “Participation and giving back to Bryant in whatever amount you can, and whenever you can, is the most important part, and we greatly appreciate it,” says Joe. Joe and Kathi also hope to harness the power of already-successful events like Bryant Giving Day in October, Reunion in the spring, and Homecoming in the fall. “We want alumni to take ownership of these events. We want them to feel connected to the campus in deeper, more exciting ways, and we want them to make philanthropy and giving back a habit,” says Joe. Joe and Kathi Puishys have built a reputation for paying their success forward. They set the example of

generosity and have made a lifelong commitment to Bryant. “In every way, Joe and Kathi are setting the pace,” says Warde. “It’s their goal to engage as many alumni and families as they can to ensure that future generations of Bryant students are prepared for success over their lifetimes.”

And the Puishys are sending a

bryant.edu/givebryantstrong.

Joe ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) ’81 Puishys $250,000 Challenge As the Bryant Fund’s co-chairs, beginning March 15, 2022, Joe ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) ’81 Puishys are matching all gifts, dollar-for-dollar, up to $250,000 made to any of the Bryant Funds including: • Where It’s Most Needed —

• Student Life & Career Services —

Support the University’s most critical needs

Support for the student experience and career preparedness.

• First Year Scholars Fund —

Scholarships for deserving first-year students • Women Leaders Scholarship

Fund — Scholarships for women leaders • Angel Scholarship Fund —

Scholarships for students who experience extreme hardships

• Academic & Teaching

Excellence — In support of academic and teaching excellence such as enhancements for faculty, professional development, academic programming, IDEA, and more • Graduate Support —

Support for graduate students, including scholarships, academic programming and other areas of graduate level study

To learn more about this challenge or other ways that you can support Bryant giving, please call Nora Marzocchi, Director of the Bryant Fund, at 401.232.6592 or by email at nmarzocchi@bryant.edu.

Make your gift by visiting bryant.edu/givebryantstrong.

March 13 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL

March 4 | Campus Extravaganza Alumni Reception

Our faithful alumni came to support the Bulldogs in Brooklyn as the Bryant Men’s Basketball Team defeated the St. Francis Terriers.

Pictured left to right: Michael Burrell ’18, Stephanie Queenan ’18, Alex Francis ’14 and Rodney Gill ’87.

Student-entrepreneurs from the campus organization, Bryant Ventures, shared their products and services with alumni.

It was a successful night of networking and idea sharing.

For more information or to make your gift of any amount, please visit

View more pictures at facebook.com/bryantalumni/photos

February 24 | Brooklyn, NY

February 24 | Campus Entrepreneurship Expo

powerful, generous message to begin their tenure as Bryant Fund co-chairs.

The Puishys’ challenge, which began in March, will match all gifts made to any of the Bryant Funds, including: Where It’s Needed Most, Annual Scholarships, First-Year Scholarships, Women Leaders Scholarship, Student Life and Career Services, Academic and Teaching Excellence, and Graduate Support, dollar-for-dollar with a total commitment of $250,000.

President Ross Gittell met with more than 40 alumni in the Ft. Lauderdale area at a reception hosted by alumni Frank ’69 and Mary ’69 Reis and Charlie ’69 and Anne German. Pictured left to right: Eric Bertrand ’94, Dave Wegrzyn ’86, P’23, President Ross Gittell, Sam LeMay ’12, Marc Morrow ’97, and Eric Rosenberg ’83.

Alumni gather for a pre-reception before the 2022 Multicultural Student Union’s annual Fashion Show, Extravaganza! Pictured left to right: Jonathan Lewis ’21, Jillian Wallinski ’21, Anny Serrano ’10, Jessica Dang ’16, Brenda Figueroa ’06MBA, Kathleen Gonzalez ’18 and Katie Phung ’14.

March 2 | Campus Bridging the Gap Panel Six members of the alumni community shared stories and wisdom with Bryant students and fellow alumni about their experiences navigating the professional world. Pictured left to right: Lindsey Gamble ’10, Torrence Jennette ’10, Luisa Montoya ’15, Janvi Nerurkar ’14, Lenore C. Uddyback-Fortson ’90, and Tyler A. Joseph ’17.

March 10 | Naples, FL StoneCreek was the perfect Naples location to introduce President Ross Gittell to local alumni.

Pictured here was our host, Eric Handa ’97, Rita Williams-Bogar ’76, Barbara Handa P’97, and Chip Reichhard ’78.

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.

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Engage | April 2022

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

I N V E S T I N E XC E L L E N C E

Bryant’s Data Science program partners with AAA Northeast W

ith a 125-year history, AAA is known for its legendary road service along with a diverse portfolio of member added benefits including Insurance, Financial Services, Travel and Discounts and Rewards. Recently, AAA Northeast wanted to find ways to continue to grow its value proposition for home and auto insurance and challenged the data science students to come up with some models.

That’s where students in Thomas Dougherty’s Data Science Capstone class got to work. Dougherty is Executive in Residence of Information Systems and Analytics at Bryant. AAA Northeast provided data (with no personallyidentifiable information) on customers and their habits to the class to let them see what a real data set looks like — with all its messiness and challenges — and to dig into it like they would in a professional setting. The students divided into groups and worked collaboratively to develop predictive models to identify opportunities to cross-sell both homeowners’ and auto insurance to existing AAA members. At the end, the students had the unique opportunity to virtually present their findings to leadership at AAA.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE “Students get very excited about presenting to the client,” says Dougherty. “They get excited about putting together the financial aspect and seeing that it actually makes companies money. It’s exciting when you develop a model and see how much it improves operations.” He also says that Bryant students are very good presenters, which he sees as an advantage of the program being situated in the Business School, further preparing students to be leaders in their career paths.

The team at AAA Northeast was so impressed that they hired a summer intern, Leanne Kendall ’22, from Bryant’s Data Science Program

to assist them in implementing the models. Kendall is part of the University’s Honors Program and a Data Science major. In her spare

A “WIN-WIN” ALL AROUND Dean Patterson, Vice President of Information Technology at AAA Northeast, says the partnership with

technically skillful in analyzing data, but they clearly know how to collect, clean, and manage data, and use data to create insights for decisions, think critically, and communicate effectively.”

Over the course of the partnership, there have been many fruitful collaborations on a diversity of topics related to analytics. There was a one-day data hack-a-thon that focused on automotive data and opportunities to identify and reduce fraud, data modeling with large data sets from AAA’s travel segment, as well as a set focused on the company’s monthly digital publication. Other classes in Bryant’s program are using AAA’s data, as well.

PATHWAY TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES As the partnership has continued, Dean L. Patterson, Vice President of Information Technology and Sandeep Chadha, Vice President AAA has worked with the University’s Enterprise Data/Head of CRM of AAA Northeast.

Data Science faculty to build pathways for students to take their first career Bryant’s Data Science Program is a time, she also is on the tennis team. step with the company. Liam Theis, win-win. Faculty and students Kendall says the internship provided Class of 2019, was hired by AAA get hands-on experience a meaningful experience to prepare shortly after his graduation, with AAA’s treasure her for her next step, a Master’s in and was recently recogtrove of real data, Data Science, and her future career nized by the Rhode making classroom aspirations as a lead data scientist.

Island Tech Collective learning more than “The team I worked with was and Rhode Island an abstract. And so supportive and gave me the freedom Magazine as their “Next for AAA, the to take whatever creative liberties I Tech Generation” company gets desired,” says Kendall. “The work awardee, a prestigious data-driven I did showed me, from start to finish, honor given to an insights, as well as what it takes to bring a model, which emerging leader in data connections to is often a thing we build and then science in the region.

Bryant’s talented forget about, to a business’ operations.”

“To date, we have hired Leanne Kendall ’22 graduates from the several graduates from the program. program into meaningful full-time We’ve noted Bryant’s “We’ve noted Bryant’s innovative positions — and they have made a curriculum, top notch faculty along innovative curriculum, top difference,” says Patterson enthusiaswith very strong facilities really prepare notch faculty along with tically. students for the working world,” says Both Patterson and Dougherty are very strong facilities really Patterson, who notes that companies excited to see where the partnership can are increasingly relying on data-driven prepare students for the continue to grow as they devise new analytics in all aspects of their working world. opportunities for students to explore decision making. “Bryant students and refine potential career paths, are very engaged, thoughtful, and DEAN PATTERSON, VICE PRESIDENT make valuable professional connections inquisitive in their approach to all OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AT and continue to make an impact they do. Furthermore, they are not just AAA NORTHEAST both in the classroom and beyond.

Bryant Athletic 2021 Hall of Fame inductees B

ryant University Athletics officially inducted eight individuals and one team into its Athletics Hall of Fame on the evening of April 30, 2022 at the Heidi and Walter Stepan Grand Hall inside the George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology. Honored were John Wilbur ’87 (cross country/

track & field), Eimear Black ’14 (cross country/track & field), Kundayi Mawema ’10 (field hockey), Kevin Brown ’13 (baseball), Kevin Massa ’15 (lacrosse), Alex Francis ’14 (basketball), the 2004-05 Men’s Basketball team, and President Emeritus and Former First Lady,

Ron and Kati Machtley. Members of the 2004-05 Men’s Basketball team included: Chris Burns ‘09,

Mario Correia ’06, Jon Ezeokoli ’08, John Fogarty ’08, Dan Hammond ’07, Josh Longstaff ’05, Jarett Love ’05, Cullen McCarthy ’05, Mike Niedzwiecki ’05, Mike Rocco ’07,

Nate Sudlow ’07, Kiley Lynch ‘07, AJ Mahar, John Williams ‘06, Mike Williams ’04. Head Coach: Max Good.

Assistant Coaches: Brian Keefe, Tom Sherman, and Jon Wallace ’03. More information on the Bryant Athletics Hall of Fame can be found by visiting

www.BryantBulldogs.com.

His gift was a century in the making W

hen Artacky Berberian, Class of 1909, H’73 graduated on June 28 as a member of the Class of 1909, little did he know that his future would be replete with a life-long commitment to his alma mater that would extend into the next century.

While building his company, Manufacturer’s Supply Company in Providence, RI, Berberian kept his ties to Bryant strong even hiring students. Included in his hiring in 1926 was future faculty member and Bryant president, Nelson Gulski who joined Manufacturer’s Supply as a bookkeeper, truck driver and delivery man.

Berberian is credited as one of the founding members of Bryant’s Alumni Association and for many years he served as head of Bryant’s “Old Guard,” graduates of Bryant who were 50 years or more since their graduation. In recognition

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2021 Hall of Fame Inductees, pictured left to right: Jon Wallace ’03, Mario Correia ’06, Cullen McCarthy ’05, John Williams ’06, Kiley Lynch ’07, Kundayi Mawema ’10, Michael Rocco ’07, John Wilbur ’87, John Fogarty ’08, Ron and Kati Machtley, Mike Williams ’04, Kevin Brown ’13, Alex Francis ’14, and Kevin Massa ’15. Not pictured: Eimear Black ’14.

Aram, who passed away in 1990.)

Upon the death of the last beneficiary of the trust, the remainder of the trust was split equally between Berberian’s grandchildren, his church and Bryant University. His gift to Bryant, more than 100 years after he graduated, was used to create the Artacky Berberian Endowed Scholarship Fund which will benefit students with financial need, with a preference given to students of Armenian descent. The scholarship will be awarded for the first time in fall 2022.

“Artacky Berberian’s generosity to Bryant was the result of his envisioning a plan where he could secure his family’s financial wellbeing while also including Bryant in his estate plans,” said Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development at Bryant. “The proceeds from his

estate gift which were used to establish an endowed scholarship fund will support Bryant students for generations to come.”

Each year prior to his death, Berberian made gifts to the Bryant Fund at the Bryant Leadership Council Level (starting at $1,000).

“Artacky’s consistent support of his alma mater, in addition to establishing his charitable reminder unitrust, is a testament to the gratitude that this Bryant graduate had for his alma mater,” said Magro.

Bryant’s staff is eager to talk with you about the ways that you can consider including Bryant in your estate planning. We can partner with you, your estate planning attorney and/or your financial advisor in helping you to determine the next steps that align with your personal financial goals.

Please contact Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development, at 401.232.6528 or emagro@bryant.edu for a confidential, no-obligation conversation. For other gift planning ideas, visit plannedgiving.bryant.edu and start building your Bryant legacy!

Remembering Bryant in your will

By Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development

A

t Bryant, we know that our alumni have worked hard their entire lives and enjoyed success as a result. When they reflect on their success, many tell us that they remember a particular Bryant professor or administrator, a specific class or program, or a classmate that made a significant impact on them during their time at Bryant and were a source of motivation and inspiration.

To show their appreciation toward Bryant for all that they received while a student, many alumni choose to name Bryant as a beneficiary of their estate. Naming Ed Magro Executive Director of Bryant in your will, Development also known as a bequest, is an ideal way to express your appreciation for what Bryant has meant to you while creating a legacy at your alma mater and opening doors of opportunity for future generations of Bryant students.

Bequests are a hallmark of American philanthropy. Bequests, both large and small, have a long-lasting impact on Bryant’s students, faculty, and programs and they can be structured in different ways to achieve philanthropic goals

2005 Men’s Basketball Team, pictured left to right: Cullen McCarthy ’05, Jon Wallace ’03, Hall of Fame Emcee Tristan Hobbes, Michael Rocco ’07, Jon Ezeokoli ’08, Kiley Lynch ’07, John Fogarty ’08, John Williams ’06, Mike Williams ’04, Mario Correia ’06, and Director of Athletics Bill Smith. Not pictured: Chris Burns ’09, Dan Hammond ’07, Josh Longstaff ’05, Jarrett Love ’05, Mike Niedzwiecki ’05, Nate Sudlow ’07, and AJ Mahar.

of his success in business and his lifelong service and devotion to his alma mater, in 1973 Bryant awarded Berberian an Honorary Doctor of Science in Business Administration.

Born in Constantinople, Turkey and likely the first person of Armenian descent to graduate from Bryant, Berberian was a visionary when in 1982 he established a charitable remainder unitrust to benefit both his family and his beloved Bryant.

This investment vehicle allowed Berberian to receive regular income from the trust for his lifetime. When he passed away in 1985 at the age of 92, the proceeds from the trust continued to be paid to Berberian’s wife, Elese, until her passing in 1998. Thereafter, the trust continued to provide income for their daughter, Doris, who received proceeds from the trust until her death in 2020. (Elese and Doris were predeceased by a son and brother,

while ensuring that you provide for your loved ones.

A bequest may be structured in different ways: •Y ou may make a specific bequest of cash, securities, or other assets, or a fixed percentage of your estate. This amount would be transferred to Bryant upon your death.

•A residuary bequest would give Bryant all or a portion of your estate after other specific bequests have been honored and all debts, taxes and expenses have been paid.

•B ryant may be named as a beneficiary of a trust established to provide income to other beneficiaries during their lifetime.

•Y ou may make an especially generous contribution by combining a current outright gift to Bryant with the promise of a future gift through your will or trust.

Making a bequest is a simple, flexible and versatile way to both ensure the financial future of your loved ones and to leave a lasting legacy to allow Bryant to continue educating the next generation of students.

Charitable gift annuities are a gift you make to Bryant that may give you an immediate charitable income tax deduction if you itemize and pays you and/or a loved one income for life, usually at rates well above other conservative investment vehicles. Significantly, the American Council on Gift Annuities has advised that charitable gift annuity rates will be increasing effective July 1st making July an even better time to consider a charitable gift annuity with Bryant.

As an example, when Tom and Martha got married, they made a point to create a will to protect their assets. They both loved Bryant and decided to include a bequest of $75,000 to Bryant in their will. As Tom and Martha’s family grew to include three children, they decided to revise their gift to ensure their children’s future financial security. They met with their attorney and simply revised the bequest language so that their gift to Bryant was a percentage of their estate instead of a specific amount. Tom and Martha take comfort in knowing that their plans will provide for the people and institutions they love so dearly long after they have passed on.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

To learn more about making an estate gift to Bryant, or if you have already included Bryant in your estate plans, please contact Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development, at 401.232.6528 or by email at emagro@bryant.edu. For additional information and to download free brochures about estate planning or other gift planning ideas, please visit

plannedgiving.bryant.edu.

THE P OWER OF SCHOL ARSHIP A scholarship can significantly reduce the burden of debt on students and their families, ensuring that a Bryant education remains accessible to every student who is inspired to excel.

Be part of a student’s future. Make your gift today.

alumni.bryant.edu/giving

Engage | April 2022

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BACK TO BRYANT

REUNION WEEKEND 2022

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW! REGISTER ONLINE @

bryant.edu/ reunion

All alumni who register in advance will receive a commemorative gift.

50th Reunion (Class of 1972) Attendees have an additional cocktail reception on Friday, June 24 and the Archway Society Induction luncheon on Saturday, June 25.

The Alumni Achievement Awards dinner on Friday evening and the Saturday evening Lobster Bake are offered at an additional cost. Visit bryant.edu/reunion to register.

12:30 PM — 2:30 PM

Welcome Reception for the Archway Society (Class of 1972 and earlier) Join us for a welcome reception for members of the Archway Society (Classes of 1945-1972).

5:30 PM — 9:00 PM

Alumni Achievement Awards Celebration and Dinner* Our annual Alumni Achievement Awards Celebration will recognize the University’s most accomplished and dedicated alumni with awards for Distinguished Alumni from the undergraduate and graduate schools; Emerging Leaders; Distinguished Faculty; and the Nelson Gulski Award for Alumni Service. (*Additional fee required during registration.)

6:00 PM — 8:00 PM Food Trucks

ACCOMMODATIONS STAY ON CAMPUS DURING REUNION

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9:30 AM — 11:30 AM

Bring your own snacks or dinner or enjoy selections from the best local food trucks including Haven Brothers! Your Bulldog Pass includes $10 to spend on food and drink.

Relive your fondest memories of the Suite Village or a Freshman Hall. Three air-conditioned dorms are available for a full Reunion weekend price of $120 for a single room and $200 for a double room. Special family rates are available for alumni traveling with children. Register online at Bryant.edu/reunion or call us at 401.232.6040.

7:00 PM — 9:00 PM

Visit the website for information on local hotels. We have Bryant Reunion rates at Home2 Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, Courtyard by Marriott and others.

9:00 PM

Alumni College Sessions Join us for an exploration of timely topics led by faculty and alumni for personal and professional development — and fun! Alumni College will highlight the accomplishments of our graduates and showcase some of our best faculty’s insights on trending topics in business, culture and world affairs. Each session will be approximately 45 minutes and many will repeat so you can attend more than one.

AMONG THE PLANNED TOPICS: • How can I make money with my social media posts?

• Cryptocurrencies Like Bitcoin – What are they and should I invest?

• How can I advance my career with Bryant’s online Professional MBA program?

• What is Design Thinking and how can I use the essentials?

• Getting Ready for Retirement?

Tips for success.

Let us know your ideas for additional topics!

Back to the Future Movie Screening Watch Back to the Future on the big screen in Janikies.

Late-Night Conversations in Dorm #16 (Barrington House) Staying on-campus during Reunion Weekend?

Join us in Dorm #16 (Barrington House) for late night snacks, music and great conversations!

REUNION YEAR CLASSES ARE ON FACEBOOK! Find more specific information about your Class Reunion on the Bryant Alumni Association Facebook page facebook.com/bryantalumni

9:30 AM — 12:30 PM Bulldogs Kids Camp

Drop your kids off for a few hours of fun playing a variety of sport activities! Alumni children ages 4-12 welcome!

Included in your Bulldog Pass.

Picnics Around the Pond (All Returning Classes) Join your classmates for a lovely picnic around the pond! A seasonal wine tasting station will be available.

Included in your Bulldog Pass.

1:00 PM — 5:00 PM All Day Activities

• Don’t forget to explore Bryant’s campus

for various outdoor activities. Campus tours will be available on foot or by golf cart!

• Visit the Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley

Interfaith Center for a quiet time of reflection for classmates we have lost over the years.

A memorial list of deceased classmates will be on display throughout the weekend along with a place to share your memories.

• The Country Comfort/Cornerstone Pub

(now the Art Barn) will be open for tours and an art lesson!

Bryant Strategic Plan Vision 2030 Update Hear from Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. about the latest news related to Bryant and the Vision 2030 strategic plan that sets a trajectory for the next decade through focus on delivering a superior educational and campus life experience, competitive athletics and student outcomes among the nation’s top 1% for ROI. The plan’s centerpiece is education for 21st century skills and emerging career opportunities at the intersection of business, the liberal arts and STEM.

All classes are welcome!

Sunday, June 26 9:00 AM — 11:00 AM Farewell Brunch

Lift a glass of prosecco as we toast a farewell to a fun Reunion weekend!

Looking to Extend Your Vacation and Love to Golf?

Join Bryant for two days of golf and camaraderie in Newport, RI — all in support of the President’s Scholarship Fund. On Sunday, June 26, enjoy a day of golf at the #1 public course in New England, Newport National Country Club. Followed by an evening reception at the New York Yacht Club.

On Monday, June 27, join us for the 18th Annual President’s Cup Golf Tournament at historic Newport Country Club.

Class Cocktails Around the Pond Enjoy cocktail hour with your classmates at locations around the pond featuring hearty hors d’oeuvres!

Included in your Bulldog Pass.

6:00 PM — 7:30 PM

Join us for two days of golf and camaraderie in beautiful Newport, RI — all in support of the President’s Scholarship Fund.

Lobster Bake Reunion Dinner*

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Enjoy a traditional lobster bake. A steak option is also available.

•A day of golf at the #1 public

course in New England — Newport National Country Club.

•A n evening reception at

7:30 PM — 9:30 PM

John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band in Concert Enjoy live music from John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band and dance the night away!

Included in your Bulldog Pass.

Schedule subject to change — please check online at bryant.edu/

reunion for the most up-to-date information.

50TH REUNION WEEKEND AND ARCHWAY SOCIETY REGISTRATON FORM (For classes 1972 and earlier*) Full Name (incl. maiden) _______________________________________________________ Class Year__________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________________ Seasonal Address_____________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________________ Dates Seasonal Address is Active:________________________________________________

5:30 PM — 7:30 PM

(*Additional fee required during registration.)

11:30 AM — 12:30 PM

17 20

5:00 PM — 6:00 PM

947 • 1952 • 19 •1

Join us for a luncheon celebration as the Class of 1972 celebrates their 50th reunion and induction ceremony into the Archway Society.

Included in your Bulldog Pass.

• 2007 • 2 012 •

• SUNDAY MORNING: Farewell Brunch

Didn’t get a chance to check-in on Friday?

Not to worry! Pick up your Bulldog Pass and materials starting at 8:30 AM. Continental breakfast will also be served.

Included in your Bulldog Pass.

Registration Table Open

002

• SATURDAY EVENING: John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band

Check-in to Reunion Weekend and pick up your weekend materials. Campus tours and other activities available. Also, if you’re staying in a dorm on campus, you’ll receive your keys and information here!

Registration Table Open

•2

• SATURDAY EARLY EVENING: Class Cocktails Around the Pond

Archway Society Luncheon and Ceremony (Class of 1972 and earlier)

97

• SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Class Picnics Around the Pond

8:30 AM

• 1987 •199

• SATURDAY MORNING: Alumni College Sessions, Strategic Plan Vision 2030 Update from President Gittell

3:00 PM — 7:00 PM

12:30 PM — 2:30 PM

2 • 19

• FRIDAY EVENING: Back to the Future Movie Screening with Food Trucks

Saturday, June 25

82 19

For $50 per person, you and each registered guest will have VIP access to all weekend programs and events, including the following activities:

Friday, June 24

•

IS THE BEST WAY TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR BACK TO BRYANT REUNION EXPERIENCE.

• • 1967 1972 • 19 7 7

THE BULLDOG REUNION PACKAGE

CHECK OUT THE FUN EVENTS FOR BACK TO BRYANT REUNION WEEKEND 2022!

•

62 19

the New York Yacht Club.

MONDAY, JUNE 27 •1 8th Annual President’s Cup

SOLD OUT

Golf Tournament at historic Newport Country Club.

Visit alumni.bryant.edu/golf for additional details and to register.

Email________________________________Phone__________________________________ Guest Name and Class Year (if applicable)_________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Dietary restrictions or special needs?______________________________________________

SAVE BY PURCHASING A WEEKEND BULLDOG PASS One-time Registration Fee (required) — Goes to Your Class Gift

$10 p/p_______________

Bulldog Pass (includes all weekend activities except Lobster Bake) $50 p/p_______________

A-LA-CARTE PRICING — SATURDAY ACTIVITIES ONLY Archway Society and 50th Reunion Induction Ceremony and Luncheon

$25 p/p_______________

Saturday Night Lobster or Steak Dinner

$50 p/p_______________

CHECK ENCLOSED FOR _______________

Please make check payable to Bryant University, and mail with this form to: Bryant University Alumni Engagement Office, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917-1284.

To pay by credit card, please call the Alumni Engagement team at 401.232.6040. *Other class years, please register online at bryant.edu/reunion, or call 401.232.6040.

6 Engage | April 2022

Engage | April 2022

7

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

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

C A L C U L AT I N G T H E B E N E F I TS :

Phyllis Schumacher, Ph.D., establishes family scholarship F

or Phyllis Schumacher, Ph.D., retired professor of mathematics at Bryant University, her 46 years of being part of the Bryant community is a wonderful time to reflect back on.

“Bryant University has meant a lot to me, my husband, and our three sons,” she says. “More than simply a place to work, Bryant has connected us to a network of friends, social and cultural events, and opportunities to learn and share knowledge. I couldn’t have chosen a better place to build a career.”

A career that spans almost five decades and produced dozens of collaborative papers with colleagues in a variety of disciplines — not to mention thousands of students with a better grasp of mathematics, statistics, and how to apply these disciplines to successful careers.

“Teaching students and ensuring they understand has always been my number one focus, and I’m fortunate to have worked in an environment that supports that,” Schumacher continues. “At some bigger universities disciplines with smaller enrollment might not get the same level of encouragement that Bryant provides.”

As college education and accessibility continues to be a hot topic, Schumacher has decided to give back in a big way to the University that has “allowed her entire family to benefit in many ways.” She and her husband, Milt, and their sons Kris, an entrepreneur, Erich, an adjunct professor at Bryant, and Brad, a Bryant

considering leaving a living legacy at Bryant. “Creating an endowed scholarship through an IRA is a really nice and uncomplicated way to maximize the benefit and minimize the tax burden,” she says. “We are pleased to be able to do this.”

“The generosity of Phyllis and her family is charitable and impactful,” says Veronica McComb, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bryant University. “Scholarships allow us to recruit the brightest STEM students, regardless of their economic status, which elevates our work and reputation. Her addition to our

Information Technology grad, agreed that Bryant has allowed all of them to benefit from their relationship and they wanted to reciprocate in a lasting way.

“The Schumacher Family Scholarship is the culmination of decades of shared experiences with a welcoming and inclusive community that has been a second home to my family and me,” she says. “It’s important to me that young women interested in STEM have more opportunities to study at an institution like Bryant.”

After working with the University’s development office to make her family’s vision a reality, she recommends the process to any retiree who is

Bryant University has meant a lot to me, my husband, and our three sons. More than simply a place to work, Bryant has connected us to a network of friends, social and cultural events, and opportunities to learn and share knowledge.

I couldn’t have chosen a better place to build a career.

PHYLLIS SCHUMACHER, Ph.D. financial aid offerings will contribute to our success in perpetuity, and for that, we are grateful.”

Schumacher and her husband may be retired, but they’re still active — ­ in the community, on their 80-acres of land in the heart of Rhode Island, in the church, and at Bryant. “My years at Bryant were a positive time for me, for my family, even my grandchildren spent a great deal of time on campus as children,” says Schumacher. “We continue to be active on campus and can’t imagine a life without Bryant.”

ALUMNI AND PARENT NE TWORKING EVENTS March 16 | Dubai, UAE

D THE W UN

D

UMNI AR

MATTHEW TAIBI ’00 was recently

BRYAN MORRELL ’07 was recently promoted

ANN (MAITLAND) SPENCER-ARSCOTT ’81,

elected to serve a 5-year term as Eastern Region Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He served as Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 251, based in East Providence, RI, since 2014.

to partner at Baystate Financial as part of a five-member executive leadership team. Morrell joined Baystate as an intern while at Bryant and rose through the ranks. He helped launch and manage Baystate’s sales desk in 2009 and led the financial planning department in 2014. By 2017, he was leading the new business operations team and also was brokerage director overseeing Baystate’s nontraditional distribution channels.

DR. ROBERT HARVEY ‘10 has recently been named as the first president of FoodCorps, a national nonprofit organization that connects kids to healthy food by placing AmeriCorps service members in schools to provide hands-on learning activities in the classroom, cafeteria and beyond.

Dr. Harvey is an educator, community strategist, advocate for justice and equity and writer of Abolitionist Leadership in Schools: Undoing Systemic Injustice Through Communally Conscious Education (Routledge, 2021).

KRISTIN (MRAZ) MOSHER ’10 was recently named director of marketing and communications at Saratoga Hospital in New York. Mraz joined the hospital in 2016 to head its digital marketing efforts, where she dramatically increased

the hospital’s social media presence, oversaw the redevelopment of ten websites under the Saratoga Hospital umbrella, and took on the day-to-day management of the Marketing and Communications Department.

JILLIAN WALINSKI ’21 joined the Bryant Alumni and Parent Engagement team in December 2021 as alumni communications and program coordinator. As a Bryant student, Walinski was an orientation leader and president of the University’s Chamber Ensemble. In her role in Alumni Engagement, she provides event support and assists with the various communications channels.

Be sure to visit alumni.bryant. edu/classnotes for more updates, and to add your own Class Note.

SOCIAL MEDIA

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

View more pictures at facebook.com/bryantalumni/photos

JOIN THE CONVERSATION To 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.

A fantastic panel of international alumni shared personal experiences and stories on how they navigated the job market after Bryant.

We invited alumni from Belgium, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Africa and some who found work in the US to share valuable advice and tips with current Bryant international students.

RL

AL

When you consider starting a scholarship fund that is structured in a way that is meaningful to your family, there are multiple ways to fund a gift to Bryant to fulfill your wishes. When retirement plan assets are given to loved ones, a portion of those assets will be consumed by income taxes.

Instead, leave nontaxable assets such as cash, real estate, or life insurance to your family, and consider using your retirement plan assets to make gifts to tax-exempt charitable organizations like Bryant. To name Bryant as a beneficiary, simply contact your plan administrator to get a change-of-beneficiary form or download the form from their website. Name Bryant as a beneficiary for the desired percentage and return the form to your plan administrator, then let Bryant know of your generous gift, and keep a copy for your records. For more information about planned giving, please reach out to Ed Magro at emagro@bryant.edu or 401.232.6528.

executive director of Bermuda’s Red Cross, was named co-president of AFP Bermuda Chapter (Association for Fundraising Professionals). Besides being a founding member of AFP Bermuda, she is a member of the Inter Agency for Children Families & the Community — Non-profit Alliance of Bermuda committee.

a principal of Profectus Financial Partners, has earned the designation of Five Star Wealth Manager. The Five Star Wealth Manager award is given annually to financial managers who are identified through research conducted with peers and firms. The program analyzes internal and external research data, including a survey to more than 3,000 registered financial services professionals and all local financial service companies registered with FINRA or the SEC, to select each year’s winners. Nominated wealth managers who satisfy a total of ten objective eligibility and evaluation criteria are awarded this prestigious title.

UNIVERSITY TWIT TER @BryantUniv

FACEBOOK BryantUniversity INSTAGRAM BryantUniversity

O

8 Engage | April 2022

The Schumacher Family STEM Endowed Scholarship Fund, to be awarded to a female student studying mathematics, is a wonderful way to celebrate the Schumacher family’s legacy at Bryant and support the next generation of women in STEM fields.

DARREN VIOLETTE ‘02,

March 30 | Virtual International Alumni Panel

Students from the MBA program traveled to Dubai for a global immersion experience. Alumnus Eric Handa ’97 hosted a reception for alumni and students to network.

O

LINKEDIN school/bryant-university

ALUMNI

N M P S

TWIT TER @BryantAlumni FACEBOOK BryantAlumni INSTAGRAM Bryant_Alumni LINKEDIN Bryant University Alumni Association (Group)

Amica Center Career Coach Nicolle Potvin hosted an Instagram Live with Margot Becker Giblin ’12, Executive Sales Director at Hearst Magazine, who shared career advice and how her Bryant experience prepared her for her career.

Engage | April 2022

9

I N SSPPIIRREEDD TO TOEEXC XCE LE L

R I C A R D O M O S C O S O ’ 14 , ’ 17 M B A :

In Panama, an alum grows his family coffee business

F

or Ricardo Moscoso ’14 ’17MBA, the perfect cup of coffee starts in the field. “You have to be mindful about using the least amount of chemicals,” he says. “I think it’s the hardest part, to get the best cherry possible.” From the plantation to the finished product, Moscoso oversees sales and marketing for his family’s coffee estate in Boquete, a region in the west of Panama famed for its beautiful mountains, moderate climate and, of course, its coffee.

study marketing, politics and law at

“People are really interested in and proud

Bryant, then to pursue internships in

of their coffee here in Panama. [A decade

Washington, DC with the Organization of

ago,] we just processed the coffee and we

American States. He returned to Bryant

exported it. Now there’s more involvement

after a year in the US Capital to complete

in the last part of the chain, which is the

a fast-track MBA program in supply

roasting and the preparation of coffee.”

chain management. Though he always

Moscoso underscores the importance of

intended to return to Panama to help

indigenous Ngobe tribe members to the

grow his family’s coffee estate, he wanted

company, Princesa Janca Coffee, named

to experience something different first.

for a legendary indigenous princess. “It is

“An offer came from the Panamanian

important for us to walk the walk and

government to work as a diplomatic

create better conditions for them as they

counselor [for the United Nations] and

harvest coffee every year,” he says. He

with the budgetary and human rights

relies on Ngobe expertise throughout the

committees,” he says, adding wryly,

coffee-making process — the majority of

“I needed to take that offer.”

the company’s workers are members of

Moscoso spent nearly five years working in New York for the Panamanian

the tribe, as are the heads of production and roasting.

mission to the United Nations, and he credits his Bryant experience for preparing him to succeed. “I was able to use a lot of the things that I learned at Bryant, especially my English writing skills, research, reporting and public speaking — so many things that prepared me for the job without even knowing that I was getting prepared.”

During the pandemic, Moscoso took the opportunity to reflect. “I think we all reevaluated our life choices a little bit,” he says. He returned to Panama in April Moscoso, 30, who grew up in Panama,

2021 and stepped into a leadership role in

“ I was able to use a lot of the things that I learned at Bryant, especially my English writing skills, research, reporting and public speaking — so many things that prepared me for the job without even knowing that I was getting prepared.”

– Ricardo Moscoso ’14, ’17MBA

the family business. He now directs sales

school. The unique blend of business and

and marketing and takes a hands-on role

liberal arts, along with its highly ranked

in the production and development of the

coffee, says Moscoso, but he knows that

academics, scenic campus and community

product on the estate.

everyone has a different preference.

Moscoso was pleased to find that the

The roast is key to the flavor of

“For their perfect cup of coffee, some

complete out of the colleges I was

coffee industry in Panama had changed

people like a very bitter, dark, strong

considering,” he says.

since he first left home for Bryant over

coffee in the morning. And some people

a decade before. “People are consuming

don’t — they like a pour over coffee that

their local products now,” he says.

is more like a tea.”

His interest in sustainable development and international affairs led him first to

recipe for the perfect cup of coffee,” he says, but he stresses the importance of using sustainable, natural harvesting and processing techniques, just as his family

it is best,” says Moscoso. “You will definitely taste the difference.”

For Moscoso, no cup of coffee is better than one enjoyed on his family’s estate in Boquete, surrounded by mountains and coffee plants. “People get their minds blown when they come and taste it right here.”

Nurturing a fulfilling life hen it comes to feeding the body, mind, spirit, and soul,

Creative Writing project was to submit

for me to get my first taste of independence

careers, she nurtures her creativity with

20 poems that I decided to formally try

while still being a few hours’ drive from

Lenore “Leni” Uddyback-Fortson ’90,

a notecard business and through

my hand at writing poetry.” She describes

home,” says Uddyback-Fortson. It was

M.G.A. found her sweet spot. An accomplished public relations and communications strategist, this Bryant alumna has worked for the United States Department of Labor for 23 years — currently as Regional Director of Public Affairs in Greater Philadelphia — and also has taught at various colleges for 22 years — everything from communication-related to social justice courses.

Uddyback-Fortson, who received a Master’s in Government Administration from University of Pennsylvania, recommends people looking for a new career or career change to look no further than USA Jobs. “The government is hiring! The possibilities are many and varied.” More than openings, though, are the opportunities to develop individual skills and specialized projects.

“I am honored to work for the U.S. Labor Department, which offers abundant options to learn, grow, and advance,” she says. “Find a mentor, then be a mentor.

Continue the good work.”

several published books of poetry. “These

her poetry as “inspirational with a nod

a bit of a culture shock to be one of very

10 Engage | April 2022

On top of these two fulfilling

the top 20 most beautiful by College Consensus.

According to the Chair of Bryant’s Board of Trustees David M. Beirne ’85, “Vision 2030 is designed to catapult Bryant University to the next level. The investment in academic facilities will include a newly established Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, a state-of-the-art dining facility, major investments in residential life, and our world class Arena and Convocation Center will only further drive our nationallyrecognized top 1% ROI education and further prepare our students.”

The Bryant Convocation Center and Arena is a signature project that will enhance the transformational Bryant experience and build on Bryant’s strong spirit and collegial community. This will be a premier athletic facility, performing arts venue and a center for activities that will bring the entire Bryant community together for functions throughout the year.

WHEN COMPLETE, BRYANT’S CONVOCATION CENTER WILL: • Establish a premier home for Bryant Basketball and Volleyball sports, including competition court, locker room and support spaces

“ Vision 2030 positions Bryant to extend its exceptional return on education investment to new academic programs, disciplines and a growing pool of highly talented and well qualified students.”

PROVOST RUPENDRA PALIWAL, PH.D.

pursuits feed my spirit and soul,” says

few people of color at Bryant in the

Uddyback-Fortson, who credits both her

mid-1980s, but she found her “tribe” in

late mother and Bryant with the interest

her sophomore year, and they still

and drive to put pen-to-paper and

interact almost daily. “We feel blessed to love and support each other.”

• Provide a location for Convocation and Commencement ceremonies that can accommodate the entire student body of 3,500 graduate and undergraduate students

• Offer a venue for student life events including an innovative Black Box theatre, media center, special events space, soundproof concert hall and setting for performing arts including theatre and dance

• Provide a multi-purpose facility to support academic, conference and special event programming

• Create a welcoming venue for campus visitors and prospective students

• Serve as an emergency disaster response shelter and place of refuge in times of crisis

BUILDING FEATURES: • Designed to accommodate assemblies of up to 4,400 participants with a combination of 3,400 fixed seats and up to 1,000 seats that can be added on the event floor when configured with a large stage

• Two-tiered seating with retractable fixed seats, allowing a lower bowl to seat up to 2,500 while an upper level can add another 900 fixed seats. This allows the University to showcase events such as basketball competition in the lower bowl, with expansion capacity to 3,400

• A loading dock next to a service lane for efficient access to the arena floor

• Fitted with technology-enabled rigging, lighting and sound systems for mixed uses

Renderings of updated spaces in Warren.

Philanthropy Update continued from page 1 national spotlight on Bryant’s impressive track record of success in ROI and economic mobility, both of which rank among the top in the country.

Additionally, Black & Gold Athletics’ move to the prestigious America East Conference, beginning in July, will further accelerate Bryant’s rise to prominence on the national stage. All of this excitement was heightened with more than 1,000 deposits received for the Class of 2026 — Bryant’s largest incoming class in its history!

The comprehensive Vision 2030 facilities plan, which also includes major investments in residential life facilities and academic buildings, represents a quantum leap forward and will bolster

Bryant’s reputation as a top destination in on-campus residences to exceed for the most talented students from $10 million. A new state-of-the-art across the country and around the world. dining facility is in the conceptual Significant investments in student design phase and planned for 2023-24, life will ramp up this and Salmanson Dining summer with more than Hall will be reimagined to $6.5 million in residence emphasize key University hall enhancements, initiatives. Expansions including renovation of to the Fisher Student Warren House with Center; a newly reimagined upgraded spaces that Country Comfort Pub; a encourage students to B-STEM Learning Hub to collaborate in community promote collaborative, with each other. An interdisciplinary learning; additional $3.5 million in and a new health and upgrades is planned for behavioral sciences David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23 next summer, with total laboratory will all be among Vice President for University Advancement near-term investments Bryant’s first priorities.

ALUMNI AND PARENT NE TWORKING EVENTS

Achieving the ambitious goals of the Vision 2030 strategic plan requires significant investment to ensure both short- and long-term returns. Our alumni and parent communities are full of visionaries who understand the value of enhancing an already stellar Bryant education. I look forward to speaking with many of you at our many regional events and campus activities about the important part you can play in preparing our University for the next decade and beyond. We are stronger together.

Dave can be reached at

dwegrzyn@bryant.edu or by phone at 401-232-6561.

View more pictures at facebook.com/bryantalumni/photos

Recently, she virtually served as a

“ Bryant’s overarching approach to education seems to hit the mark — they’re always looking far ahead and making adjustments along the way.”

mentor during Bryant’s IDEA Program

April 13 | Denver, CO

— a three-day immersive design thinking

Denver area alumni were happy to get together in person recently at Lowdown Brewery and Kitchen. Pictured left to right: John Scorzelli ’16, Kendrick Lechner ’17, Andrew Pitman ’17, Melissa Dorsh, Alex Sweetser ’07, Blair Kit, Becky Lafrancois ’05, Sarah Lapham ’18, Matt Tracey ’11, Ryan Gannon ’17, and Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development.

“boot camp” that opens students to approaching problem-solving innovatively.

This March, she traveled back to campus to participate on the Bridging the Gap panel, designed for Bryant students

– Lenore “Leni” Uddyback-Fortson ’90

of color. “I was awestruck by all the improvements and changes on campus,” says Uddyback-Fortson. “Bryant graduates are well-positioned to take

express her thoughts. “My mother was

on life and career after school,” she

a social worker and used to host local

toward my Christian walk.” Her faith and

continued. “Bryant’s overarching

teens, including my sister, in Peekskill,

desire to serve are important to her.

approach to education seems to hit the

NY, in drama and poetry workshops when

Rendering of the Community Center.

has done for generations. “The most

L E N O R E “ L E N I ” U D DY B AC K - F O R TS O N ’ 9 0 :

W

continued from page 1

natural and organic way you can process

learned about Bryant during high

environment, made Bryant “the most

“I don’t know if there’s a secret

Vision 2030

When she’s not working, teaching,

mark — they are always looking far

I was very young. It was a way for them

writing, and creating, this mother and

ahead and making adjustments along

to constructively process local race riots,”

wife is finding ways to reconnect with

the way. This is key to success. From

she explains. “But it wasn’t until my

her alma mater in Rhode Island. “I chose

where I sit, it’s great to be a part of the

senior year at Bryant when my final

Bryant because it was a perfect location

Bryant community.”

April 12 | Campus Student Alumni Networking Dinner Alumni and students enjoyed an evening of networking and a sit-down dinner at the annual Student Alumni Networking Dinner hosted by the Student Alumni Association (SAA) and 4MILE. Pictured left to right: Torrence Jennette ’10, Jason Zou ’22, Caitlyn McNaughton ’20, Kai-Lou Yue ’20 and John Belval ’20.

April 19 | Charlotte, NC Charlotte area Bryant alumni and parents attended an evening reception at Napa on Providence on Tuesday, April 19 where President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., shared news and updates from our Smithfield campus including highlights from Bryant’s Vision 2030 strategic plan. Pictured left to right: Michael Alfieri ’21, Jax Theriault ’20, President Ross Gittell, Alexis Hoffey ’20, Cameron Lewis ’20, Kaitlin Aucoin ’20, Brendan Miller-Radest ’16.

Engage | April 2022

11

E V E N TS , C A L E N DA R A N D C O N TAC TS PA R T N E R S H I P S Notices received through February 1, 2022

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

Contact us in advance to receive a complimentary Bryant banner.

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/byrantalumni.

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.

Katrina Krause ’14 and Kristopher Proule ‘13 Farmingdale, NY | September 26, 2021

Renee Chapman ‘11 and Thomas Lee San Francisco, CA | November 6, 2021

Alexandria Clyburn ’14 and Amreen Ahmad ‘17 Hiawassee, GA | December 18, 2021

I N M E M O RY

DR. MARCEL “MIKE” HEBERT ’56 MBA ’75, an esteemed Accounting professor for thirty years at Bryant, passed away in September 2021. He was the husband of Suzanne (Bibeault) Herbert.

Dr. Hebert earned his Ph.D. in Taxation from Texas Tech University, and also held a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Bowling Green State University as well as Master’s in Taxation and Accounting from his alma mater, Bryant. He is remembered by his colleagues at Bryant as a warm and caring professor and a wonderful mentor and colleague.

For a complete list of alumni who have passed away, please visit

alumni.bryant.edu/inmemoriam.

ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Sara Larrabee ‘13 and Nick Cannata Newport, RI | January 13, 2022

E V E N T C A L E N DA R JUNE Boston Alumni Reception with President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. Wednesday, June 1 6—8 PM The Atrium at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Boston, MA Connecticut Alumni Reception with President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. Wednesday, June 15 6—8 PM New Britain Museum of American Art, Stanley Works Center New Britain, CT Alumni Achievement Awards and Dinner Friday, June 24 5:30—9 PM Smithfield, RI Back to Bryant: Reunion Weekend 2022 Friday, June 24 — Sunday, June 26 Bryant University Smithfield, RI

Give Back to Bryant: Newport Sunday, June 26 Golf Outing — Newport National Middletown, RI Cocktail Reception — 5:30—7:30 PM New York Yacht Club Newport, RI President’s Cup Golf Tournament Monday, June 27 Newport Country Club Newport, RI

OCTOBER Homecoming 2022 Saturday, October 15 Bryant University Smithfield, RI Bryant Giving Day 2022 Wednesday, October 26 Bryant University Smithfield, RI

NOVEMBER

JULY

Family and Friends Weekend Friday, November 4 — Sunday, November 6 Bryant University Smithfield, RI

Alumni Reception at Hartford Yard Goats Game Saturday, July 30 5—8:30 PM Dunkin’ Donuts Park Hartford, CT

NEW EVENTS ARE ADDED FREQUENTLY Check alumni.

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

Join us for two days of golf and camaraderie in beautiful Newport, RI — all in support of the President’s Scholarship Fund.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26 •A day of golf at the #1 public course in New England — Newport

Do you operate an alumni-owned business?

Advertise at alumni.bryant.edu/services today!

National Country Club.

•A n evening reception at the New York Yacht Club.

MONDAY, JUNE 27

SOLD OUT

•1 8th Annual President’s Cup Golf Tournament at historic Newport Country Club.

Visit alumni.bryant.edu/golf for additional details and to register.

s t ay i n t o u c h

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

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

Workwell Creative Studio

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Rachel Amador Kathleen Brown Carlin Carr Jessica Dang ’16 Stephen Kostrzewa Daniel Lamere Christina Senecal ’95 Jillian Walinski ’21

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Leslie Bucci ’77 a lu m n i w e b m as t e r

Meg Cummins