Engage Bryant 3.0: Inside phase 1 of the university’s transformational Campus Master Plan C F O , P R I N C I PA L A R C H I T E C T S H A R E V I S I O N F O R F I R S T T H R E E Y E A R S
A
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 29 No. 1 Winter 2024
3 Bryant Giving Day Success 4-5 Champions for Philanthropy 6-7 Alumni Profiles 11 Homecoming Recap The priority projects align with key pillars of the university’s Vision 2030 strategic plan, says Bryant President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “The Campus Master Plan isn’t only a blueprint for physical expansion; it is a comprehensive strategy that will propel the university toward its Vision 2030 goals,” says Gittell. “With approval from the Board of Trustees in October, Bryant is embarking on an exciting and transformative journey that will shape the future of the university for years to come.”
continues on page 10
P H I L A N T H R O P Y U P DAT E
Vision becomes reality
T
he Board of Trustees’ approval of the Vision 2030 Campus Master Plan is a bold and decisive step forward for Bryant University. We eagerly anticipate all the exciting developments the next decade will bring as our university transforms into Bryant 3.0, the third chapter in a 160-year history that began in Providence and reached new heights with Earl Tupper’s gift of land in Smithfield. With help from a growing number of early lead investors, and under the leadership of President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., we have begun work on a number of key initiatives to revolutionize the Bryant experience
and advance the priorities of the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan. The Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC) is an incredible resource made available through a generous gift from Fidelity Investments. It will serve as the future home of the College of Business, with dedicated space for entrepreneurship, sales training, marketing, women’s leadership, and supply chain education, as well as artificial intelligence, data science, and data visualization labs. The BELC will also provide space to student clubs and organizations, continues on page 10
Bryant University
University leaders and state dignitaries cut the ribbon on Bryant’s new Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center during Homecoming 2023 in October. Bryant’s Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center is a 250,000-square-foot building gifted to the university by Fidelity Investments. It is the future home of the College of Business.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE IN 3.0 As Bryant’s enrollment grows, on-campus housing must meet the demand, says Ng. Last winter, she tapped DC-based higher education architecture firm Ayers Saint Gross to assess residential life at Bryant. Principal architect Kevin Petersen and
1150 Douglas Pike
R I B B O N C U T T I N G AT B RYA N T ’S B U S I N E SS ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEADERSHIP CENTER (BELC)
right now,” says Ng of phase 1 of the Campus Master Plan, a three-year timeline with a $140 million budget and a fundraising target of $32 million. “It’s a major investment that the university is making for our campus and our students. We appreciate the generosity of our trustees, alumni, and friends in making Bryant 3.0 happen.”
Smithfield, RI 02917-1284
indicated they would gift the university a state-of-the-art, 250,000-squarefoot building — the home of the new Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC) — university leaders recognized an opportunity to advance the campus in broad, strategic strokes. “We’re investing in the future of Bryant, and we’re beginning the work
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250,000-square-foot hub for academic excellence; a future-forward residence hall; updates to athletic, dining, and co-curricular facilities: These, and more, high-impact projects are under way as Bryant University embarks on phase 1 of its 10-year Campus Master Plan — a move that will launch the university into “Bryant 3.0,” the institution’s third significant campus transformation over its 160-year history. The university had already begun discussions on a project to expand campus housing opportunities for upperclass students, says Donna Ng, Bryant University’s chief financial officer and vice president for business affairs. However, during the fall 2022 semester, when Fidelity Investments
B RYA N T UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAL COMMUNITY
ALC
CORNER
R E C O N N E C T W I T H B RYA N T I N 2023- 2024 Greetings from Florida — where Bryant alumni number over 1,000 year-round and many more in the winter months. Whether you live in an area with many alumni or just a few, I encourage you to stay connected with Bryant. Here are a few tips to find opportunities. Bryant hosts alumni networking receptions throughout the US and abroad — check out our monthly e-newsletter for the latest list or go
C L ASS N OT E S
VICTORIA (ATAMIAN) WATERMAN ’85 recently released her first
novel, “Who She Left Behind,” an historical fiction that spans generations from the Ottoman Empire in Turkey to the Armenian neighborhoods in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The story focuses on the untold stories of women who became pillars of reconstructed communities after the Armenian Genocide, including the author’s own family history. Waterman has been a featured speaker at Bryant’s Women’s Summit® and has been featured in a TED Talk entitled, “Today’s Girls are Tomorrow’s Leaders.”
directly to alumni.bryant.edu/events to view the schedule. Not seeing anything on the calendar where you live? Email the alumni office (alumni@bryant.edu)
RICHIE BAVASSO ’87MBA was appointed president of PneumoWave, a digital
and encourage them to host a gathering in your area. It’s especially helpful if
therapeutics company based in Scotland and the U.S. A frequent speaker at industry
you can suggest a restaurant, bar, winery, or private club that has space.
conferences and events, Bavasso formerly ran health systems in Connecticut and
Bryant’s 23 Division I athletic teams compete with schools from around the country. For instance, in the fall, both the men’s and women’s basketball
Rhode Island. He also serves as an advocate for the industry in promoting AI as integral to the various enterprise functions within the life sciences and healthcare communities.
teams played in South Florida. Check out the upcoming schedules at
BryantBulldogs.com and go to a game.
HARRY WATERMAN ’89 was honored by the Town of East Greenwich as the Grand
Travel with Bryant! Our Alumni Travel program is a perfect opportunity to
Marshal of this year’s East Greenwich Veterans Day Parade. In 2022-2023, he was
see the world with other Bryant graduates. Our 2024 schedule features
chosen as “Rotarian of the Year” by the Rotary Club of East Greenwich, RI. Waterman is
excursions to Normandy and the British Isles, the Canadian Rockies, Japan,
employed as an account representative at Cartridge World RI, East Greenwich, RI.
and Spain and Morocco. Learn more at alumni.bryant.edu/travel. Visit campus for Alumni Weekend or any time you are passing through the
JOHN KENNEDY ’90 announced the opening of his business, Perfect for You Ceremonies,
area. Stop at Bryant any day for a tour, to say hello to a former professor, or to
offering wedding officiant services to couples in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and
visit the bookstore. Volunteer to speak in a classroom or judge a competition.
Rhode Island. Kennedy offers discounts to Bryant alumni and their families. Read more
Too tied down with family and work obligations to attend an event or travel
at perfectforyouceremonies.com.
in person? Take advantage of Bryant’s webinar series and online courses to expand your knowledge base. Be sure to follow us on social media and share
GIL LANTINI ’98, co-founder of Integrated Media Group, reported that the company has
the news from campus with your network.
made the annual Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year with a three-year revenue
And of course, you can help Bryant identify internships or
growth of 148%. Integrated Media Group is a full-service digital marketing agency and
mentor students by joining BryantConnect.com.
Salesforce consulting partner with offices in Providence, Boston and New York.
I encourage you to reconnect this year.
Attorney DAMIAN TURCO ’99 was elected president of the Massachusetts
– Sean Kenny ’98, ’20MBA
Bar Association for 2023-2024. During his year leading the statewide bar
Vice President, Alumni Leadership Council
SCAN HERE
Please visit alumni.bryant.edu/ getinvolved or contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement at alumni@bryant.edu to join our efforts.
association, Turco will pursue more equitable justice for civil litigants and individuals served by the state’s Innocence Program, and work to support lawyer well-being and diversity throughout Massachusetts. DESEAN BROWN ’02 of Long Beach, CA and co-founder of pocstock, a global diversity-focused content company, has secured $1.4 million in seed funding to advance pocstock’s mission of increasing inclusivity in advertising and media. Pocstock partners with businesses around the world to develop
BRYANT CONNECT REGISTRATION PROCESS REGISTER VIA LINKEDIN Sync all of your work experience with your profile on LinkedIn.
THE IMPACT Do you want to list the ways you can help students and alumni or want to get some help from your peers? You can list those too! Complete the, “How are you willing to help?” and “What help do you need?” sections. Once complete, you will either be automatically approved to the platform, or will see a pending approval message.
• Click on the LinkedIn button • Enter your LinkedIn email and password information. This allows you to use LinkedIn to log in when you return. • The following details will be pulled into your profile, and can be edited by you from your profile page: first and last name, ADD/UPDATE YOUR PHOTO email address, profile photo, LinkedIn Photos on profiles lead to profile summary, work experience, link credibility, recognition, to your profile on LinkedIn. NOTE: Administrators of the platform will not consistency, personal appeal, and personal have access to your LinkedIn contacts or be able branding. Be sure to add a photo! to access your LinkedIn account in any way. SAY HELLO AND EXPLORE Head to the feed and say hello! COMPLETE REGISTRATION Start exploring and see what the Your information from LinkedIn Bryant community has to offer! will auto-populate to your BRYANT CONNECT profile! Be sure to complete all your personal and professional information including but not limited to affiliation, class year, and phone number.
To easily gain access to the website, visit WWW.BRYANTCONNECT.COM
content, strategies, and programming that unapologetically represents people of color. MICHAEL CAROTENUTO ’07 of Marblehead, MA recently joined Cape Ann Savings Bank as senior vice president and CFO. He brings 15 years of industry experience to the position. Carotenuto has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with majors in Accounting and Computer Information Systems from Bryant. DEREK MAZZARELLA ’07, a financial advisor with Gateway Financial Partners in Glastonbury, CT, recently published “Just Retire Already.” Mazzarella is donating a portion of the proceeds of book sales to the nonprofit LEAP for Education, which provides educational resources for underprivileged kids. Attorney ALLISON (BELKNAP) ABILHEIRA ’10 of Swansea, MA, was named the new Magistrate of the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. Prior, she was a criminal defense lawyer working for the law firm she established in Warren, RI. Abilheira was in the first class of Politics and Law majors at Bryant. While at Bryant, she established the mock trial team, which continues to compete against other schools in the region and hosts the Tupper Classic on campus. She received her law degree from Roger Williams University.
Be sure to visit alumni.bryant.edu/classnotes for more updates and to add your own Class Note.
Engage ISSN 1099-1913 is published four times a year in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall for the alumni of Bryant University. Publication offices are located in the Alumni and Parent Engagement Office, 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 and Parent Engagement Office, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917-1284.
2 Engage | Winter 2024
Bryant Giving Day inspires record-breaking philanthropy On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Bryant University set new records for philanthropy during its sixth annual Bryant Giving Day. With more than $2.3 million raised from 4,782 donors, the Bryant community set new records for 24 hours of philanthropic giving. “We owe this incredible outcome to the thousands of alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends who helped us to Power the Momentum,” says David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23, Vice President for University Advancement. “We are so proud and thankful for each and every donor. Today more than ever, every gift makes a difference.” A total of 6,080 gifts went to more than 100 different funds and areas during the day, including during “Power Hours” dedicated to specific areas of
support. “This success is a testament to Bryant supporters’ wide-ranging interests and enthusiasm for giving back,” says Wegrzyn. Top areas of support included Black & Gold Athletics, annual scholarships, and the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences.
Special thanks to all the Bryant Giving Day challenge donors! AMOUNT
CHALLENGE OR GIFT NAME
DONORS
$144,000
WOMEN OF BRYANT CHALLENGE
GENEROUS ALUMNAE LEADERS LED BY CYNTHIA SCHMITT-SPRINKLE ’81, NANCY DEVINEY ’75, DIANE KAZARIAN ’83, SHARON GARAVEL ’85, AND BETH COSTELLO ’89
$100,000
LEADERBOARD CHALLENGE: PARTICIPATION
JOSEPH ’80 AND KATHI (JUREWICZ) ’81 PUISHYS
$100,000
LEADERBOARD CHALLENGE: BEAT YOUR BEST
ERIC HANDA ‘97
$100,000
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE
ALAN ’87MST, ’23H AND MARIANNE (TARTAGLIA) ’81 LITWIN
$100,000
VIP GIFT TO WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
JOAN WATERS ’83
$75,000
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP CHALLENGE
GREG LYDEN ’82 AND CATHY TORMEY
$50,500
DEAN’S COUNCIL FOR THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS CHALLENGE
MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS DEAN’S COUNCIL
$50,000
PHI EPSILON PI CHALLENGE
A GENEROUS ANONYMOUS MEMBER OF PHI EPSILON PI
$40,000
SCHOLARSHIP CHALLENGE
DAN ’73 AND JOANNE SCHMITT AND SCOTT ’14H AND DEANNA DONNELLY
$37,500
PARENTS COUNCIL CHALLENGE
MEMBERS OF THE BRYANT PARENTS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
$25,000
VIP GIFT TO RICHARD LETO ’73 AND BONNIE LETO HEALTH AND NUTRITION EDUCATION FUND
RICHARD ’73 AND BONNIE LETO
$24,000
BLACK & GOLD CHALLENGE
KATI ’17H AND PRESIDENT EMERITUS RON ’21H MACHTLEY P’06MBA
$20,000
SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES CHALLENGE
BARBARA AND BRAD ’87 CARON P’23
$20,000
PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT TRAVEL FUND CHALLENGE
ANONYMOUS DONOR
$20,000
MEN’S BASKETBALL CHALLENGE
GARY ’72 AND LUANN BOWER
$15,000
SOFTBALL CHALLENGE
BILL ’67, ’22H AND SUE CONATY
$10,000
BASEBALL CHALLENGE
ANONYMOUS ALUMNUS OF BASEBALL
$10,000
INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
CHANDER AGARWAL ’01
$10,000
DEAN’S CHALLENGE FOR THE COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
ANONYMOUS (2)
$10,000
STUDENT PROGRAMMING CHALLENGE
CHERYL MERCHANT ’12H
$10,000
VISITING WRITER SERIES CHALLENGE
DR. BARBARA ALLARDICE
$10,000
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHALLENGE
ELIZABETH DAVIES ’96 AND GARY ’72 AND LUANN BOWER
$10,000
WOMEN’S TENNIS CHALLENGE
ANONYMOUS FRIENDS OF WOMEN’S TENNIS
$6,000
XC/TRACK & FIELD CHALLENGE
JOHN ’87 AND DIANE ’88 WILBUR, HAFIZ GREIGRE ’07 AND JASON EDDY ’02
$5,000
DEI CHALLENGE
ANN-MARIE HARRINGTON ’86
$2,500
MEN’S SOCCER CHALLENGE
ANONYMOUS FRIEND OF MEN’S SOCCER
$2,500
FIELD HOCKEY CHALLENGE
ANONYMOUS ALUMNA OF FIELD HOCKEY
2023 HIGHLIGHTS Donations received from ACROSS THE GLOBE including Australia, Singapore, China, Ecuador, France, India, Lichtenstein, Europe, Malaysia, Mexico, and many more Close to $400K RAISED for scholarships “Thank you to our strong network of supporters and friends who contributed to this record-breaking Bryant Giving Day,” says President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “The tremendous outpouring of support will provide funds for critical university initiatives, including the priorities outlined in our Vision 2030 Strategic Plan. We are deeply grateful to each donor for their commitment to student success and their investment that advances Bryant’s mission.” Hourly challenges throughout the day encouraged donations to key focus areas, including women’s initiatives, scholarships, and athletics. Bonus funds were awarded to the areas with the most donors and were also rewarded for “Beating Their Best” and surpassing their donor totals from Bryant Giving Day 2022. On campus, the Koffler Rotunda in the Unistructure served as the hub of Bryant Giving Day celebrations, with raffles, food, and giveaways available
27
700+ ADVOCATES rallied 2,000+ donors raising more than $150K in gifts 15 student callers called more than 2,000 members of the Bryant community, and 250 TOOK THE CALL Nearly $1 MILLION in challenge dollars in leaderboard and hourly challenges
to crowds of students, faculty, and staff. Special appearances by Mascot Tupper and Archie the DPS service dog contributed to a great atmosphere on a warm and sunny fall day. Now in its sixth year, Bryant Giving Day broke previous records for dollars and donors in 2022, when 3,869 donors contributed $2 million. “This year’s success shows that, year after year, we can count on the Bryant community to go the extra mile for our students and faculty,” says Nora Marzocchi, Director of the Bryant Fund. “Thank you to all the donors who helped to Power the Momentum on Bryant Giving Day!”
CHALLENGES UNLOCKED NEARLY
$1 MILLION IN BONUS DOLLARS
728 ADVOCATES (+2.7%)
4,782 DONORS (+24%)
$2 .34 MILLION (+16%)
RAISED
SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF RECORD-BREAKING RESULTS
6,080 GIFTS (+5%)
MORE THAN
100
DESIGNATIONS
Engage | Winter 2024 3
I N SSPPIIRREEDD TO TOEEXC XCE LE L
Champions for Philanthropy C
hampions for Philanthropy are individuals and organizations that have committed to supporting Bryant University through philanthropic giving. Their commitment to the University ensures that students engage
in a vibrant student life and have the resources to pursue an education on a beautiful campus with world-class faculty who lead our students’ intellectual development as they uncover their passions and become innovative leaders
with character around the world. Thanks to these Champions and so many others, Bryant University continues to rise in its prominence on the national and international stage. Investments in excellence, including the
priorities of the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, continue to galvanize members of the Bryant community who join us in a philanthropic partnership that grows stronger each year.
2023 Champions for Philanthropy celebrated during Homecoming weekend included (L-R): Dr. Edward MacKay of the Davis Educational Foundation; Joseph ’80 and Kathryn (Jurewicz) ’81 Puishys; President Ross Gittell, Ph.D.; Barbara Papitto ’83, ’85MBA, ’97H; Patricia Monti ’56; and Kevin Tracy of Bank of America.
O U TSTA N D I N G A LU M N I P H I L A N T H R O P I S TS
O U TSTA N D I N G A LU M N I P H I L A N T H R O P I STS
Kathi (Jurewicz) ’81 and Joseph ’80 Puishys
Barbara ’83, ’85MBA, ’97H and Ralph ’47 ’87H Papitto
F(Jurewicz) ’81 Puishys
Barbara ’83, F Ralph ’47, ’87H ’85MBA, ’97H Papitto,
or more than a decade, Kathi and Joseph ’80 have led the way with philanthropic investments in strategic university priorities. Their dedication to their alma mater stems from deep personal gratitude and altruism, and they have inspired hundreds of others to step forward and support Bryant. “Both of our adult lives began at Bryant,” says Joe, “including 42 years of marriage. After graduating, we focused 100% of our life on work and raising a family. We lost our connection with Bryant. We know that happens to many alumni.” Realizing the impact their experience there had on both their lives and their ability to provide financial support to future generations of Bryant
Kathi (Jurewicz) ’81 and Joseph ’80 Puishys
4 Engage | Winter 2024
students, they reengaged with the University. “Joe and I realized it was time to pay back by playing it forward,” says Kathi. “Our gifts are designated as ‘unrestricted’ so that university leadership can decide how best to accomplish our shared goals.” The Puishys’ first major philanthropic investment in Bryant was through the Kathryn ’81 and Joseph ’80 Puishys Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to Bryant students who are military veterans or family members of military veterans. Their son is in the military, and both had parents who served in World War II. In addition to their philanthropy, Joe and Kathi are active volunteers at the University. Joe serves on the Board of Trustees, and Kathi and Joe are Co-Chairs of the Bryant Fund, helping to inspire others to give back through strategic initiatives like the annual Bryant Giving Day and specialized matching gift challenges. Their recent $5 million commitment to Vision 2030 is the latest of the Puishys’ investments in Bryant, and they say they hope their philanthropy raises the sights of other alumni and inspires them to give back. “We are humbled by this recognition,” says Joe of the Outstanding Alumni Philanthropist award. “Normally, we would shy away from such mention, but we hope that we can encourage other alumni to consider playing it forward, too.”
or former Trustee and philanthropy was always a priority. The pair have invested for years in educational opportunities for underserved and BIPOC youth throughout Rhode Island, their home state, with their alma mater chief among their priorities. “Bryant was always first on the list,” says Barbara. Shortly after Barbara and Ralph were married, he convinced her to enroll at Bryant and pursue a degree in Accounting. Barbara ultimately earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Bryant and went on to serve on the Board of Trustees for nine years. She and Ralph continued to invest in Bryant until and beyond Ralph’s passing in 2019, with gifts to the Bryant Fund, scholarships, facilities, and athletics. In 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic presented families with unprecedented financial hardships, Barbara made a philanthropic gift to provide emergency scholarship support to Bryant students who were at risk of dropping out. “Ralph loved to support the underdog, anyone who was struggling,” says Barbara, so she named the scholarship for him to honor his memory and continue his legacy. That year, the Ralph R. Papitto Scholarship supported 75 Bryant students in acute financial distress, ensuring that they could remain enrolled at Bryant. As the pandemic subsided, Barbara ensured that the scholarship would provide support in perpetuity
Barbara ’83, ’85MBA, ’97H and Ralph* ’47, ’87H Papitto
to Bryant students facing financial distress. “I want it to continue,” she says. “There’s always going to be someone whose parents get ill, lose their job, or worse. If we can keep them at Bryant, get them through, then they’ll go on to do great things.” The Papitto Endowed Scholarship is now among the largest endowed scholarships at the University. Barbara says she is humbled to accept the Outstanding Alumni Philanthropist award on behalf of Ralph and herself. “I know Ralph will be looking down smiling,” she says. “Bryant has always been at the top of our mind and list, and it will continue to be.” *deceased
O U TSTA N D I N G C O R P O R AT I O N PHIL ANTHROPIST
Bank of America T
he Bank of America is a global company that throughout its history has planted deep roots in each of their communities, with contributions beyond investment banking and financial services. From their gifts to Bryant in the late 1990s to support minority students to their ongoing sponsorships of key Bryant initiatives, like the Women’s Summit® and World Trade Day, Bank of America has profoundly impacted the trajectory of many programs at Bryant. “We’re proud to have deepened our philanthropic support of Bryant over the years,” says Christine (Pane) Katziff ’86, Chief Auditor for Bank of America, and a member of Bryant’s Board of Trustees. “This is a true partnership, and we are delighted to support the University and invest in the Bryant community.” “For more than 25 years, the Women’s Summit® has brought together Bank of America leaders, students, local non-profits, and area high school students to hear from and interact with women tops in their field,” says Kevin Tracy, Bank of America’s
President of Bank of Rhode Island. “The focus on educating women and providing them with opportunities to advance professionally, develop personally, and be empowered financially has changed lives and careers.”
Bank of America also looks to Bryant to help with some of its top priorities, including recruiting Bryant graduates to ensure a diverse, talented future workforce. “We have nearly 200 Bryant graduates on the Bank of America team today,” says Tracy, “We know that when we hire a Bryant grad, we’ll get a smart, well-rounded leader who has the ability to see the big picture but also focus on critical details.” “It’s the planning for the future that drives Bank of America to continue to increase its investment in Bryant University. We are happy and proud to be a Champion for Philanthropy,” says Tracy.
O U TSTA N D I N G C O N S E C U T I V E G I V I N G S O C I E T Y M E M B E R AWA R D
Patricia (Martineau) Monti ‘56 E Patricia “Pat” (Martineau) Monti ’56 ven now, nearly 70 years after graduating from Bryant,
gives back to her alma mater every year. “What continues to motivate me,” says Pat, “is the direction Bryant is going. I think they’re moving forward in the right direction.” She says her late husband, Michael, inspired her to support higher learning, so she carries on his legacy by investing in Bryant, which she has done for decades. “When you’re lucky enough to give back, even a little bit, it adds up,” she says. Her annual gifts are directed to the Bryant Fund, which provides critical resources where they are most needed. After high school, Pat wanted to follow her parents into the healthcare field by becoming a nurse, but her father encouraged her to diversify her interests first. Pat listened to her father’s advice and enrolled in Bryant’s one-year Executive Secretary program. “It seemed like the best of times,” says Pat of her Bryant experience. “You could focus on your studies, but also learn about yourself and develop a value system.” She ultimately did earn a nursing degree from the University of Rhode Island, but she never forgot the lessons and perspective she gained at Bryant. Later in life, her husband, who was head of FRAM, an auto parts manufacturer in Rhode Island, hired
a young Bryant graduate named Joseph Puishys. Mike and Joe quickly developed a mentoring relationship, and Pat looks back fondly on those days. “Mike had so much faith in Joe,” she says. “My husband could always pick a winner.” Joe also received a 2023 Champions for Philanthropy award from Bryant alongside his wife, Kathi. One of Pat’s 11 grandchildren, Marc, is now a student at Bryant with plans to graduate in 2027. Pat says she looks forward to a bright future for him. “Bryant is preparing students for today’s jobs,” she says. “They come out with job skills, skills that are going to take them places.”
O U TSTA N D I N G F O U N DAT I O N P H I L A N T H R O P I ST
Davis Educational Foundation S
ince it first supported Bryant in 1991, the Davis Educational Foundation has granted more than $1 million to the university to improve teaching and learning, enabling the university to advance its core mission of educating students and inspiring them to excel in their lives and future careers. A recent Davis Educational Foundation grant to Bryant enabled the university to establish the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), a professional resource for faculty to enrich the practice and scholarship of teaching and learning. Additional support from the Davis Educational Foundation helped to enable Bryant to move to remote and Hy-Flex instruction during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, including technology, equipment, and training for instructors. This fall, a Davis Educational Foundation grant will provide professional development opportunities for faculty in generative artificial intelligence (AI), one of the first such grants the Foundation has made. “The Davis Educational Foundation is proud to have partnered with Bryant University on a number of strategic initiatives,” says Dr. Edward R. MacKay,
Chairman of the Davis Educational Foundation. “We are pleased to have made an impact on Bryant’s faculty and students, and it is a great honor for the Foundation to be recognized as an Outstanding Foundation Philanthropist.” “If there’s a theme that goes through the Foundation’s grants to Bryant,” says Leanne Greeley Bond, Director of Grants and Programs at the Davis Educational Foundation, “it’s providing resources and support to faculty to help them be more effective in their teaching and in students’ learning.”
Established by Elisabeth K. Davis and Stanton W. Davis as a public charitable foundation in 1985 after Mr. Davis’s retirement as chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., the Davis Educational Foundation is an expression of the couple’s shared support for higher education and has provided more than $130 million in grants to more than 175 institutions.
TRAVEL THE WORLD
with Bryant Alumni
There is still time to sign up for four spectacular trips in 2024 – but don’t wait, space is limited. Visit our website alumni.bryant.edu/travel for pricing, itineraries, and registration information. Celtic Lands
Patagonia’s Glaciers
Cultural Treasures of Japan
Spain and Morocco
JUNE 4-14, 2024 SEPTEMBER 8-21, 2024
NOVEMBER 10-21, 2024 NOVEMBER 11-25, 2024
Patricia (Martineau) Monti ’56
A photo from our archives — Alumni and Friends in Italy in 2022.
Engage | Winter 2024 5
I N S P I R E D TO E XC E L
Adi Dhandhania ’12MBA
Jeanne Jackson ’95, ’97MBA
“ I always wanted to do something unique”
“I’m always postal blue”
I
“ Aditya “Adi” Dhandhania ’12MBA
and I enjoyed the professors, some of
enjoy solving problems,” says
whom I still keep in touch with.” As he
.
“Everything I’ve done in my career was to solve a problem or identify a gap that others weren’t thinking about. That’s where the real opportunity is.” Dhandhania has used that problem-solving mindset to rise quickly in his career, becoming CEO of Neon Marketplace in April 2023 at just 34 years of age. His Bryant MBA, he says, gave him the tools for success — but that doesn’t mean it was guaranteed. “An MBA is great,” he says, but it’s not everything. “You leave the university knowing that there’s a toolbox and knowing a lot about the tools, but not really being a master at using the tools. How you master those skills is up to you.”
gained skills and experience in his Bryant courses, he says, he transitioned to a business analyst role at GTECH, helping customers grow their own businesses.
“ Everything I’ve done in my career was to solve a problem or identify a gap that others weren’t thinking about. That’s where the real opportunity is.” – Aditya “Adi” Dhandhania ’12MBA
J
eanne Jackson ’95, ’97MBA didn’t
become the first woman Postmaster for the City of Providence by keeping quiet. “Sometimes,” says Jackson, “I’d be the only woman in the room with 50 men, but it was okay because I could hold my ground. If I had a question, I asked it. Even at my level now, sometimes if I think I’m right and somebody above me is wrong, I let them know.” She gives the same advice to current Bryant students, especially women. “Stand up tall, and make it known that you need to be in that room,” she says. “You have a place at the table.” In her 38-year career with the United
“I ended up getting his job years later,” she reflects. “It was full circle.” After her time working for Mason, Jackson completed a USPS management training program, which enabled her to take the next step in her career. She took assignments in different Post Offices around the Southern Massachusetts region, including Brockton, Medway, Norwood, Randolph, North Attleboro, Fall River, Franklin and, ultimately, Nantucket, where she had a special task: She needed to bring the relatively remote island’s Post Office up to date with current practices and help the new Nantucket Postmaster, an outside hire from the corporate world,
States Postal Service, Jackson has
transition into the role. “They told me,
graduating with honors and earning
earned every opportunity she has been
‘Just go for three months,’” says Jackson.
recognition from the Beta Gamma Sigma
given. “I started at the bottom,” she
“I was there for a year.” The experience
Honors Society, Dhandhania says he
says, working the night shift and
proved valuable, though, and it earned
put his Bryant skills to use right away.
processing and delivering the mail. She
her a reputation as a problem-solver.
He rose rapidly in GTECH and even
started working right after high school,
“A lot of times, when something
relocated to New Jersey for the company
but she always aspired to earn a college
new comes up, my boss says, ‘Give it
before moving on to a senior role
degree, so she eventually began taking
to Jeanne, she’ll figure it out,’” she
with Brightstar Corporation, a subsidiary
classes at Bryant part-time. She ultimately
says. “I always get it done.”
of SoftBank. He then became a vice
earned a BS in Accounting and an MBA
president of Bally’s Corporation, a
in Management from Bryant.
After completing his MBA in 2012,
gaming company headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, and oversaw transformational growth in both the company’s bottom line and his own career. During this time period, he also
“ Stand up tall, and make it known that you need to be in that room. You have a place at the table.” – Jeanne Jackson ’95, ’97MBA
earned an MS in Technology Leadership from Brown University and became Aditya “Adi” Dhandhania ’12MBA is the CEO of Neon Marketplace. He says his Bryant MBA helped him achieve success in his career.
Born and raised in Calcutta, India,
a CFA Charterholder. He left Bally’s in
Now, as Providence Postmaster,
2023 as the Chief Operating Officer for
the 35th person and first woman to hold
the company’s North America Interactive
the role, Jackson oversees all USPS
segment, the growth unit of the company,
operations for Zip Code areas starting in
for which he held full P&L responsibility.
029, an area that includes Providence, Cranston, Johnston, Smithfield and more.
As CEO of Neon Marketplace,
Dhandhania says he was fascinated by
Dhandhania says he’s excited to pursue
“We have 265 city routes and 20 rural
the world of business from an early age.
an opportunity to build on a gap in the
routes that we deliver to,” says Jackson.
“I always wanted to do something unique
Rhode Island region’s market. In other
“I oversee about 650 people. I have to
and different,” he says, “and that brought
regions, Dhandhania says, businesses
me to America.” He earned his bachelor’s
have found success by providing service
degree in Electronics Engineering from
at what he terms the “convergence”
Johnson and Wales University in 2010,
of quick-serve restaurants, convenience,
which he says helped him to pursue his
gas, and electric power. “Rhode Island
“I don’t believe I would have had a
“passion for building stuff.” “Engineering
and neighboring regions do not really
successful career if it weren’t for Bryant,”
the Electoral College of Rhode Island,
always fascinated me,” he says. “You
have any businesses that cater to that
says Jackson. Early on, her bosses
where she attested by her signature the
get to have something tangible that
convergence,” says Dhandhania. “If you
noticed the skills she was gaining in her
certification for the results of the
you build. But I knew I wanted to get
go to the Midwest, if you go to the South,
classes, and they offered her a position
Electoral College votes for the State of
onto the business side of things because
you’ll see a lot of these concepts there, but
working in the office, first as an
Rhode Island alongside other state
it’s creative. It leads you to think outside
nothing in our state or our neighboring
administrator and keyboardist. “Not
officials, including Rhode Island’s
the box.”
states.” He says the business feels
even six months later,” says Jackson,
Governor, Secretary of State, Presidential
like a startup, and he is energized by its
“different departments within the
Electors, and the Chief Judge of the
growth potential.
Postal Service asked me to take
Federal District Court. “I was one of the
assignments.” She worked in the
signatures on the document,” she says. “That’s cool.”
Dhandhania began Bryant’s MBA program in 2010 while working full-time as a firmware engineer at the company
Dhandhania has no predictions for
Jeanne Jackson ’95, ’97MBA is the 35th person and first woman to become Providence Postmaster.
make sure all the mail that comes into our facilities goes out every day.” One of Jackson’s career highlights, she says, came in 2020. As Providence Postmaster, she attended the Meeting of
then known as GTECH, now IGT.
what his future holds — he says his
personnel, safety, training, injury
“Immigration laws only allow you to
career path to date has taught him how
compensation, and accounting
do certain things,” he says, “so I had
unpredictable life can be. “If I was to
departments before the Providence
service to the USPS, Jackson says it
no choice but to work full-time and
look back 10 years and think about where
Postmaster, Bill Mason, noticed
colors every part of her life, even with
also go to school.”
I am now,” he says, “I wouldn’t have
the impact she was making everywhere
her friends. “When I play games with
been able to chart this pathway. But
she went. “He was really inspired by
my friends, I’m always the blue one,”
with Bryant,” says Dhandhania. “I
I am always interested in seeing where
what I was doing,” she says. His assistant
says Jackson. “My favorite color is green,
enjoyed the classes, I enjoyed the rigor,
life takes you.”
was taking a detail to another assignment,
but I’m always postal blue.”
“I was quite impressed and happy
After nearly four decades spent in
and he asked Jackson to fill in for her.
W E L C O M E L I Z A G E N T I L E , ASS O C I AT E D I R E C TO R O F A LU M N I A N D C O N ST I T U E N T E N GAG E M E N T Liza joined the Alumni Engagement team with 10 years of progressive experience in alumni relations at Johnson & Wales University, where she most recently served as their director of alumni relations. In that role, she oversaw alumni relations activities across two campuses
6 Engage | Winter 2024
and set the engagement and marketing strategies for the team. Prior, she held engagement and fundraising positions at several local nonprofit organizations. Liza will complement our creative and experienced team and allow Bryant to expand volunteer
leadership opportunities, leading to greater engagement for a broader cross section of alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Liza holds an MBA from Johnson & Wales
University and a BA from the University of Rhode Island. Liza can be reached at lgentile2@bryant.edu.
M E E T O U R N E W T E A M M AT E S ! Bryant University recently added two new members to our Athletics Development team! Mike Bamonti joins Bryant as the Director of Athletics Development and Senior Associate Athletics Director. In this role, he will support major fundraising initiatives for the Black & Gold, helping to fuel their success on and off the field. Mike can be reached at mbamonti@bryant.edu.
Liam Medina, the new Leadership Gift Officer for Athletics, will work with all 23 of Bryant’s Division I sports teams, as well as Black & Gold Club and intramural sports and spirit squads, to increase the leadership support that enhances every aspect of the Bryant student-athlete experience. Liam can be reached at lmedina1@bryant.edu. Welcome Mike and Liam!
Mike Bamonti and Liam Medina
T H R E E G R A D U AT E S B U I L D E XC I T I N G C A R E E R S I N T H E P R O S P O R TS I N D U ST RY
Women alumnae shine in the world of professional sports B
rittany Glenn ’11, the
a championship,” says Glenn. Having “He’s always the smartest human in the was all hands on deck to get ready for Senior Director of Member spent virtually her entire career room,” she says with a laugh. “There’s the season.” She joined the Raiders after Experience, Retention with the Celtics, she says, she so much to dissect from what he says in graduating from Bryant with a bachelor’s & Operations for the NBA’s wants to continue taking his interviews.” degree in Actuarial Science and minors Boston Celtics, oversees the on leadership roles within Early in 2023, another opportunity in Sport Studies and Finance. She was season ticket member the organization. “My presented itself: Rhode Island’s also a standout for the Bryant Bulldogs experience at Celtics home next goal is to be a vice NBC 10 WJAR asked her Cross Country and Track & Field games and beyond, with president by the time to join them as a sports teams. Ayres wanted to work an added focus on VIPs and I’m 40,” she says, “and reporter, and Menner says in the sports industry since members of the team’s I’m confident that with my she couldn’t turn the offer she was a child, so when 30-person ownership group. hard work and dedication, down. She moved back the Raiders reached out to BRITTANY GLENN ’11 the right opportunity will Her job can be chaotic and to the Ocean State in June her with a job opportunity, intense, but that isn’t a present itself.” 2023, and she says her she dropped everything to problem for her. “The speed of Nicole Menner ’17 knew she new role is a natural fit. make it work, including the industry —I have to admit — wanted to become a sports journalist at She focuses primarily on another job offer. She moved I’m addicted to it.” 8 years old. Growing up in Southeastern the New England Patriots to Las Vegas in time for the JULIA AYRES ’22 Glenn, who earned all-conference Connecticut, she would watch Red Sox and local college sports, 2022 NFL season. recognition on the Bulldogs Field games with her family and impersonate appearing on the air Wednesday In her role, Ayres says she provides Hockey team, says her first hands-on the sideline reporters. “It became through Sunday. “My parents get player analytics in partnership with experience with the business of sports a family joke,” she says. “I would hold to tune in and watch me every night,” the scouting department to help the came at Bryant, where she was a the remote in front of the TV and fake she says. “They record all our team make personnel decisions, and she marketing intern in the Athletic asking questions.” newscasts. They’ll watch me after also helps to write player contracts. She Department during her sophomore year. At Bryant, Menner joined the dinner and then they’ll wake up in the hopes to continue making an impact on Her first full-time job with the Celtics was television club, which she ultimately morning and watch the 11 o’clock the field through her work in football as the receptionist for the front office, helped to rebrand as the Bryant Television shows.” She is grateful for every operations, one day working her way up which she knew would not be a longNetwork. With the help of Professor opportunity she’s had, she says, and to become the General Manager of an term fit. “Some people said, ‘You have a Tom Zammarelli, she landed an internship she’s excited to see where her career NFL team. four-year business degree from Bryant at NESN in the summer before her takes her next. “I think you just have Ayres says she isn’t discouraged — you want to be a front receptionist?’ senior year. Menner worked at to stay open to everything. You by the long hours and heavy demands But I knew that was my way to get into NESN full-time after never know what experiences of a job in the NFL. “It feels normal,” the organization,” she says. graduating from Bryant, will come your way.” she says of her fast-paced work In her current role, Glenn and her then moved to Arkansas Julia Ayres ’22, environment, “because it’s what staff work each Celtics home game, and Binghamton, New Football Administration I wanted to do.” She understands that but she says the experience never gets York for brief stints with Analyst for the Las Vegas her career — and her work schedule old. “Even in my 13th season with the local news stations. Her Raiders of the NFL, says — have been different from many of her team, I still get butterflies,” she says. first experience covering she had to hit the ground Bryant alumni peers, but she embraces “I still get so excited for the playoffs. professional sports on the air running in her first job after the challenge. “I expected the longer We live and breathe for those moments.” came at Green Bay’s Fox 11, college. “I started about a hours and weekend work,” she says. NICOLE MENNER ’17 She says in all her roles through the where her primary focus was week before training camp,” “At six o’clock I might still be in the years, she has felt like part of the team, the Packers. She says she she says, “just to get a little office — I’ve got work to do. We’ve playing a valuable role in their success learned a lot from covering long-time more familiar with how the Raiders do got to win a football game on Sunday, on the court. “We’re all working towards Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. business. Once training camp started, it I can’t go home.”
ALUMNI AND PARENT NE TWORKING EVENTS
View more pictures at facebook.com/bryantalumni/photos
July 20 | Nashville, TN Alumni and friends gathered in Nashville for a family-friendly event at the Nashville Sounds baseball game. Front row: Gabriella Diamandis ’16, John Halbruner ’22, Jessica Dang ’16, ’23MBA, and Elizabeth Menard ’17. Back rows: Michelle Lewis-Howarth ’05 and family, Kenneth Gluck ’86, Kerry Gluck, Jess Adams ’08, Joe Muraca ’85, Shawn Hettwer ’10, and Peter Strackman ’92.
July 20 | Portland, ME PRESIDENTIAL RECEPTION
July 19 | Portsmouth, NH PRESIDENTIAL RECEPTION
More than 30 alumni and parents attended an evening reception at the Wentworth Hotel with President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. sharing an update on Vision 2030. Pictured here, with President Gittell and his wife, Dr. Jody Hoffer Gittell (front center), is a group of attendees that stayed to enjoy the sunset.
President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. shared insights on the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan with 30 alumni and parents at the Saltwater Grille in South Portland. Enjoying the view of the harbor are alumnae Kayla Fournier ’19, Maeve Kiley ’21 and Jess (Laveriere) Rousseau ’18, ’19MBA. Engage | Winter 2024 7
I N V E ST I N E XC E L L E N C E A L E GAC Y O F G I V I N G B AC K
Malcolm Farmer carries on his wife’s legacy with the Susan L. Farmer Endowed Scholarship S
usan Farmer ’04H was the first woman elected to statewide office in Rhode Island. She was General Manager of Rhode Island PBS for nearly 30 years. She was inducted to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2010. In short, Susan left a profound legacy in her home state and beyond, and, thanks to the generosity of her husband, Malcolm, that legacy of principled leadership continues to impact students at Bryant University. Susan never earned a college degree, but that never held her back, says Malcolm. “She wanted to go to work,” he says, “and she did.” Throughout her career, she went to work on causes that were important to her, including women’s rights, public television, and civil rights and social justice. In recognition of her outstanding life’s work, Bryant awarded her an Honorary Degree in 2004. Susan and Malcolm became close with then-President
the Farmer Scholarship went to Eli Infante ’25, a politics and law major and defensive back on the Bulldogs football team. “He wants to be a lawyer so badly, it hurts,” says Malcolm, who is himself a
immensely rewarded by the experience of helping other people in an extraordinarily important mission for justice against racism.” Invigorated by his time in Mississippi, Malcolm ultimately returned to Hinckley
MALCOLM FARMER
Ronald K. Machtley ’21H, P’06MBA, and they continued to stay engaged with the Bryant community. When Susan passed away in 2013, Malcolm created the Susan L. Farmer Endowed Scholarship at Bryant to celebrate her legacy. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a student of color who is a varsity athlete, with a preference for a student from Providence. Malcolm says these criteria reflect some of his and Susan’s shared passions: improving access to higher education for historically marginalized groups, watching and playing sports together, and investing in the city where they lived for nearly all their lives. “What motivates me is the character of the students,” says Malcolm, who has engaged deeply with each of the scholarship recipients, of whom there have so far been four, as a mentor and advisor. “It’s been an honor to be in this position. Whatever generosity I have enacted has been rewarding beyond belief.” In the 2022-2023 academic year,
What motivates me is the character of the students. It’s been an honor to be in this position. Whatever generosity I have enacted has been rewarding beyond belief.
Malcolm Farmer (left) with Eli Infante ’25. In 2022-2023, Eli received the Susan L. Farmer Endowed Scholarship, which Malcolm created in memory of his wife, a prominent Rhode Island public figure and 2004 Bryant University Honorary Degree recipient.
well-respected attorney and partner at the law firm Hinckley Allen in their Providence office. Malcolm came from a privileged background, attending private schools throughout his childhood before attending Yale and Harvard Law School, where he completed his law degree in 1964. Moved to anger and stirred to action by the injustices he saw in the South during the civil rights movement, however, he quit his comfortable first job at Hinckley Allen to go to Mississippi and become a defense attorney for civil rights activists in 1965. “It completely changed me as a person,” Malcolm says. “I was
Allen and spent the rest of his career in Providence with the firm. When he met Eli, Malcolm learned that he shared his passion for social justice and the law, and he built an internship program for Eli at Hinckley Allen for the summer of 2023, where he worked alongside law student summer clerks. “Meeting Malcolm Farmer was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” says Eli, who always looked up to
his godfather, a lawyer. He dreamed of becoming an attorney, but he thought his commitment to football, as well as the cost of law school tuition, would get in the way of that dream. His internship with Hinckley Allen changed his perspective. “I was able to meet with people who are doing what I want to do,” says Eli. “Malcolm Farmer has put those things within reach for me.” Eli made a tremendously positive impression on Malcolm and the entire firm during his internship, and Malcolm is confident he has a bright future ahead of him. “From the day he walked in,” Malcolm says, “I had people telling me how incredibly great this young intern was.” Eli is enrolled in the Bryant-Villanova “3+3” program, which enables him to complete his undergraduate requirements at Bryant in three years, and, once he meets all the requirements, to enroll at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law for three years to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Malcolm says he plans to continue mentoring future recipients of the Farmer Scholarship as long as he can. “Every one of them is a huge tribute to Bryant,” he says. “Susan would be overjoyed if she were able to meet the scholarship winners.”
For information on how to create a scholarship fund, please reach out to Lauren McLellan, AVP for Development, at lmclellan@bryant.edu or by phone at 401-232-6528.
ALUMNI AND PARENT NE TWORKING EVENTS
View more pictures at facebook.com/bryantalumni/photos
August 2 | London, UK
September 1 | Las Vegas, NV
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL RECEPTION
Bryant’s Alumni and Parent Engagement Office hosted a pregame reception for football parents and alumni at the Horseshoe Hotel in Las Vegas prior to the game against UNLV the following day.
UMNI AR
D
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8 Engage | Winter 2024
O
Our largest group ever convened at the East India Club for a Vision 2030 Update from President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. Alumnus Dominik Wellmann ’98 (far right) hosted both alumni and D THE W current students studying at UN O Oxford University last summer.
August 20 | Cape Cod, MA PRESIDENTIAL RECEPTION
The Chatham Bars Inn provided the perfect setting for alumni and parents to gather to hear from President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. about Bryant’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan at a brunch hosted by Jason ’92 and Laurie (Barron) Fromer ’92, P’22. Pictured with President Gittell at the event are Don Macaulay ’71, Jason ’92 and Laurie (Barron) Fromer ’92, P’22, Robin Warde P’17, Edi Tebaldi, and David Wegrzyn ’86, P’23.
J AC K O F A L L T R A D E S , M AS T E R O F G I V I N G B AC K
William McQuinn ’56 established a scholarship through his will F William “Bill” McQuinn ’56,
or success was never a given. That’s why he felt so strongly about the power of philanthropy to change lives. When he passed away in November 2022, Bill made a gift to Bryant through his will to establish the William P. McQuinn ’56 Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which will be awarded in perpetuity to a student studying accounting. “He never wanted finances to be the reason someone couldn’t reach their potential,” says his daughter, Kathryn Ryan. “With this scholarship, hopefully someone else will have the same opportunity that he had to make something of themselves.”
With this scholarship, hopefully someone else will have the same opportunity that he had to make something of themselves.
began sending Bill part of her paychecks for spending money. “He and my aunt would both say they had enough money, but they didn’t have extra money,” says Kathryn. “His family pulled it together and supported him.” Bill finished his Bryant education in just two and a half years and began studying for the Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) exam, which he passed on his first attempt. He was among the youngest in Connecticut history to ever pass the exam, a fact that filled him with pride for the rest of his life. “He was always proud that what he learned at Bryant set him up for success,” says Kathryn. “Bryant held a very special place for him.” Kathryn says her father helped to foster a tight-knit family as she and her three sisters grew up, taking the family for camping trips on Columbus
Day weekend, sailing in Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay, and skiing in Vermont. “Family was definitely first and foremost for him,” she says. “We spent all the time together that we could.” He had many professional interests, and he pursued a varied career path. “He worked as a public accountant for a while, but he also worked as a financial executive, in the steel industry, aeronautical industry, furniture business, and appliance companies,” recalls Kathryn. “Every so often, he would just need to shake it up.” A voracious reader, Bill consumed information from all sources, earning a reputation as something of a jack of all trades. “My father knew more about all subjects than anyone else he knew — including the subjects he knew nothing about,” Kathryn jokes.
Even though each of Bill’s four daughters pursued careers in education — three, including Kathryn, went into public school education and one is now an associate dean at Yale University — their father always believed in the power of a business education. “He always appreciated how students, when they left Bryant, had a skill that they could start a career with,” says Kathryn. “This scholarship is a way for him to help someone else acquire those skills and become the best.”
To learn more about how you can support Bryant through a planned gift, please reach out to Robert “Bob” Ferrell, Senior Planned Giving Officer, at 401-232-6171 or by email at rferrell@bryant.edu.
KATHRYN RYAN Born to Irish immigrants in Connecticut amid the Great Depression in the 1930s, Bill had a modest upbringing. But when a nun from his Catholic high school reached out to his parents to tell them Bill should consider college, everything changed. “It was the exception for kids from their neighborhood to go to college,” says Kathryn, “but you listened to the nuns and did what they said.” Bill enrolled at Bryant, and his father took on a second job to help pay the tuition. His younger sister went straight to work after she finished high school and
William “Bill” McQuinn ’56 (left), a devoted husband, father, and Bryant alumnus, established an endowed scholarship at the university through his will, ensuring that generations of future students will be able to afford a Bryant education.
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September 21 | Franklin Lakes, NJ PRESIDENTIAL RECEPTION
Parents Jim and Lori Averso P’25 (second and third from right) hosted alumni, parents, and friends at their Franklin Lakes home for an update on Vision 2030 from President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. Among the guests was 1992 honorary degree recipient J. Robert Hillier, the architect who designed the Unistructure in 1972 (front row left).
September 14 | Chicago, IL Professor Mike Roberto (front row left) joined alumni in Chicago for a lively discussion on “How to Stand Apart from the Competition.” Pictured left to right: Andrew Hado ’14, Professor Roberto, Greg Chocheles ’13, Jay Weinberg ’85, Alec Ruden ’19, Amreen Ahmad ’17, Allison Naylor ’12, Shruti Kansara ’18, Mikey Gough ’18, Daniel Branco ’12, and Matt Moore ’09.
November 2 | Austin, TX Honors Program students and faculty joined alumni in Austin for a lively reception at the Inn Cahoots. Earlier in the day, the Honors Program students met with David Cosenza ’10 and Katie Koumarianos ’16 at Google, Gwen Ream ’20 at Dell, and Kyle Georgeu ’17 at Atlassian.
Engage | Winter 2024
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I N V E ST I N E XC E L L E N C E
Philanthropy update continued from page 1 and it will serve as the home of the life to Black & Gold Athletics, and these communication technology studio, thousands of gifts add up to a huge where WJMF, the student-run radio positive impact on our students and the station, will broadcast. Soon, the quality of their Bryant education. We BELC will unite with Bryant’s campus are grateful for each and every donor via a brand-new pedestrian corridor, who stepped up to help make our vision with shuttles providing quick and easy a reality on Bryant Giving Day. access to all corners of the university. Additional Vision 2030 capital Work has already begun to projects, including substantial upgrades reinvigorate the student residential to Salmanson Dining Hall, brand-new experience with transformational Division I athletic facilities including upgrades to on-campus living. A a new field house that will be home brand-new residence hall, which will to the Bulldogs football program house junior and senior students in and offer locker space to men’s and apartment-style suites, will soon enable women’s soccer and women’s Bryant to provide state-of-the-art lacrosse, a transformational renovation resources for wellness and community of the Koffler Center into a center on campus. for the performing and visual arts, Philanthropic partnerships play a new welcome center in the an integral role in each of these George E. Bello Center for Information planned initiatives. Powering the and Technology, and a reimagined momentum of Vision 2030 will Unistructure, are all on the horizon. take collective investment from our For more detailed information on entire community, and we are what’s next in Vision 2030, visit thrilled that so many alumni, vision2030.bryant.edu. I look forward to parents, and friends sharing further updates in the have stepped up to months ahead, and I encourage support our students. members of the Bryant Bryant Giving Day, held community to reach out on October 25, 2023, to me directly so we catalyzed philanthropy can explore where from more than 4,700 your passions align donors for an incredible with our institutional total of $2.3 million. priorities. I can This outpouring of be reached at generosity will flow dwegrzyn@bryant.edu. to every part of our I look forward to university, from academic hearing from you. programming to student David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23 Vice President for University Advancement
Visiting Writer Series Dr. Brandon Hobson, Professor of Creative Writing at New Mexico State University and an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation Tribe, recently visited campus as part of Bryant’s Visiting Writer Series. His visit was possible thanks to support from Dr. Barbara Allardice and her late husband, David Allardice ‘61. Dr. Hobson, a 2018 National Book Award finalist for his novel Where the Dead Sit Talking, is the author of five novels and numerous short stories. He engaged with students in a writing workshop and at a public reading where he discussed his creative process, shared writing tips, and helped students to sharpen their skills with specific, technical advice.
Visiting Writer Dr. Brandon Hobson speaks with benefactor Dr. Barbara Allardice.
10 Engage | Winter 2024
PLC RECEPTION Members of the Parents Leadership Council held their fall meeting on campus during Family and Friends Weekend, before gathering with the Bryant University College of Business Dean’s Council for networking! Above: New members Stacy and Steven Luhrs P’27 (left and third from left) meet current members Dave ’89 and Rachael (Lovett)’84 Peterson, P’26 at the reception at Callahan House. Below: Co-chairs Lori and Jim Averso P’25 and Liz and Jim Glaser P’24 share their Bryant experience as members of the Parents Leadership Council.
Bryant 3.0 continued from page 1 the Ayers Saint Gross design team then offered recommendations, which included a new apartment-style building for upperclass students and a reconfiguration of existing spaces aligned to first-year student needs. Bryant is slated to break ground on the new residential building, which can accommodate more than 200 juniors and seniors, in the spring of 2024. Future housing improvements include converting Barrington House — currently a mix of layouts — to a first-year residence design that mirrors the neighboring Bristol and Warren houses. “It’s ideal for first-year students to have communal living spaces across the floor,” says Petersen. “As they progress through their experience in college, they get more and more autonomy in the living arrangement. So, by the end, they’re in an apartment with a kitchen and a living space.” Ng adds that the new residential building for upperclass students, which is slated for completion during Phase 1 of the Campus Master Plan is a “game-changer.” “It’s going to make a big difference in our student experience and student retention,” she says.
BUILDING THE BELC Following the Fidelity gift intention, Ayers Saint Gross was pulled in to lead discovery and design for the new Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC) at Bryant. “We needed to consider: What is the purpose of this building and how does it integrate with the rest of the campus?” says Ng, adding that the work was informed by listening sessions with students, faculty, and staff. The structure, which served as a world-class office building for Fidelity, will house the College of Business; new labs and centers dedicated to leadership, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, design thinking, and sales; maker spaces; and executives in residence. Design is underway, with administrative teams shifting to the BELC by the summer of 2024.
“The BELC meets some of the big needs that Bryant is facing,” says Petersen, adding that it will afford more space and identity for the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences in the Unistructure. Renovations for both the college and school are estimated for completion in 2026. The BELC project is especially compelling, says Petersen, for its emphasis on architectural reuse — a move he believes will become more prevalent as corporate partners assess their space needs in the new world of hybrid work. “I think it’s a smart, strategic, and very sustainable approach,” he adds. Connectivity is a critical component of the BELC project, says Ng. Included in the first phase of the Campus Master Plan is an initiative to link the BELC, which sits across Douglas Pike in Smithfield, to the existing campus. The crossing is currently in the beginning design phase, says Petersen, with construction to begin in 2024.
CAMPUS EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS The first phase of the Campus Master Plan also expands athletic, co-curricular, amenity, and collaboration spaces. The priority project in phase 1 is a stadium fieldhouse with locker rooms for football, lacrosse, and soccer teams. Design is led by Centerbrook Architects and Planners, LLP, and construction is slated to begin in mid-2024. Other improvements built into the first phase of the Campus Master Plan include a renovation to Salmanson Dining Hall with an elevator for accessibility; new spaces for student clubs and organizations at the BELC; and a new Welcome Center in the George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology that will move through design and construction in 2025. The projects, Ng emphasizes, represent a highly significant first phase of the 10-year Campus Master Plan. Future improvements, which are cashand fundraising-dependent, include renovations to the Janikies Auditorium, the Koffler Center, and the Fisher Student Center.
To read the Campus Master Plan in full, visit vision2030.bryant.edu
E V E N TS
Homecoming 2023 Homecoming 2023 was a success with thousands of Bryant alumni, students, families, and friends descending onto campus in mid October for tailgating, football, a 5th Quarter dance party with World Premier Band — and a chance to reconnect with friends. Ribbon cutting ceremonies took place for both the new Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center at 100 Salem Street, soon the home of the College of Business, and at the university’s baseball field to celebrate the new turf installation thanks to a generous gift from Bill ’67, ’22H and Sue Conaty. The Celebrate Academic Excellence event brought guests to the new Exercise and Movement Science Laboratory in the lower level of the Unistructure to discuss cutting-edge research conducted in fields ranging from Biology to Economics. Bryant’s beautiful campus provided the perfect backdrop for the water fires in the pond outside of the Unistructure. “It is always so exciting to reconnect with graduates from across the decades,” said Robin Warde P’17, Executive Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement. “This year we had new events along with some of the long-time favorites. There is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Above: Basketball alumnae gathered to tailgate with the new coach, Lynne-Ann Kokoski ’08 (front, center) Left: Alumnus DJ Bishop (aka Harold Peacock ’98) came as a guest DJ for WJMF.
Watch your email for information on Homecoming 2024 and mark your calendars. We hope to see you there!
Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity turned out in record numbers for a reunion during Homecoming Weekend. Highlights included a Friday reception in the Rotunda and tailgating on Saturday. More than 120 brothers from across the decades and around the world had a chance to catch up and reminisce. They presented a plaque to President Ross Gittell and honored Ron “Ripper” Regen ’75 for his work over the years to keep the group together.
B RYA N T A LU M N I C A R RY T H E I R BANNERS AROUND THE G LO B E ! Here in Iceland celebrating a birthday milestone are: Brian Levin ’06, Jenna (Clifford) Aery ’06, Art Aery ’06 (his 40th birthday!), Andrew Nunes ’08, Meg (Mitchell) Magee ’89, P’19, P’22, Jim Magee ’88, P’19, P’22, and Ryan Daley ’08. Let us know if you are traveling with a group of Bryant friends and we’ll be happy to send you a banner. Drop us a note at alumni@bryant.edu.
Brothers from Delta Sigma Phi gathered at Homecoming for a tailgate and dinner. From left to right: Bill Martin ’69, Bob Rhault ’74, Roger Pearly ’71, Joe Puishys ’80, Kevin Fitzgerald ’71, Ron Valentine ’71, Bernie Spirito ’77, Art Morris ’69, Nick Cerrone ’68, Dave Desousa ’70, Craig Heil ’72, and Mike McGregor ’74 (kneeling.)
Save the Date SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 27TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S SUMMIT ® Friday, March 14, 2024
wsummit.bryant.edu Engage | Winter 2024
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E V E N TS , PA R T N E R S H I PS , A N D C O N TAC TS PA R T N E R S H I P S Notices received through through October 2023
SEPTEMBER 17, 2022 | SHARON, MA Gemma Henderson ’16 and Ryan Iannuzzi ’16
SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 | IPSWICH, MA Felicia Thomas ’15 and Erik Maloney ’16 pictured with the proud father of the groom and Bryant Professor Kevin Maloney, Ph.D.
JANUARY 14, 2023 | JACKSONVILLE, FL Brianne Brinkmann ’13 and Slayton Morrow
APRIL 21, 2023 | SOUTH SALEM, NY Sarah DeFeo ’16 and Michael Lanza ’16
MAY 4, 2023 | HAMPSTEAD, NH Abby Enck ’20 and Jordan Laube ’19
JUNE 23, 2023 | HARWICH PORT, MA Gina Santagati ’17 and Josh Hynes ’16
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/bryantalumni. All photos are featured as part of our Wedding Wednesday series on social media. AUGUST 19, 2023 | THOMPSON, CT Hannah Bradley ’16 and Andrew Cusano ’16
OCTOBER 14, 2023 | GEORGETOWN, TX Meghan Stoltz ’19 and Derek Machen
Submit your “Partnerships” and “Additions” to the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement by emailing alumni@bryant.edu or enter a class note through our online directory at alumni.bryant.edu.
IN MEMORIAM
E V E N TS
JAMES BAIRD ’61, a recipient of a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986, passed away in October. Jim served on his 50th Reunion Committee in 2001. His career as a manufacturing executive culminated in him becoming president and owner of J.B. Brady, Inc. in Syracuse, NY. Jim led an eclectic life including teaching himself the bagpipes and serving as president of the Clan Baird Society. He was an avid motorcyclist and published a book of lyrics of popular Irish folk songs among other interests. Jim was active in his community, serving in leadership positions at Huntington Family Centers, Hospice of Central New York, and the United Way of Central New York. Jim was predeceased by his wife, Carol, and is survived by a son and daughter and their families.
HERE
SCAN
JOSEPH LEMIEUX ’57, ’97H of Ottawa Hills, Ohio, passed away in December at the age of 92. Lemieux was a long-time member of the Bryant University Board of Trustees and received an honorary degree in 1994. His distinguished career at Owens-Illinois started immediately after graduation as an administrative trainee, and he rose through the ranks to serve as chairman and CEO until his retirement in 2003. Lemieux is survived by his wife, Joanne, sons Gerald and Craig, daughters Kimberly Wolff and Allison Smith, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial celebration of his life is planned for June 2024.
Bryant has many opportunities for you to come back to campus or to join us off campus for a variety of events, from networking and webinars to sports and reunions.
We regret that we don’t have space in Engage to celebrate the lives of all alumni who have passed away. Please visit alumni.bryant.edu/inmemoriam for complete lists by class year.
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MEA CULPA: One of our very discerning readers let us know that we misspelled Dr. Sol Lebovitz’s name in the Summer 2023 edition. Dr. Lebovitz was the first Dean of the Graduate School. We apologize for the error.
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