Bryant Engage - July 2020

Engage Ross Gittell takes office as Bryant’s ninth president

B

ryant University’s ninth president, Ross Gittell, Ph.D., took office on July 1, ushering in a new era of leadership for the school amid unprecedented challenges facing higher education. President Gittell previously served as Chancellor of the

Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and is considered one of the nation’s preeminent economists and economic development experts.

As President, Ross Gittell will build on Bryant’s dramatic upward trajectory while setting the course for

the University’s next chapter. Bryant is currently planning for the safe reopening of its campus, with classes set to resume on site August 25, and the coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on almost continues on page 5

G E T TO K N OW R O S S G I T T E L L , P H . D .

2 New alumni business directory oin the conversation: 3 JSocial media

4 Virtual events

PHILANTHROPY U P DAT E

Adapting to the changes of 2020

could help others achieve their full potential. “I was always good at play-making as a player, and I think that would have transferred over to being a good coach,” he says. “I also like encouraging people to excel through teamwork and collaboration.”

Convey your welcome wishes to President Gittell in the online guest book at president.bryant.edu.

by building on that momentum as we prepared for our first presidential transition in a quarter century. But within a few months, campus life was turned David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23 upside down, Vice President for and we found University Advancement ourselves reacting quickly to circumstances none of us could have imagined.

I am enormously proud of how our team and the entire Bryant continues on page 2

INSPIRED TO EXCEL

sports my whole life,” says Gittell, who played point guard when he was younger, and now runs and swims for exercise. “There are a lot of parallels between academic work and athletics,” he notes. “To be successful at both requires a lot of concentration, a lot of focus, and a lot of preparation.”

to be a professional basketball coach — a job where he also

Bryant University

When he’s not working, he is an avid basketball fan. “I’ve loved

another profession, he’d love

1150 Douglas Pike

practice who also taught Accounting at night at Queens College and authored an accounting textbook. A first-generation college student and WWII veteran, he attended college under the GI Bill.

In fact, if he could try his hand at

Smithfield, RI 02917-1284

President Gittell’s father, Irwin Gittell, was a CPA with an independent

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academia. “She was always very deeply engaged with her students — and her students really loved her.

She made a difference in so many people’s lives through being an educator,” Gittell says. “I hope to come close to what she achieved.”

ne of the key lessons that Bryant students learn in our core curriculum is how to effectively deal with unexpected setbacks and disruptive change. They see, early and often, that plans can quickly unravel, and that success requires flexible thinking, creative adjustments, and focused determination. Though nothing about this year at Bryant has been ordinary, it has vividly illustrated how Bryant prepares all of us to meet new challenges, reach ambitious goals, and embrace transitions.

We finished last year by celebrating the historic success and transformational impact of our capital campaign, and we began 2020

Gittell grew up Queens, New York,

His mother, Marilyn Gittell, Ph.D., a college professor and political scientist, inspired him to go into

Volume 25 No. 3 July 2020

O

to Bryant University with extensive academic and professional credentials — but it’s his experiences outside academia and economic forecasting that make him who he is. Here’s a look beyond the résumé at Bryant’s new President.

that informed his philosophy as an educator. “That’s what we want to do for future generations — make sure that they have the support, the engagement, and the interaction that will make them stronger, better people,” he says.

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

By David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23

President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. , comes

where he enjoyed playing basketball with friends and exploring the city. It’s also where he got his first job: shoveling snow. The young entrepreneur began with a single property and soon was shoveling the entire block. “It was a very supportive environment,” he notes, and one

B RYA N T UNIVERSITY

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

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted Bryant graduates across the U.S. and abroad.

Alumni-owned businesses in many industries, including restaurants, professional services, travel, and retail, are struggling. It’s going to take some time for business owners like me to recover from closures and disruption.

NAC

CORNER

Within the Office of Alumni Engagement, and with support from the National Alumni Council, we are developing an online business directory as a direct way to support our alumni business owners when they need it most.

I started my marketing firm, The JAY Group, with a focus on loyalty marketing.

My CIS degree from Bryant helped me early on in my career and underpins our focus on technology, research, and analytics. My company’s entry is below.

But we want yours.

Look for email from the Office of Alumni Engagement with log-on instructions, or email them at alumni@bryant.edu to get more information.

The new Bryant Business Directory is on our website at

alumni.bryant.edu/services.

We are just beginning to populate it now, so when you search today, you may not find what you are looking for. Our hope is that, with your support, we will have a powerful platform to bring alumni together. If you own a business, please add it. And please refer your alumni friends and colleagues to the directory, as well.

— Jay Weinberg ’85 President, The Jay Group Past President, National Alumni Council

Online Business Directory: A Virtual Opportunity for the COVID-19 Climate

alumni.bryant.edu/services

Philanthropy update

continued from page 1

community pivoted to respond to this unprecedented situation by finding new and innovative ways to keep us all informed, connected, and inspired. Our successful adaptation to teaching and learning online came as the result of a heroic effort by University leadership, faculty, staff, and students. During the #WeAreBryant campaign, alumni, families, and friends provided our students with inspirational support, amazing energy, and encouragement to finish the semester strong. Our very first Virtual 5K drew nearly 600 participants and raised critical support for the Bryant COVID-19 Fund, which was created to help bridge the financial gap for current and admitted students who have been adversely affected by the impact of the pandemic. In June, a generous gift from Bryant Trustee Joe Puishys ‘80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) Puishys ‘81 provided a dollar-for-dollar match challenge for $100,000 in contributions to the COVID-19 Fund, the Bryant Fund, and the new

Intercultural Center (ICC) Endowed Fund, established to increase

diversity, equity and inclusion within the University learning community.

New President Dr. Ross Gittell joins a Bryant community that continues to find ways to support one another in times of need.

As this new era begins, we acknowledge the enormous contribution and firm institutional foundation left

by Ron and Kati Machtley. After 24 years

Your contributions to the

Bryant COVID-19 Fund help bridge the financial gap for admitted and current students and families that have been economically impacted by the worldwide pandemic. Please visit bryant.edu/givenow today to make your gift. of transformational leadership, we extend our gratitude for their service to others, commitment to academic excellence, and devotion to character formation. To honor them, alumni and friends have stepped forward to create the Ronald K. Machtley and Kati C.

Machtley Endowed Scholarship Fund to further expand access to a Bryant education to future generations of students. This scholarship, along with our spectacular new facilities, our future-facing new academic programs, and signature campus events like June’s Women’s Summit, will continue to remind us all of the Machtleys’ monumental impact on our institution.

We all are adapting to a “new normal,” with much more uncertainty.

Nevertheless, we remain optimistic, and we are excited to deliver a world-class education in the fall semester to students who are inspired to excel.

For David Suaviso, Jr. ’96, a planned gift is part of a lifelong connection F

rom the moment he arrived on campus in 1992,

David Suaviso, Jr. ’96

knew that he was forging a connection that would last a lifetime. Now, his planned gift to Bryant reflects the gratitude that he’ll always have for the school that changed his life.

Suaviso has served as Regional Sales Manager at Sharp Electronics for the past seven years, part of a successful 15-year career in sales in the audio/ visual industry. He says he chose Bryant because he wanted a school that could prepare him for “the real world,” but even before he arrived, he had already begun to realize that Bryant was a special place.

Suaviso was a competitive bowler in high school and wanted to find a college that would allow him to pursue both business and bowling. He considered several other schools, but his friend, the St. John’s University bowling coach, who knew of Bryant’s reputation as a top business school, told him, “If you can go to Bryant, you should go.”

Suaviso says now, “By telling me that, he did me a huge favor.” After one visit, he fell in love with Bryant. Far enough from home on Long Island, but not too far. A big, beautiful campus, but not too big. And, after Suaviso had been accepted, a Long Island-based alumnus

from the ’80s who was volunteering for the admission office called him to encourage him to enroll. “That really sealed the deal for me,” he said. “No other school did anything like that.”

It was his first glimpse of the power of the Bryant alumni network.

During his first week as a student, he attended a Student Alumni Association (SAA) meeting. “I wasn’t thinking about being an alum someday. I was thinking about meeting people and having a good time.” But he soon saw the many ways that alumni remained connected to Bryant, and how they supported students. He would later become president of the SAA, as well as a student member of the President’s Advisory Council and an orientation leader. “Those four years at Bryant really helped me get out of my shell,” he says. “I had always thought of myself as a shy kid, but it wasn’t long before I was one of the louder Long Islanders on campus.”

Now, whenever he returns to campus or attends Bryant events, he always tells students to get involved early with the alumni association. “Throughout your life, whatever challenge you’re facing — job transitions, professional setbacks, big career decisions, network building — there are always Bryant

alums out there who can — and will — help you.”

Suaviso believes that the friendships, and the network that students build during four years on campus, are at the heart of the Bryant experience.

“When you’re part of the Bryant family, even if you’re not close friends, you still look out for other alums, you try to do business with them, and support them whenever you can,” he says.

It is this sense of family, he says, that drives his desire to give back to Bryant. Along with his ongoing and enthusiastic volunteering and advocacy, Suaviso recently made a significant planned gift to Bryant.

Though he is just now entering middle age, he has decided that it is the right time for him to consider his estate planning. The loss of both his parents — most recently his mother’s passing in 2019 — has given Suaviso a deeper perspective as he thinks about his future. “I think a lot of people don’t know very much about planned giving.

I had always thought that bequests and leaving Bryant in my will was something that much older people decided to do,” but he says he learned

a lot speaking with the Development team at Bryant.

“I’m certainly not rich, and I’m not able to give a large gift today,” he says, “but I give what I can each year, and a planned gift allows me to make a much larger commitment — one that represents everything Bryant has given me.”

He says that his friends sometimes tease him for his strong school spirit and enthusiasm for Bryant, but he is quick to offer a reminder. “I tell them, without Bryant, a lot of us wouldn’t know each other. So, for me, it makes sense to give something back to a place that’s been such an important part of my life, and an institution that I love.”

If you would like to learn more about how you can make an impact on the lives of Bryant students through a planned gift, contact Ed Magro at emagro@bryant.edu or

877.353.5667.

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

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

2 Engage | July 2020

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PLAN YOUR BRYANT LEGACY TODAY Help ensure Bryant’s future for generations of promising students through a planned gift.

For more information or a confidential conversation, contact Ed Magro, J.D., at 877.353.5667 or emagro@bryant.edu.

Learn more about estate planning, leaving a gift to Bryant in your will, and other ways to give at

SAVE THE DATE

Be a part of something big!

GIVING DAY 10·28·20

Join the worldwide Bryant community in showing what it means to “Be Bryant.”

Visit bryant.edu/giving for more information.

plannedgiving.bryant.edu.

Engage | July 2020

3

COLLEGIAL COMMUNITY S U M M E R A LU M N I F I N A N C E PA N E L S

The impact of the pandemic on financial markets T

hese are unprecedented times for every industry, and global pandemic-related disruptions in financial markets and the economy have raised the stakes on the challenges facing finance professionals.

Bryant presented a special series of virtual panel discussions this summer, featuring alumni across different specialties in the field of finance to discuss these issues.

FINANCIAL PLANNING The first discussion in the series — on the topic of financial planning — featured five young alumni who talked about their experiences as new professionals. The June 3 event included Danielle Couture ’19, of MassMutual; David Ferraro ’15, CFP, of Ballentine Partners; Savanah Miles, ’19, of Anderson Consulting; Logan Ribeiro ’19, of Ameriprise Financial Services; and Evan Soraci ’19, CFP, also of Ballentine Partners. Lindsey Coe ’21, a co-founder of the Financial Planning Association student chapter at Bryant, moderated the panel with assistance from Finance faculty members Mara Derderian ’93, Director of the Financial Planning Program, and Peter Nigro, Ph.D. The alumni panelists discussed their career paths and what influenced the choices they’ve made along the way. They agreed that the opportunities they had at Bryant — including a breadth of courses that deliver exposure to a wide array of specialties, internship opportunities, and preparation for licensing examinations — gave them a leg up in the job market.

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL BANKING

Dustin Goldstein ’95, ’20 MBA, of U.S. Bank in Chicago, moderated the

June 17 panel discussing the implications of the pandemic on commercial and corporate banking. He was joined by Joseph

Guilmartin ’07 Dustin Goldstein ’95, ’20 MBA

of PNC Financial Services; Chris

Mastrangelo ’08, of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; and Lauren Murphy ’07

of Wells Fargo Capital Finance.

More than 80 Bryant alumni spanning five decades tuned in to learn and participate in this discussion, with topics ranging from credit, to regulation, to maintaining client relationships, to new trends and emerging opportunities.

A general theme that emerged among the panelists was the speed at which COVID-19 altered financial markets. “It all happened so quickly,” Murphy pointed out. “I remember having a conversation with one client who said, ‘I don’t know what’s going on in New England, but down South is fine, we’re ok.’ And then seven days later their entire chain was shut down,” she said.

Guilmartin spoke about the ongoing uncertainties in cash-flow lending, and what he has seen in addressing the needs of larger, well-capitalized corporations versus smaller, lesser known names, as well as the challenges of shifting focus to shorter-term goals and evaluations to mitigate the current uncertainty.

Goldstein observed that among the new trends and opportunities that are emerging as a result of the coronavirus, “What we’re seeing now is a trend

on the product side where banks used to view fintechs (financial technology firms) as their competitors. But now they’re being viewed more as ‘frenemies’ — more friend than enemy,” because of the accelerated digital innovation they can provide through partnership,” he said.

The panel also discussed the impact of banking regulation in the current environment. “This is a highly unusual time, and [at the Federal Reserve] we recognize the impact of regulatory burden,” said Mastrangelo.

He discussed the Fed’s new tools to stabilize the economy as well as their shifting approach to bank supervision in the current environment.

FIXED INCOME Another large audience of alumni and students joined Finance Professor and Executive in Residence Kevin

Maloney P ’16

on July 1 for a Kevin Maloney P ’16 discussion about fixed income investing. Panelists

Franco Castagliuolo ’97, CFA, of Fidelity; Nico Santini ’93, CFA, of ProSight; Nicholas Gentile ’13, CFA, of Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors; and Tom Tzitzouris ’99, of Strategas Research Partners, provided background on the extremely high volatility experienced during March and the steps taken to stabilize markets.

The panel focused on developments in the fixed income markets through the COVID-19 pandemic. Castagliuolo described what happened in March, and highlighted how the extreme illiquidity in fixed income markets

exacerbated the impact of investors selling in response to credit concerns.

The panelists discussed the steps the Federal Reserve took to stabilize markets and restore liquidity to successfully reestablish normal trading conditions. This was very effective, and most fixed-income markets have rebounded, Tzitzouris said.

While the initial reaction was dominated by illiquidity in corporate credit markets, Santini described a fundamental deterioration in credit quality, and predicted that we will see that credit risk play itself out over the next year or so. Gentile talked about structured credit markets and highlighted the differences between the economic downturns in 2008 and 2020. They are quite different downturns, he emphasized, as 2008 was centered in the structured credit area, particularly subprime mortgage-backed securities.

INVESTMENTS/ESG At press time, the final panel in the series was planning to address investments and environmental, social, and governance investing on July 15. Scheduled participants included Samantha Merwin ’12, CFA, of BlackRock; Emily Meyer ’08 of Northern Trust Asset Management; Regina Castro ’14 of MFS Investment Management; and Nicholas Muscatiello ’15 of Eaton Vance Management.

To offer to participate in classroom discussions this fall semester, contact

alumni@bryant.edu.

N O W, M O R E T H A N E V E R

Stay in touch!

F

eeling socially connected to a community is an integral part of our emotional health. In what is often a troubling, isolating, and uncertain time, we hope to bring our Bryant community even closer to support and learn from each other.

With the help of alumni and our faculty, the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement is bringing virtual programs intended to connect, educate, and entertain. Recently, Dieter Kamm ’88 guided us through

View past virtual events and webinars and sign up for future programs at

alumni.bryant.edu/events.

Make sure we have your current email address so we can let you know about future events and more. Send your email to

alumni@bryant.edu.

4 Engage | July 2020

a Zoom demonstration of The Art and History of the Negroni, and Vin Pina ’88 shared wine tasting and pairing tips.

Faculty have shared their expertise through presentations such as Leading During a Crisis with Management faculty Michael Roberto, DBA, and Lori Coakley, Ph.D.; and Igniting Your Brand with Marketing faculty Sharmin Attaran, Ph.D., and Stephanie Boyer, Ph.D. Additional recent programs with faculty members Michael Lynch, JD, Charlie Cullinan, Ph.D., and alumnus Nick Lynch ’04; and faculty members Rick Gorvett, Ph.D., Christopher Morse, Ph.D., and Julie Volkman, Ph.D. are all available on our website at

alumni.bryant.edu.

During the month of July, Bryant alumni from across the country will be welcoming the Class of 2020 to their communities, with geo-based webinars from Boston to California featuring graduates who will talk about living and working in top cities.

Stay tuned for beer advice and tasting

Dieter Kamm ’88 guided alumni through a virtual demonstration of The Art and History of the Negroni. from Corey Adams ’06 and a reprise wine tasting event with Vin Pina.

Golf Head Coach Charlie Blanchard will offer advice on your chip and putting game with video instruction in August.

We are a strong and proud network

of 50,000 alumni worldwide, and now more than ever, we are bringing our family together. Please reach out to the Alumni Engagement staff at alumni@bryant.edu if you have an idea or topic for a virtual meet up.

Ross Gittell takes office

continued from page 1

FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO Alumni from across decades — but particularly the Class of 2020 — are facing a difficult job market. Bryant alumni have responded with advice, counsel, and yes, jobs and internships. But, the value of Bryant’s 50,000-strong alumni network doesn’t benefit others if we don’t connect. Bryant.AlumniFire.com allows you to list the services you offer, and to set a limit to the number of requests you’ll receive. Our Bryant University Alumni Association group on LinkedIn is a great place to offer support as well. Visit alumni.bryant.edu to explore the ways you can connect.

And if you have an opening at your company, please contact the Amica Center for Career Education at careers@bryant.edu to list your opportunity.

President Gittell talks with Kirsten Hokeness, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Science and Technology; Patricia Gomez, Senior Lecturer of Modern Language; Wendy Samter, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences; and Eileen Kwesiga, Ph.D., Professor of Management. every facet of University instruction and student life.

“The American higher education system is a source of competitive advantage and distinctiveness,” said President Gittell. “The world benefits from the great diversity and innovation in our universities, and we are addressing historic challenges.

Particularly at Bryant, we recognize the need for agility in meeting today’s challenges and are enhancing our focus on professional education and training for character and leadership skills critical for the 21st century.”

With an extensive background in university teaching, strategic planning, and management, Gittell’s focus has been on applying economic, organizational, and management theory to regional, state, and community economic development issues. Gittell has frequently served as an expert resource for government, non-profit, and business leaders on topics including economic policy, workforce development, job creation strategies, community development, and the business climate. Among many civic leadership roles, Gittell is Vice President, Board Member, and Forecast Chair for the non-profit New England Economic Partnership (NEEP).

President Gittell holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University, Dively Fellow; a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, Beta Gamma Sigma; and a Bachelor’s degree in

Economics from the University of Chicago, Phi Beta Kappa. Prior to his appointment as CCSNH Chancellor, he was the James R. Carter Professor in the Department of Management at the Whittemore School of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire.

The Bryant community’s response to the pandemic will further differentiate Bryant and I’m confident we will emerge stronger because of our work together. Our students, faculty, and staff have already proven this.

1. CREATE TEACHABLE MOMENTS This summer will present unique opportunities for creative problem solving, and our students will benefit greatly from short-term skill-building experiences. Please consider how you might engage students with your team on a new or existing project, or special initiative.

2. LEVERAGE YOUR NETWORK If your organization has a summer internship, part-time role, or full-time job available, either on location or working remotely, please post it on our Bryant Career Connection (BCC) job board. We accept posts for permanent, consulting, and temporary positions.

BRYANT PRESIDENT ROSS GIT TELL, PH.D.

During a special week of welcome July 6-10, members of Bryant’s National Alumni Council, Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, and many of Gittell’s peers offered high praise. Bryant University Chair of the Board of Trustees William J. Conaty ’67 commented, “Most university presidential transitions present challenges, but a transition during a worldwide pandemic is a real curve ball. We are thrilled to find a leader like Ross Gittell, who embodies the character and future vision for Bryant University.”

3. HIRE TALENT – HIRE BRYANT Are you looking for more seasoned (5+ years’ experience) talent? Send us the position description and application instructions and we’ll include it in our weekly edition of The Job Source, which goes out to experienced Bryant alumni. Send to: careers@bryant.edu

4. SPREAD THE WORD Do you know a talented high school student who would benefit from a Bryant education? Our campus visit experiences and college fairs are postponed for now, so you can help us get the word out by encouraging achievement-oriented students in your community to visit admission.bryant.edu to learn more.

5. BE BRYANT STRONG Participate in the University’s We Are Bryant initiative and show your support for our students. You can share a Bryant memory and send a message of encouragement on social media, and help bridge the financial gap for students by making a gift to the Bryant COVID-19 Fund.

Ross Gittell, Ph.D., and his wife Jody Hoffer Gittell, Ph.D. pose for a selfie in front of Callahan House with their daughters Grace (left) and Rose (right).

Engage | July 2020

5

I N SSPPIIRREEDD TO TOEEXC XCE LE L

Gifts to Multicultural Scholarship honor Berta Hysell G

ifts to the Berta Hysell and Friends Multicultural Scholarship

have come from nearly 100 alumni and friends of Bryant and have totaled more than $95,000 since the effort

Intercultural Center Endowed Fund provides resources, programming

She was fighting to give both multicultural and international students a voice on campus, and a home away from home.

was launched in 2008, according to Executive Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement

Robin Torbron

Warde P ’17. Warde championed

the scholarship with some of Berta’s former students as a way to say thank you. Now, former scholarship recipients are giving back to the same scholarship that supported them as students.

Roberta “Berta” Hysell, who began working at Bryant in 1977, and retired as Director of Multicultural Student Services after 17 years of service, is remembered for making multicultural and international

VIN PINA ’88 students feel truly welcome. She made it a point to meet every student the day each arrived on campus.

Through the years, Hysell created an impressive student-run tutoring program, and made a name for the University at college fairs that targeted underserved populations. As she built a tradition of multiculturalism at Bryant, she also mentored the students under her guidance.

“Berta was a mother-figure on campus for many of us, and meted out the tough love that we sometimes needed, says Vin Pina ’88, an early, and now annual, Berta Hysell and Friends Multicultural Scholarship donor.

“She was also fighting to give both multicultural and International students a voice on campus, and a home away from home.”

Roberta “Berta” Hysell (right) with Intercultural Center scholarship recipient Cinthia Ulloa ’14.

Kevin Martins, Ed.D., Special Assistant to the President for Inclusive Excellence (second from left), talks with students in the Intercultural Center.

G

enerous alumni joined with staff to re-launch and fully endow a new

fund for the Intercultural Center (ICC) to support Bryant students and programs that will increase capacity for innovative learning experiences focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Class of 2019 alumnae Janna Blackstone and Nicole Kim, along with recent graduates Ashley Costa ’20, and Brianna Bruny ’20, started a crowdfunding campaign on social media that netted several thousand dollars in just a few days.

Bryant picked up the initiative as part of a month-long challenge grant in June, when a major trustee challenge

by Joe ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) ’81 Puishys matched support for all gifts to the new Intercultural Center Endowment.

By month’s end, gifts and matching donations topped the $50,000 necessary to create an endowment.

The ICC Endowed Fund will serve to provide access and resources to students of color who otherwise may not be able to participate in programs or events because of cost, and to expand programming for Bryant’s multicultural community.

“These activities are often the most meaningful experiences students may have during their college years, advancing their social and professional development,” notes Kevin Martins, Ed.D., Special Assistant to the President for Inclusive Excellence and director of the PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Fundraising for the ICC Endowment continues as additional funding will make a difference in the lives of future students.

To make your gift to the ICC Endowed Fund, visit bryant.edu/givenow.

Champion of women’s leadership initiatives helps bridge talent gap A

fter a 40-year career with IBM in

Women are under-represented in all levels of leadership today, which is a significant talent gap for organizations and society. One way we can change this dynamic is to give women access to leadership development programs before they enter the workplace.

several global leadership positions,

Nancy (McHugh) DeViney ’75 launched a new chapter as an executive coach with a focus on advancing women in leadership roles. That passion also informs her philanthropy, inspiring gifts on behalf of her and her husband Mark that empower Bryant University’s women students.

“Women are under-represented in all levels of leadership today, which is a significant talent gap for organizations and society,” she says. “One way we can change this dynamic is to give women access to leadership development programs before they enter the workplace.”

GAME-CHANGING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT “Many of Bryant’s women students are already leaders in academics, student life, and athletics — we want to build on that and support them in expanding their leadership insights and capabilities,” says DeViney. “Women’s leadership courses and programs at Bryant can help facilitate learning and growth through increased exposure to leadership topics and through self-reflection and dialogue about strengths and areas of self-doubt that could impact their advancement.”

6 Engage | July 2020

Nancy (McHugh) DeViney ’75

NANCY (McHUGH) DEVINEY ’75

Classes such as Women and Leadership: Strategies for Success and Professional Development, taught

by Professor Lori Coakley, Ph.D., foster a rich learning environment for both the women and men who take the course, DeViney notes. Exploring business issues, gender dynamics, interpersonal skills, leadership styles, and personal branding — and connecting the students with invaluable mentors — helps them better understand the world and sets them up for future success.

The recently launched Living-Learning Community for first-year women, she says, “is another exciting example of how Bryant is cultivating an

on-going leadership development experience, as well as a sense of community and belonging for women students. “These types of focused programs for women, says DeViney, can be a game-changer in empowering them with the courage and confidence to pursue leadership opportunities starting in the early years of their careers.”

INSPIRING OTHER GIFTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS In making their gift, DeViney says she and her husband wanted to start a movement of giving to women’s leadership initiatives that accelerates

and expands the good work of faculty and staff. “I am sure that there are many Bryant alumni, families and friends — both men and women — who have gone on to have a great impact in their professional lives and who are champions for diversity and inclusion, including gender parity in the workplace,” she says. DeViney knew that contributing to leadership initiatives “would be a great way to advance our shared values and to make a difference for the next generation of leaders.”

DeViney and her husband were excited to hear that their philanthropy inspired a $1 million gift from an alumna. “We’d like to say ‘thank you for this incredibly generous gift!’” she says.

Tapping into the collective intelligence and creativity that diverse and inclusive environments foster benefits everyone, DeViney says. “The more we can level the playing field to accomplish this, the better off the world is going to be.”

M O L LY D E VA N N E Y ’0 0:

Getting things done

J

uggling two full-time leadership positions is second nature for

Molly

Devanney ’00. She serves as Vice

serves more than 3,000 children annually.

She says she is especially inspired

President of Public Relations at Highland

by organizations that provide food to

Park Market, a third-generation,

those in need, support veterans and

family-owned grocery chain — with

first responders — whom she admires

stores in Farmington, Glastonbury,

for putting themselves at risk daily to

Manchester, and Suffield, CT — and as

help others — and provide opportunities

Executive Director of the nonprofit

to people who wouldn’t necessarily

Rebuilding Together of Manchester CT,

have them otherwise.

where she was once a teen volunteer.

Reluctant to take center stage for the many awards she has received, Devanney says, “It’s my siblings and

E R I C H A N DA ’97:

Connecting people at home and abroad E ric Handa ’97 treasured his time

have revealed the flaw of relying

at Bryant for more than just his

on one market. “There are systematic

Economics major at Bryant. “William

risks out of China. But there are also

Sweeney, Ph.D., was my mentor at

a lot of growth markets. Like Africa.

the University and my advisor for my

At this point, the world still only has a

capstone project,” explains Handa.

50 percent connectivity rate.”

“He taught us that to examine and solve

success, Handa always finds time to

at the human aspect. We should look at

connect back to Bryant, whether it’s

things with empathy.”

hosting students at events while he was abroad, donating to scholarships and to

my parents who’ve helped me get to

the University at the leadership level,

where I am today. At the end of the day,

mentoring students, speaking to classes, or hosting events at his country club

“ Get done today what you can get done today; don’t put things off. Let’s be successful and smart… and get things done together.”

in Naples, FL.

“ Look at the impact of giving both money and time — or either — to Bryant. It’s measurable, and for me, ultimately, it’s the right thing to do.”

— Molly Devanney ’00

— Eric Handa ’97

we all want what’s best for our town and community.”

Devanney, who serves on no fewer than 11 nonprofit boards, was honored

by Channel 3 Kids’ Camp (C3KC) at its annual Women Raising Awareness Philanthropically luncheon in 2019.

Thanks to C3KC, “kids in inner-cities who never envisioned being able to go to camp and swim in the summer” can, she says. She has raised funds, hosted events, recruited board members for C3KC, and now serves as board secretary for the organization, which

Despite the surge of his company’s

economics issues, we must also look

She holds a master’s degree in food “Everyone has to find their

marketing from St. Joseph’s University, and is also an adjunct faculty member in the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Department at Manchester Community College.

Given myriad demands on her time, how does Devanney accomplish everything? “I do well because I am surrounded by a great team,” she says. One belief in particular drives her: “Get done today what you can get done today; don’t put things off. Let’s be successful and smart… and get things done together.”

When it comes to forecasting, there is no magic formula. “Most people overstate the short term and underestimate the long term,” he says.

Eleven years ago, when Handa co-founded his business, AP Telecom, a leading telecom and fiber consulting business specializing in emerging markets, he was living in Hong Kong.

“We’ve built a nice niche in international telecommunication,” he says. “But my point of view has always been that I’m enabling people to connect on a global level.”

Handa points out that while a lot of focus has been on China in telecommunications, recent events

own reasons to give back,” he says.

“I am fortunate to have traveled and experienced a lot, and those experiences provided me with a different perspective from some peers.

But it all began with the strong sense of responsibility instilled by my parents, who taught us to ‘Learn, Earn, and Serve.’ Look at the impact of giving both money and time — or either — to Bryant. It’s measurable, and for me, ultimately, it is the right thing to do.”

Currently, Handa serves on the Dean’s Council for the Bryant University College of Business, where his decades of experience in international markets provide valuable insight and guidance.

Bryant’s strategic partnership with Amica supports University mission Insurance and Bryant “A mica University have had a wonderful relationship over the years, and

we’re proud to have a presence on campus through the Amica Center for Career Education,” says

Robert A.

DiMuccio ’14H, chairman, president and CEO of Amica. “We hope our

Expanding the World of Opportunity: The Campaign for Bryant’s Bold Future contributions to

will continue to enhance the academic experience for all students, so that they may become our next generation of leaders.”

As part of a strategic partnership spanning decades, the Amica

Companies Foundation stepped up its support of the University’s mission with sponsorships, donations and student recruitment throughout

Expanding the World of Opportunity: The Campaign for Bryant’s Bold Future. The company is well known and well regarded on Bryant’s Smithfield campus, as thousands of students have prepared for success at the Amica Center.

The company continues to be a tremendous partner for the Center, working with students through programs from Resumania to Mock Interview Day, investing in new career education initiatives and hosting

We hope our contributions to Expanding the World of Opportunity: The Campaign for Bryant’s Bold Future will continue to enhance the academic experience for all students, so that they may become our next generation of leaders.

ROBERT A. DIMUCCIO ’14H, CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF AMICA

site visits. As a result of this active presence on campus, the corporate offices at Amica are populated with alumni who are helping to lead with their areas of expertise, much of it gained through internships while students.

Amica’s relationship with Bryant University goes well beyond recruiting graduates. The company, recognized by the University as a Champion for Philanthropy, understands the value and importance of events Bryant presents, and for more than a decade has been actively involved with the

Women’s Summit®, serving as lead sponsor for 12 years. The Northeast Intercollegiate Sales Competition, World Trade Day, Bryant’s Career Fair, Data Science program, and Welcome Back Weekend have all benefited from Amica’s support and commitment to giving back to the community.

The company’s commitment to the University starts at the top, as CEO DiMuccio and his wife, Renamarie, are also individual donors to Bryant and made a commitment to the Campaign to support scholarships.

Engage | July 2020

7

D E E P, L I F E - LO N G C O N N E C T I O N S PA R T N E R S H I P S Notices from 6/19 to 10/19

June 29, 2019 | Bend, OR Danielle Dunham ’04 and Brian Keefe

August 3, 2019 | Norway, ME Seth Wing ’15 and Jocelyn Davies ’16 Special Guest, Bryant Professor of Management Lori Coakley, Ph.D., officiated

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.

October 2019 | Mashpee, MA Kaitlyn McCabe ’11 and Gordon Champlin

October 26, 2019 | East Bridgewater, MA Meghan Lovell ’04 and Adam Murphy

2 0 2 0 / 21 R E U N I O N S

CAMPUS REOPENING PL ANS

A C OV I D -19 C A L E N DA R U P DAT E

The Return of June Reunions

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•11994 //4411• 455/ 94400 119 /44

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR JUNE 25-27, 2021 TO COME BACK TO BRYANT

ryant submitted a comprehensive plan for reopening to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) in June. With the safety of our community and continuance of academic excellence at the forefront, our return to normalcy plan has six facets: Health & Safety; Academic Programs; Residence Life/Student Life; Communications; Staff, Facilities & Food Service; and Athletics and Recreation.

After a thorough review by Rhode Island’s public health experts, on July 8 RIDOH gave Bryant’s reopening plan

strong affirmation. The review included assessment of our core mitigation strategies, approach to creating a climate of responsibility on campus, extensive communications and training plans, diligent protocols followed by Student Affairs professional staff and student resident assistants, and approach to testing and contact investigation and notification. We are continuing to move ahead in implementing the extensive work of bringing our community back safely and resuming classes on August 25.

2 010 / 2 0 1

5/20

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200

01 • 2 5 /20

06

•

B

1

• 16

2020

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Class schedules and reunion activities are in the planning stages and will follow guidelines from the CDC and the State of Rhode Island.

11• 996600//66 11 • 119 •• 966 66 /55

Watch our website alumni.bryant.edu/reunion for the latest information.

11••1 0//55 199550 1995 555/ •1 • 6 6

/22000001/ 2 60 0•0 00 1 / 92 • 65 999

In response to ongoing health concerns regarding the coronavirus, we are moving Reunion for all classes ending in 0, 1, 5, and 6 to June 25-27, 2021. Mark your Calendars for our first June Reunion Weekend in 20 years!

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.

Visit bryant.edu/reopening for the latest information.

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

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

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

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

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

Jessica Purcell Jennifer Zevon

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

Kathleen Brown Jessica Dang ’16 Nancy Kirsch Stephen Kostrzewa Karen Maguire P’18 Tina Senecal ’95 Jeffrey Stupakevich

project specialist

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

( loya l

guard) liaison

Donna Harris P’03

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

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

Jessica Cantone ’21 MBA

8 Engage | July 2020