Engage 2021 A M I L E STO N E Y E A R F O R T H E “ T U P P E R ” C A M P U S
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campus in Providence, remembers, “Bryant called me and the other RAs in early so we could finish uncrating the sofas, lamps, and bedroom furniture for the dorms. We assembled everything — shelving units, desks, tables — and had schematic diagrams for placement.”
Eric Nilsson ’74,
was still largely a commuter campus. The Rathskeller, or simply “The Rat,” was the campus bar, and it was just a short walk back to the dorms. (That building is now the Chafee Center for International Business.) Valenti had visited the campus during construction, driving out from Providence to see the progress. He shared one of his most vivid memories of the transformation of the campus just before classes started. “In the morning, it was all gravel and dirt around the Unistructure, and by 5 p.m., they had unrolled yards and yards of sod, the sprinklers were running, and everything was green.” The areas continues on page 11
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s we celebrate the Class of 2021 and the successful completion of a challenging academic year, the pride of accomplishment resonates throughout the Bryant community. These extraordinary graduates faced a difficult final year, but they showed amazing determination and didn’t let anything get in their way. They and their families received support from so many people — on our campus and beyond — to ensure that their Bryant journey led them through the Archway on the path to success. In a year like no other, when many institutions understandably responded with an abundance of caution, Bryant made
bold decisions that allowed us to deliver in-person learning with enhanced safety for all, strengthening our commitment to students and keeping our institution moving forward. With our focus fixed on academic excellence, we created new ways to deliver a world-class education, enriched with activities and experiential learning opportunities, all made possible by the generosity of donors. Gifts to scholarships helped attract and retain top students, and for those who were financially impacted by the pandemic, tuition continues on page 11
Bryant University
INSPIRED TO EXCEL
continues on page 2
By David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23
1150 Douglas Pike
challenges by relying on the strong Bryant spirit I have quickly come to see sets our community apart. We adapted and innovated to keep our campus open and keep everyone healthy, and our students had a very positive experience with over 90% of our 2021 graduates reflecting positively about their experience and preparation for professional success. Bryant was one of the few colleges and universities in the nation to complete classes on campus this past academic year. We made a commitment to making
A community built on innovation and determination
Smithfield, RI 02917-1284
By President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. lumni are Bryant’s largest constituency and embody the successful outcome of a Bryant education. You represent our history, just as Bryant’s current students represent the future. We all share a common goal we will carry forward in our Vision 2030 strategic planning: ensuring that Bryant fulfills its mission to educate and inspire students to discover their passion and become innovative leaders with character around the world. In the first year of my presidency, our University addressed
was trucked in from a restaurant down the street, and only a few buildings were operating. Yet, despite everything, I met many people that day who have been my 50-year friends.” Valenti was the Resident Assistant in Dorm 1, one of the dorms for first-year students. The Townhouses weren’t constructed yet, and Bryant
3 October Homecoming 4 Alumni Trustees named 6 Donors support the future
P H I L A N T H R O P Y U P DAT E
A message from the President
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Volume 26 No. 3 July 2021
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The original sign from the then-new “Tupper” campus in Smithfield, RI when it opened in 1971.
who transferred to Bryant College that year, shares “I did not visit Bryant beforehand and in fact had never been in Rhode Island ever. I jumped in my 1962 Rambler (which I bought for $100) and headed to RI from Westchester County, NY. The campus wasn’t fully completed, food
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
Celebrating 50 years in Smithfield n September 1971, students from around the Northeast and beyond arrived at the newly opened Smithfield campus. Steven Valenti ’73, who had spent his first two years on the East Side
B RYA N T UNIVERSITY
