Engage - January 2022

Engage Reunion in June welcomes all classes Reunion 2022: Back to Bryant

New Provost Announced Alumni Profiles WJMF Celebrates 50 Years

future as engaged alumni. Live music and picnics around the pond, class gatherings and a lobster bake, and the annual Alumni Achievement Awards are all planned as part of the weekend.

A NEW TRADITION, ALUMNI COLLEGE! and parent engagement. “We are eager to bring everyone back to Bryant during the warmer weather so we can take advantage of outdoor spaces throughout the campus for a broad array of activities for graduates and their families.”

The theme, Back to Bryant, captures the spirit of reminiscing and recapturing campus memories and also provides an opportunity to reconnect graduates with life on campus in the hope that they will continue to stay part of Bryant’s

Rounding out Reunion weekend social gatherings will be Alumni College, an exploration of timely topics led by faculty and alumni for personal and professional development — and fun! Alumni College highlights the accomplishments of our graduates and showcases some of our best faculty’s insights on trending topics in business, culture and world affairs. Alumni will be able to choose from a variety of programs to match their personal preferences. Check out our continues on page 7

C A M P U S U P DAT E

Vision 2030: A decisive step forward for Bryant

By David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23

T

he spring 2022 semester had an energetic start as students returned to Bryant’s campus here in Smithfield.

First-year students, having recently completed our signature IDEA program, are approaching their coursework with new skills in design thinking and a collaborative spirit. I’m also pleased to share that Bryant was recently recognized on Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce scorecard among the top 1% nationally and among the top 5% of colleges and universities in New England for return on higher education investment (ROI). The beginning of the year has proven to be a productive and exciting time for Bryant.

In January, the Bryant University Board of Trustees discussed and strongly endorsed the concepts of the ambitious Vision 2030 strategic plan. In a decisive step forward, the plan provides a roadmap for the next decade of strategic investment, academic growth, and campus enhancement, building on Bryant’s national reputation and expanding its global footprint.

Under President Ross Gittell’s leadership, a community-wide coalition of thought leaders, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni, identified five continues on page 4

Smithfield, RI 02917-1284 1150 Douglas Pike Bryant University

INSPIRED TO EXCEL

will make full use of Bryant’s beautiful campus — including overnight accommodations in Halls/Dorms 5, 6 and 16 (now called Hopkinton, Exeter and Barrington, respectively) for those who really want to relive college life.

And since so many classes missed their five-year milestone gatherings, we’re throwing open the Archway gates to welcome all graduates to participate.

“The Class of 1985 is planning to come back,” said Jay Weinberg ’85, “We don’t want to wait until 2025 to celebrate the reunion that we missed in 2020. We challenge the Classes of 1986 and 1987 to come out as well.”

“A return to June reunions has been in the planning stages for the last two years, but COVID put us on hold until this year,” notes Robin Warde P’17, Bryant’s executive director of alumni

Volume 27 No. 1 January 2022

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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

2 2-3 7

B AC K TO B RYA N T

he Bryant campus will belong to our graduates once again on the weekend of June 24 through 26 as we celebrate our first June Reunion in more than 20 years.

As part of your summer vacation plans, come Back to Bryant with your family and reconnect with classmates and friends.

B RYA N T UNIVERSITY

I N SSPPIIRREEDD TO TOEEXC XCE LE L

NAC

CORNER

Bryant graduates know the power of their Bryant education and our world-wide alumni network Alumni — and parents — can play a key role referring and encouraging the next generation of Bulldogs.

Starting junior year of high school, if not earlier, talented students from around the country and abroad express interest in Bryant. Each year, more than 7,000 seniors apply to Bryant. But the process isn’t seamless. Colleges are all trying to catch the attention of a limited pool of students, and financial aid, student life, academic fit and prestige all play key factors in the final decision.

Bryant’s academic reputation and prestigious Alumni network were substantial influences for my son, Matthew, when he chose to become a legacy member of the Bryant student body this past year. During his first semester, he benefited from Bryant’s challenging and engaging curriculum, while also enjoying a robust slate of extracurricular activities.

H O WA R D B R O M B E R G ’ 70:

Music to foster community amid challenging times

H

owie Bromberg ’70 uses music to make Jewish traditions and

culture accessible to the next generation of Bryant Hillel students. The former CEO of Benny’s, Inc. fell in love with guitar in high school during the rock-and-roll era of the 1960s and has been playing ever since. Today, Bromberg can often be found at Bryant’s Hillel celebrations, teaching traditional prayers set to new melodies.

If you know of a talented high school student in your community who has already applied to Bryant, encourage them to follow in your footsteps and benefit from Bryant’s distinctive experience and real-world education. Our students are prepared for career success with 21st century skills in high demand and an emphasis on global education.

“ Speaking to Bromberg’s impact on students, Jablow considers Bromberg “an ambassador for Jewish life and culture” who loves getting to know students and hearing about their Bryant experiences.

For younger members of your family or neighborhood, encourage them to visit Bryant online or in person at one of our open houses. (admission.bryant.edu) When they are ready to apply, reach out to the Alumni Office for a special code to waive the application fee and to let us know of their interest.

Bryant’s powerful network of 50,000 accomplished alumni is one of the University’s most important strategic assets. Join me in helping to introduce Bryant to a larger pool of talented applicants who will become the next generation of proud alumni.

— Samuel T. Broomer ’93, P’25 Vice President, National Alumni Council Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, W.R. Berkley

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

Bryant University President Appoints New Provost and Chief Academic Officer

R

upendra Paliwal, Ph.D., an

experienced university provost and executive leader, has been named Bryant University Provost and Chief Academic Officer following a national search. Dr. Paliwal joins the leadership team of Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., and will serve in a key role central to advancing initiatives of Bryant’s bold Vision 2030 strategic plan. With Vision 2030, Bryant University will be positioned to increase enrollment and diversify the student population through a focus on delivering a superior student educational and campus life experience, competitive athletics and unmatched return on education investment for future generations of global leaders.

Paliwal begins his term as provost on June 1, 2022.

Dr. Paliwal joins Bryant from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, where he guided academic affairs and strategic planning to achieve significant institutional growth. At Bryant, he will be engaged with all aspects of the University’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan and its commitment to real-world ready education for critical 21st century skills, knowledge, and emerging career opportunities. The Vision 2030 strategic plan reaffirms Bryant’s enduring institutional-wide commitment to educating our students to be real-world ready and succeed, with graduates achieving life-long earnings among the top 1% nationally.

As Bryant’s Provost, Paliwal will provide leadership for the expansion

predates Jablow’s appointment to Bryant, both being fixtures of the greater Providence Jewish community for thirty years.

Speaking to Bromberg’s impact on students, Jablow considers Bromberg “an ambassador for Jewish life and culture” who loves getting to know students and hearing about their Bryant experiences. He recounts a particular moment where Bromberg helped welcome a prospective student attending Shabbat services during a campus visit, a touching interaction where

Bromberg, who recently celebrated his 50th reunion, is an active alumni member of the Bryant Council for Jewish Life and Culture, and his dedication to Bryant Hillel was recently celebrated with a special service award.

Bryant Hillel’s mission resonates deeply with Bromberg. “Many of these kids may not come from a strong Jewish background, so Hillel is a link with their heritage,” said Bromberg who enjoys teaching students traditional prayers like “Shalom Aleichem,” “Lecha Dodi,” “Oseh Shalom,” and “Adon Olam” set to upbeat Israeli and American rock and roll music.

Teaching students gives him a special opportunity to keep his love of guitar alive. He quips that “if it wasn’t for playing this stuff, I probably wouldn’t play my guitar much!”

Rabbi Steven Jablow, director of Bryant Hillel, appreciates the impact of Bromberg’s dedication to the University’s Jewish community.

The two have a connection that

Bromberg “engaged with someone at such a different stage of life, but connected over Bryant and, in particular, Jewish life at Bryant.”

Jake Cooper ’22, president of Bryant Hillel, speaks to the uplifting spirit and positivity that Bromberg’s participation and musical gifts bring to Shabbat and High Holiday services.

“I have enjoyed our nights with Howie greatly over my years at Bryant and will think fondly of these memories for years to come.”

Jablow echoes how important Bromberg’s efforts have been, touching on his philanthropic generosity. “He has helped alleviate any potential financial stress due to COVID. He allowed Hillel to make the most of our opportunities during the pandemic.” Bryant’s Jewish community and Hillel organization have thrived in recent years, and this is in no small part due to Bromberg’s generosity — through his gifts of mentorship and music.

Howard Bromberg ’70 joins Hillel to musically enrich Shabbat services and engage with students over Friday evening dinner.

continues on page 6

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 and Parent 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, Box 40, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917-1284.

2 Engage | January 2022

S H A N T E L PA L AC I O ’0 6 :

From villain to champion: changing perceptions

J

ust go on the journey, follow the path,” says Shantel Palacio ’06,

MPA, and Ph.D. candidate, when asked her best advice for current students.

“You never know what opportunities look like or what life has planned for you,” the consultant, advisor, and correspondent continued.

As a young girl growing up in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, a low-income area where 40 percent of residents live below the poverty level, Palacio was 100 percent certain she wanted to be a journalist. “Bryant had this emerging Bachelor of Arts in Communication program, and it

and inclusion, Palacio appreciates that the University provides programs and resources attempting to educate and support the community.

Throughout her master’s and doctorate education pursuits, which have focused on education policy and public policy, Palacio has studied the implementation of such programs.

“For my Ph.D. program, a fellow candidate and I created a critical dialogue series, which helped me realize that people all want the same things: good economy, good quality of life ­— it’s the ‘how’ that we differ,” she says.

“If you want to get the message across, you have to shift focus to the ‘what’ the goal is.”

M A N N Y M O N TA LV O ’94:

Seeing the beauty in business

I

“

was a teenager from a middle-class

resume and interview skills and brought

family in Puerto Rico who took a chance

recruiters to the campus. Without

on Bryant when Bryant took a chance on me,” says

Manny Montalvo ’94,

I am today. The impact of Bryant is

development for L’Oreal, the world’s

immeasurable.”

largest cosmetics company with $30

PA R T N E R S H I P S

When the opportunity came to

billion in annual revenue. “I went to a

join L’Oreal, an international company

new climate, culture and language, sight

with a commitment to diversity

unseen, knowing no one, but having a

and social responsibility, he jumped

strong desire to learn and succeed.”

at it. “My time with L’Oreal has been life-changing,” says Montalvo. “I’ve worked in many different brands and

“ In life and business, you’ll experience peaks and valleys.

Ask yourself in the deepest valleys what you can learn from that experience, and it will ensure you hit the highest peaks.”

— Manny Montalvo ’94 companies under the L’Oreal umbrella, and it’s afforded me the opportunity Things were different in the 1990s,

seemed like it would be a good fit with a lot of opportunity. Rhode Island was far enough away from my parents for me to experience some freedom, but my sister was in Providence after having attended Johnson & Wales, so I could have support close by.”

What she hadn’t anticipated was the shrinking newspaper and journalism industry, and so she pivoted — and it wouldn’t be the first time she did so.

Her mother (Ruth Palacio, a NYC Board of Education school psychologist) wanted her to be a lawyer or teacher says Palacio, which she resisted, but the field of education is both wide and deep, and it wasn’t long until she was drawn into it.

“I became an admission counselor, and it opened my eyes to the disparity of resources available to high school kids, which, of course, could affect their college admissions and ultimately their careers and livelihoods.”

At Bryant, Palacio had been a resident assistant, admission ambassador, and orientation leader. She was a member of the Multicultural Student Union and helped out at the Intercultural Center.

As a professional consultant on an array of issues including diversity, equity,

that first job, I wouldn’t be where

senior vice president of global business

“ My Bryant education gave me the tools to effect change.

Having great ideas is one thing, having the skills to bring them to life is what sets you apart.”

— Shantel Palacio ’06 Empathizing is a big part of shifting the focus. That’s why, after speaking to an initially indifferent group of kids and seeing them pay attention after she told them she was from Brownsville, she got the idea to interview real people from her neighborhood.

“It’s human nature to stereotype, which can hold us back. Some of the kids I spoke to had internalized low stereotypes cast by outsiders,” she explained. “But Brownsville kids want to go far and are searching for the resources to do so. So I, along with a couple of friends, went on the street to humanize the so-called ‘villains’ of my neighborhood. We called the project ‘Brownsvillain,’ and we continue to challenge the narrative by showing people who live in Brownsville their hopes and dreams. We are everyday people doing everyday things.”

She posted her project online, and it took off, garnering attention from the likes of GQ Japan and NPR. For Palacio, each piece of the puzzle forms the larger picture — education reform and policy. “One thing I know for a fact: My Bryant education gave me the tools to effect change. Being able to plan and execute a business strategy is key. Having great ideas is one thing.

Having the skills to bring them to life is what sets you apart.”

Bryant, without Career Services, without

Montalvo says. “There was no social media or FaceTime or even cellphones to help you stay in touch with friends and family.” He found support in his roommate, Christopher, and his roommate’s family, who included him in holidays and other times when most students went home.

“Not only did my finances limit my ability to hop on a plane back home during the school year, but I also had a double major, which meant extra classes, and I wasn’t on full scholarship, so I had to work.” Montalvo often had the campus to himself in those off times, where he found friendship in an unexpected place — from a couple of maintenance workers in the Bryant Center. “Something I’ve learned is that titles don’t matter,” he says. “We all have a role to play, and everyone deserves respect. At the end of the day, leadership is serving others.”

Montalvo credits Bryant’s Career Services Office with setting him up for

to experience many different countries and cultures.”

Most recently, Montalvo has served as the general manager for the professional products division based in Mexico, where he successfully navigated the challenge of the COVID pandemic.

“To succeed, we must find opportunities in the midst of crises,” he says. “Our e-commerce and digital business in professional products accelerated during the pandemic, but we remain committed to supporting the salons and stylists, whose businesses suffered when forced to lock down. Recognizing partnerships and being grateful is so important in business and life.”

After seven years in Latin America, Montalvo is headed to New York for his latest promotion to senior vice president of global business development. “In life and business, you’ll experience peaks and valleys. Ask yourself in the deepest valleys what you can learn from that experience, and it will ensure you hit the highest peaks.”

success. “They helped with my

Names of Bryant alumni guests pictured in Partnership photos can be viewed at facebook.com/BryantAlumni.

Erika Krischtschun ’14 and Daniel Sipperly ’14 Branford, CT | August 21, 2021

Jacqueline Parma ’17 and Nick Muscatiello ’15 Boston, MA | September 24, 2021

Monica Kincaid ’11 and Jarrod Gibbons ’11 Cambridge, MA | September 25, 2021

Engage | January 2022

3

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

Harness the giving power and simplicity of a private foundation

By Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development

W

hen you establish financial and charitable goals, they reflect your commitment to support the future of your loved ones and the charitable organizations you value, such as Bryant University. A convenient and easy way to organize and manage your charitable intentions is to Ed Magro create a donor Executive Director of advised fund Development (DAF). Similar to charitable savings accounts, DAFs give you the flexibility to recommend both the amount and timing of your charitable gifts to Bryant University and other qualified charities. You can recommend a grant or recurring grant now to make an immediate impact with your giving or use your fund as a tool for future charitable gifts.

Here’s how it works: 1. Open a donor advised fund with a written agreement at a community foundation or sponsoring organization.

2. Make contributions to your fund at any time. These contributions are invested by the sponsoring organization which provides you with a routine accounting of your fund.

3. M ake recommendations on the amount to be distributed to Bryant or other qualified charitable organizations.

4. Y ou can even turn your DAF into a lasting legacy by naming Bryant as a beneficiary to receive all or part of the fund after your lifetime.

Using a percentage of your fund, you can create a family legacy of giving by naming your loved ones as your successors so that they can continue to recommend grants to charitable organizations.

When choosing where to set up your DAF, be sure to choose the sponsoring organization carefully. You’ll want to make sure that the one you select supports your values. Take time to carefully read their policies and procedures and review their administration and/or investment fees.

How you benefit from a donor advised fund: •Y ou may qualify for a charitable deduction on your federal income taxes when you make a gift to your DAF. (Please speak with your tax advisor.)

•Y ou no longer need to retain records for each subsequent grant.

•F amilies can build a tradition of giving by involving children in the decisions about what grants to recommend.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP Contact Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development, at 401.232.6528 or by email at emagro@bryant.edu for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about this and other gift planning strategies. For additional information and to download free brochures about starting your own DAF, please visit plannedgiving.bryant.edu/ donor-advised-funds. For other gift planning ideas, visit plannedgiving. bryant.edu and start building your Bryant legacy today!

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

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

Campus Update

continued from page 1

strategic growth opportunities for educate and inspire students to Bryant, including critical 21st century discover their passion and become skills and knowledge; experiential innovative leaders with character education; innovative facilities and around the world.” Bryant’s modern technology; career advancement, history is filled with examples of lifelong learning, and corporate and strategic plans that helped the community partnerships; and University overcome obstacles and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). take brave steps forward including The guiding principle of Vision the move from Providence to the 2030 is to prepare students for Tupper Campus in Smithfield; career success with a focus on the accreditation by the AACSB; the intersection of business, B-STEM, addition of the College of Arts & and the liberal arts.

Sciences and the Developing new transition from Bryant academic programs and College to Bryant enhancing existing University; a move to courses of study in fields NCAA Division I athletics; such as data science, and the construction of entrepreneurship, cutting-edge facilities and healthcare analytics through Bryant Builds. will attract a broader All of these important applicant pool and help activities and more David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23 students develop skills resulted directly Vice President for University Advancement that will give them from the bold ideas of competitive advantages rigorous strategic in the workplace. Key investments in state-of-the-art facilities, including academics, student life, and athletics, will enhance Bryant’s position as a national leader in education and the student experience.

Additionally, woven throughout these initiatives is Bryant’s commitment to building and sustaining a diverse, inclusive community.

Throughout its history, Bryant has engaged its community and leadership in strategic planning to align ambitious vision with impact-driven initiatives that advance our mission: “to

planning. Today, Bryant is better positioned than ever to take the next step forward with Vision 2030.

I look forward to sharing more details on the Vision 2030 strategic plan in the months ahead.

Bryant’s combination of inspirational leadership, philanthropic partnership, and institutional bravery has made our University an internationally-recognized business and liberal arts university.

I am excited to see what the future holds, and I invite you to participate in this transformational endeavor.

alumni.bryant.edu/giving

PA R T N E R S H I P S

Names of Bryant alumni guests pictured in Partnership photos can be viewed at facebook.com/BryantAlumni.

Jenna Poulin ’10 and Robert D’Eramo Danvers, MA | September 26, 2021

4 Engage | January 2022

Amy Galluzzo ’06 and Caleb Paul ’06 Newry, ME | October 9, 2021

Kelly Partridge ’12 and Thomas DaCunha Freedom, NH | October 9, 2021

Sean Lenehan ’13 and Angelique Samuel-Marshall Sharon, MA | October 10, 2021

Masaaki Kotabe, Ph.D. brings international business perspective and expertise to Bryant M

asaaki ‘Mike’ Kotabe, Ph.D., an internationally recognized prolific and influential researcher in international business, marketing and strategic management, was the fall 2021 Grant Thornton Visiting Executive at Bryant University. Dr. Kotabe spent his two-day visit on campus speaking to undergraduate and graduate students and meeting with Bryant faculty and leadership representatives. He also delivered a keynote address titled “Stark Contrasts in US-Japan Global Supply Chain Management During the

Coronavirus Pandemic” where he highlighted the significant differences between the U.S. and Japanese philosophies and approaches to business framed in the context of both the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 and the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21 and how companies in each country set its priorities.

“He makes complex things simple,” said Crystal Jiang, Bryant University

Professor of Management, who worked under Dr. Kotabe’s supervision for her doctoral program, and co-authored manuscripts with him. In 2019, Kotabe received a Gold Medalist award from the Academy of International Business as one of the most published researchers in the world over the past 50 years.

“We’re very fortunate to have had Dr. Kotabe share his perspective and insights with the Bryant community.”

During his keynote, Kotabe illustrated how American firms tend to focus more narrowly on what

he called “efficiency,” with a concentration on shareholder return, and Japanese firms being more concerned with “effectiveness” by meeting their explicit and implicit obligations to a broader set of stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the societies in which they operate. Kotabe also shared that, not surprisingly, U.S. companies have performed better

financially over time. He declined to make a judgment about which was the “better” approach, but quipped, “If you’re an investor, buy American stocks; if you’re a customer, buy Japanese products.”

The traditional view of international business research, Kotabe said, is examining an international dimension of functional areas of business including accounting, marketing, law, operational management and more. The emerging view centers around issue-oriented research that transcends national boundaries.

Using the metaphor of a kaleidoscope, Kotabe recommended that shifting the lens slightly when looking at a topic can often yield an entirely new view that is worth exploring through research.

In his own case, Kotabe said, it was a talk given by the late CEO of General Motors Lee Iacocca that inspired his own Ph.D. dissertation.

Iacocca talked about sourcing, a term that then didn’t have a generally accepted academic definition. Kotabe set about researching the subject, and — thousands of magazine and newspaper articles later — began to organize the vague concept around a framework: Global sourcing described the management of the interfaces between manufacturing, marketing,

R&D, and other business functions.

The Visiting Executive Program at Bryant is sponsored by leading independent tax, audit and advisory firm Grant Thornton.

Jason Eddy ’02, Grant Thornton’s Managing Director of the National Employee Benefit Plan, introduced Kotabe’s keynote.

“Grant Thornton is dedicated to helping communities and people to grow, develop, and unlock their potential,” Eddy said of the Visiting Executive program. “We appreciate being able to help members of the Bryant community connect with diverse new perspectives and deep expertise such as those offered by Dr. Kotabe.”

ABOUT THE GRANT THORNTON VISITING EXECUTIVE AT BRYANT A Visiting Executive is a senior-level executive or consultant whose experience, knowledge and skills significantly contributes to the expansion of knowledge and success of key stakeholders at the University’s College of Business.

The program is sponsored by accounting and advisory firm Grant Thornton, which has a longstanding partnership with Bryant University.

Bryant University welcomes accomplished physician assistant Class of 2024 at eighth annual White Coat Ceremony B

ryant was proud to welcome the University’s Physician Assistant Class of 2024 to campus in January at its eighth annual White Coat Ceremony.

The cohort, including 47 students selected from more than 900 applicants, has an average of 5,291 patient care hours per student — more than double the 2,000 hours required for admission to the program. The breadth of their experience includes dedicated frontline EMTs, medical assistants, cardiac sonographers, athletic trainers, and PT technicians.

In the history of higher education and our nation, now is a critical time

for an emphasis on the importance of public health and high-quality medical care and the vital contributions made by health care professionals. Bryant’s

PA Class of 2024, who hail from across New England and from as far away as California, Texas and Florida, comes to

the University with an impressive service record including vital contributions made to helping others in their communities.

Bryant’s School of Health Sciences and programs in healthcare are a key area of focus for the University’s

Vision 2030 strategic plan which was recently introduced to the Bryant community by President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. At the White Coat Ceremony, Gittell congratulated the students and said, “Wearing the white coat is a powerful sign of your commitment to excellence in medical care and your changed role in becoming a health care professional.

When you graduate, you will have the foundation to excel in all the competencies required for PA practice and equipped to meet the emerging needs of our health care system.

Bryant’s faculty, staff and students are all very glad that you are here.”

Engage | January 2022

5

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I N SSPPIIRREEDD TO TOEEXC XCE LE L P R OV O ST A P P O I N TM E N T of graduate and career-advancement programs, growth in undergraduate and graduate enrollment, and the addition of new academic programs — including in B-STEM and the health and behavioral sciences. Dr. Paliwal will also work on the enhancement of experiential learning and Bryant’s strategically aligned investments in new facilities and technology.

“The Bryant Board of Trustees could not be more excited about incoming Provost Paliwal,” said Chair of the Board David M. Beirne ’85.

“As Bryant’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Paliwal’s strategic leadership experience will enhance our academic excellence, selectivity and nationally recognized top 1% ROI (Return on Investment) education.”

“As an experienced university provost and executive leader who has guided strategic planning to achieve transformational institutional growth,

6 Engage | January 2022

continued from page 1 Dr. Paliwal will be a significant asset to Bryant at this key time in our University’s history,” said President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “As Provost and Chief Academic Officer, he will work with our faculty and the entire Bryant community to create programs that continue to advance Bryant’s student-centered focus, superior return on education investment, and academic excellence.”

“Bryant is at the forefront of addressing all the key concerns that we hear about higher education.

Bryant’s unique interdisciplinary curriculum prepares real-world ready graduates who achieve one of the highest ROI nationally,” said Dr. Paliwal. “I am drawn to the Bryant community’s commitment to delivering exceptional student outcomes with one of the most robust undergraduate business programs and applied liberal arts programs with clear pathways to professional success.”

In addition to working closely with Bryant’s Academic Affairs leadership and faculty, he will work closely with President Gittell’s executive Cabinet to enhance Bryant’s integrated academic and student life learning environment, advocate and build greater visibility for academic affairs, advance selected academic and research areas, recruit and retain outstanding faculty, and continue to build on Bryant’s rising national rankings.

During his 17 years at Sacred Heart University, Dr. Paliwal served as Sacred Heart’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs from 2016-May 2021 and was previously Acting Provost/VPAA, Vice President for Strategic Planning, Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Planning, and Interim Dean and Associate Dean of the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology. Prior to these senior administrative positions, Dr. Paliwal

held teaching roles as a faculty member in Sacred Heart’s Finance Department.

Before Sacred Heart, he was Senior Officer at the National Stock Exchange of India.

Incoming Provost Paliwal holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Rani Durgawati University (Jabalpur, India); a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and Chartered Financial Analyst from ICFAI Business School (India); and a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Connecticut.

To learn more about Bryant University and the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, visit

news.bryant.edu.

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

WJMF to celebrate 50 years at Homecoming Weekend this fall

LAUNCHING ROCK STARS

O

general manager, started training and selecting staff. “At that time, to of Stephen Boulter ’74 and an earlier secure Bryant’s broadcasting frequency, champion, Richard Charnack ’72, everyone had to pass an intensive became reality. In October 1972, Bryant exam,” recalls Boulter who drove with College approved funding for the new fellow classmates to Boston in a blizzard campus radio station and the Radio Club to take the exam. of Bryant College.

Bryant’s station finally went live Charnack had started the ball rolling in February 1974 over the intercom in 1971 before the move to the new and later, in August 1974, the station campus. His experience working with received license approval with a Brown’s radio station, WBRU-FM, transmitter power output of 10 watts provided the foundation for a detailed from 91.5 on the FM band. outline and budget for how a radio Boulter noted, “FM was in its station could be launched at Bryant’s infancy at the time, and we broadcast new campus. in monaural for the first several years.”

The first year was rocky. The station The FCC allowed Bryant to have a Stephen Boulter ’74 was scheduled to go live in February multiplier to have a broader reach 1973, but it took another full year to beyond the Smithfield campus. challenge by a local television station. clear all the hurdles with the FCC and a By the late 1970s, WJMF had grown Boulter, the new station’s inaugural to 225 watts and could be tuned in well beyond Smithfield Throughout WJMF’s 50 years of broadcasting, nearly 1,000 students gained in stereo on the new valuable experience as DJs, commentators, and program managers. We know frequency 88.7. there are compelling stories about the station, its programming, operations and personnel, and we want Through the years, to hear yours. Share your WJMF story! We would especially love to receive your short video the station moved around campus — first histories, pictures, and written testimonials so we can include them in a 50-year celebration to be in the Unistructure, held during Homecoming which will be Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 2, 2022 on later in the MAC. By campus in Smithfield. Contact alumni@bryant.edu for a link to submit your memorabilia. the 1990s, WJMF was ne year after the opening of Bryant’s new campus in Smithfield, a dream

B AC K TO B RYA N T R E U N I O N website alumni.bryant.edu/reunion to see what is being offered. If you have other ideas for classes or an expertise you want to share, email Robin Warde at

rwarde@bryant.edu.

MILESTONE REUNIONS The Class of 1972 — the first to graduate from the Smithfield Campus — will be inducted into the Archway Society at a special luncheon on Saturday, June 25.

Jim Rosati ’72, a member of the Bryant Board of Trustees, hopes to see a record attendance from the class. “It will be great to renew old friendships and catch up with our classmates. We graduated at a pivotal time for Bryant, and I’m eager to have everyone see Bryant today. It’s a university we can all be very proud of.”

PA R T N E R S H I P S

The early 80s were very exciting for WJMF as it broadened its reach into the Providence audience and gained access to the top talent.

“College radio was seen as the catalyst for young musicians to get into the mainstream,” says Keith Schneider, WJMF Director from 1981–1984. Among many memories, Schneider recalled Bono from U2 launched the “Gloria” Boy Tour and Cyndy Lauper released her new album “Girls Just Want to have Fun” on a WJMF night at the Living Room.

in Residence Hall 6 before moving in 2004 to its current home in the Koffler Technology Center.

The most recent big change came about in 2011, when Bryant University transitioned the radio station on-line, ceding the 88.7 FM frequency to establish a partnership with WGBH out of Boston to simulcast their classical music radio station. Today’s station broadcasts via the WJMF livestream and on the 88.7 HD-2 radio channel. WJMF’s newly renovated space will be complete in spring 2022 including a broadcast studio, podcast booths and access to the full technology of the Koffler Center, including a television studio.

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Celebrating five years will be the Class of 2017, but we hope 2016 and 2015 will take advantage of the opportunity to rally around a weekend back at Bryant.

Bryant’s Alumni team will be reaching out to all the milestone reunion classes — 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th through the 50th Reunion to encourage classmates to come Back to Bryant.

“The Class of 1982 will be fired up to celebrate our 40th in June,” notes Dave Cooley ’82. “Homecoming and Reunion events over the years have always delivered big laughs, new memories and even new connections for alumni with other classes. We’ve always seen a good turnout, and after these past two years of fits and starts, this June Reunion is likely to be our most meaningful ever.”

A chance to relive her dorm experience resonated with Amy (Yankauskas) King ’91, who said, “My Class of 1991 missed getting together for our 30th during the pandemic, and we don’t want to wait until 2026. We lived in Dorm 5 for two years, so it may be a lot of fun staying there during reunion weekend to relive our Sophomore and Junior years!”

FAMILIES ARE WELCOME

the Beaver Brown Band, campus facilities, such as the pool and gym, and entertainment throughout the weekend including the Friday night movie and food trucks and

Families, including children, are encouraged to join us for the weekend. Imagine bunking in a suite in Hall 6 or 16 with your kids next door. We will offer a parallel schedule of family-friendly activities including free swim in the pool, open gym, arts and crafts — and an outdoor movie night with food trucks at Beirne Stadium. Student leaders will be on hand to help with activities, tours and fun!

BEAVER BROWN BAND CAPS THE WEEKEND John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band will perform for everyone on Saturday evening. Alumni from the 1970s and 1980s will remember their campus performances. The band continues to tour worldwide and we are pleased to bring them Back to Bryant for Reunion Weekend.

Your Reunion early bird registration of $60 provides access to Alumni College,

class picnics on Saturday.

Weekend on-campus housing and a festive lobster (or steak) dinner Saturday evening are available à la carte.

A portion of your registration will support financial aid and counts toward your reunion class gift. Children 5 and under are free, and those ages 6-14 are $15 each. Visit alumni.bryant.edu/ reunion for the latest schedule of events, specific details on housing costs, and to take advantage of our discounted early bird registration. Prices will go up after April 15, so register soon.

“The sky is the limit when we don’t have to compete for campus space and parking,” notes Warde. “We will make this Back to Bryant Reunion a party to remember.”

Names of Bryant alumni guests pictured in Partnership photos can be viewed at facebook.com/BryantAlumni.

Elizabeth Radocchio ’06 and Phil Ciaccio Newport, RI | October 15, 2021

Stephanie Leach ’16 and Andrew Lampi Saco, ME | October 16, 2021

Emdadur Rahman ’10 and Kate Demin Groton, MA | December 11, 2021

Engage | January 2022

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E V E N TS , C A L E N DA R A N D C O N TAC TS

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CORPORATE SPONSORS AAA NORTHEAST AND EY

Bryant’s IDEA Program Celebrates 10 Years Bryant University’s IDEA (Innovation and Design Experience for All) program is more than just an opportunity to learn important skills and gain important experience, IDEA Director and Professor of Psychology Allison Butler, Ph.D., told the members of Bryant’s Class of 2025 as they prepared to take part in the three-day design thinking bootcamp. The program, now in its tenth year, she noted, has always been about changing the world.

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FLASH MOB

136

10,032

27,200

JOURNEY MAPS CREATED

number of thumbnail sketches drawn in the Opening Session

Through IDEA 2022, more than 620 members of DANCES BY Bryant’s first year class began to take their first steps student mentors toward making those grand dreams a reality and joined the nearly 8,000 Bryant students who have already completed the IDEA program over the course of its history. By working together, and with the support of the entire University, they honed the skills of ideas written on world-class innovators — skills that will post-its during students who became prepare them to conceive, and achieve, IDEA innovators in just more than they ever thought possible. three days

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Read more about IDEA 2022 by visiting www.news.bryant.edu.

Alumni and parents were excited to cheer on the Bryant Men’s Basketball Team at Clemson in South Carolina on November 15. Many traveled hours for the chance to sit courtside right behind the Bulldogs. It was a tough loss, but there were a few shining moments to celebrate such as an early lead! Pictured in the foreground is Michelle (Rendeiro) McConnell ’92.

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

APRIL

JUNE

IMPACT Boston – Alumni & Student Idea Exchange and Reception Wednesday, March 9 5:30–7:30 PM 116 Huntington St., 15th Floor Boston, MA

Financial Services Forum Friday, April 1 Smithfield, RI

Alumni Achievement Awards & Dinner Friday, June 24 Smithfield, RI

President’s Reception Naples Thursday, March 10 5–7 PM The Clubhouse at StoneCreek Naples, FL

New York City area alumni gathered at the launch of S Bar in Hudson Yards in November.

President’s Reception Fort Lauderdale Sunday, March 13 5–7 PM Fort Lauderdale Hilton Fort Lauderdale, FL Dubai Alumni & MBA Reception Wednesday, March 16 Rove Downtown Dubai, UAE

Alumni from the Cincinnati area gathered in December to cheer on the Bulldogs. Alumni and guests pictured include Regina (Castro) Becker ’14 and her husband, Francisco; Erin Beltran ’05MBA and family; Jay Weinberg ’85; Mathhew McLaughlin ’92 and family; and Samuel Marks ’12 and his wife, Kyndal. (Not pictured are Billie (Sanders) Mounts ’97 and family.)

INTERESTED IN GATHERING WITH ALUMNI IN YOUR CITY? Reach out to us at alumni@bryant.edu.

ADDITIONS

Denver Alumni & Parent Reception Wednesday, March 30 6–8 PM LowDown Brewery + Kitchen Denver, CO

Charlotte Alumni & Parent Reception Tuesday, April 19 6–8 PM Napa on Providence Charlotte, NC 25th Annual Women’s Summit Wednesday, April 27 Smithfield, RI Athletics Hall of Fame Awards & Dinner Saturday, April 30 Smithfield, RI

MAY Graduate School Commencement Thursday, May 19 Smithfield, RI Undergraduate Commencement Saturday, May 21 Smithfield, RI

Back to Bryant: Reunion 2022 June 24–26 Smithfield, RI Give Back to Bryant: Newport Sunday, June 26 Golf Outing – Newport National Cocktail Reception – 5:30–7:30 PM New York Yacht Club President’s Cup Golf Tournament Monday, June 27 Newport Country Club

NEW EVENTS ARE ADDED FREQUENTLY Check alumni.

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

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

Notices received through February 1, 2022

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Meghan (Lovell) Murphy ’04 and her husband, Adam, welcomed their second daughter, Joanna, on November 5, 2021. Joanna joins big sister, Eleanor (4).

A day of golf at the #1 public course in New England — Newport National Country Club. An evening reception at the New York Yacht Club.

Lora (Zaccaro) Ryan ’13 and Chad Ryan ’11 welcomed their first child, Cillian James Ryan, on November 8, 2021.

Let us help celebrate your news! Submit your announcement to alumni@bryant.edu or enter a class note through our online directory at alumni.bryant.edu.

MONDAY, JUNE 27 18th Annual President’s Cup Golf Tournament at historic Newport Country Club.

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

s t ay i n t o u c h

e n gag e s ta f f

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

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

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.”

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

Jessica Purcell

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

Kathleen Brown Jessica Dang ’16 Stephen Kostrzewa Christina Senecal ’95 Jillian Walinski ’21

project specialist

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

Meg Cummins