Bryant Engage - October 2019

Engage D

no.

These open listening sessions helped to reinforce what is distinctive about our school and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the next leader. We heard from you that Bryant University’s next president should be a visionary leader who embraces the Bryant mission, one who will build upon and expand our current strengths to enhance Bryant’s competitive positioning in an environment in which many institutions are struggling to identify competitive strategic positions and goals for the future. continues on page 8

7

U.S. News & World Report 2020

I N S I G H TS A N D OPPORTUNITIES F O R A LU M N I , PA R E N TS , A N D FRIENDS Volume 23 No. 4 October 2019

Bryant University’s Presidential Search uring the past four months, Bryant’s Presidential Search Committee has had the opportunity to engage with trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and friends. Over the past four months hundreds of community members have participated in listening sessions held with our partners at Spencer Stuart and contributed to the online survey. We appreciate the active engagement of this broad representation of our community and are grateful for the range of perspectives that have been shared.

B RYA N T UNIVERSITY

4 Reunion@Homecoming 6 Partners in Scholarship 7 Bryant Giving Day

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

The transformational impact of giving to Bryant

By David C. Wegrzyn ’86

A

s we enter the final two months of our historic capital campaign, it is inspiring to see its impact continue to resonate throughout the Bryant community. This fall, it was a pleasure to join hundreds from the Bryant community at celebrations to toast the success of Expanding the World

of Opportunity: The Campaign for Bryant’s Bold Future. Earlier

this year, the campaign reached its increased “stretch” goal of $100 million, and the current total stands at more than $109 million — an incredible accomplishment.

Thanks to the generosity of so many, our vision for Bryant as an innovative leader in higher education has become reality. Our academic programs and curricula have been

retooled for tomorrow’s emerging industries and global business challenges. The ambitious Bryant Builds initiative has resulted in spectacular new facilities and a 21st-century campus that is designed for student success.

And with more students applying to Bryant than ever before, we have created more than 100 new scholarships to help make a Bryant continues on page 8

NO. 7

BRYANT JUMPED THREE SPOTS TO IN THE 2020 U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT COLLEGE RANKINGS (rising 17 places in the 16 years since

William J. Conaty ’67 and Michael E. Fisher ’67 offer their congratulations and gratitude at the Campaign Celebration Gala September 27.

Follow us on social media Smithfield, RI 02917-1284 1150 Douglas Pike Bryant University

INSPIRED TO EXCEL

the University entered the Regional Universities North category).

The University is also recognized as the No. 8 Most Innovative School, No. 3 Best College for Veterans, and No. 17 for Best Undergraduate Teaching. Bryant’s International Business (IB) program is ranked as one of the best in the nation — No. 25 in a field of some of the most prestigious universities in the country.

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

C A M P U S V I S I TS M A D E P E R S O N A L Summer was filled with visitors to campus. Clockwise from left, Jude Addo ’11 (wearing cap) visited campus with his wife Olamide, daughter Anaya, and friends from London. Troy Byrd ’00 was in the area from the West Coast. Stephen Boulter ’74, a founder of WJMF, met with the current WJMF manager Riley Lynch ’20. Michael Gurevich ’96 visited campus from California with his daughter Elizabeth. Jack Foley ’61 of Palm Beach, FL, visited the Smithfield campus for the first time with friends and classmates, Linda (Kent) Goodwin ’60 and Webster Goodwin ’61 of Riverside, RI.

COLLEGIAL COMMUNITY It is my honor and pleasure

NAC

to serve Bryant University in a dual capacity these next two years. I continue as a member

CORNER

of the Board of Trustees, and

The Class of 2023 at Bryant University N OT YO U R AV E R AG E C L ASS !

now am beginning a two-year term as President of the National Alumni Association.

I’ll use this first column to outline some of the reasons I am involved with Bryant and hope they will resonate with you as

3.4

HIGH SCHOOL GPA

29

CLASS RANK

you consider your role as alumni.

1216 SAT

Averages

First — I want to have a voice. Bryant’s prestige rests both on the success of our graduates as well as how the University is perceived by the public, future students and their parents,

The 891 members of the Class of 2023 were drawn from

other higher education leaders, employers, and other stakeholders. Under President Machtley, Bryant has been bold,

the largest applicant pool in Bryant’s 156-year history. They earned admission through impressive academics, leadership experience, and character. The average high school GPA for the Class of 2023 was 3.4, and the average SAT total score was 1216. More than 7 percent of the Class of 2023 are international students, hailing from 25 countries on five continents. Twenty-four of the 50 states are represented in this first-year class. Just over 21 percent of the Class of 2023 are the first in their families to attend college, and more than 200 members of the Class of 2023 have family members who have earned a degree from Bryant.

and our reach and reputation have continued to rise. I currently serve on the committee that is selecting the next president, and I can assure you that we will identify the right leader for Bryant’s next phase. Bryant is growing in all the right directions, and our future president will have the vision to take Bryant to the next level. We are confident the search will deliver the best candidate for Bryant’s needs now and the future.

Second — I want to ensure that Bryant continues to be a welcoming place for every student. Diversity at Bryant is more than meeting a goal or focusing on a specific representation. Bryant must strive to be a place for inclusion, equality, and civility where individuals from various backgrounds have a voice.

Third — as an educator, business leader, and mentor, I want to ensure that both men and women at Bryant are prepared for a workforce that is evolving, and that they are supported

Our partnership with Amica spans Bryant’s campus and our alumni family.

The Rhode Island-based insurance company supports multiple Bryant initiatives, including events like our annual New Graduate Welcome Reception.

Pictured here are Francesca Hazard

by a strong alumni network. Graduates of Bryant from all decades can play a role by offering internships, job shadowing, informal career advice, and by hiring Bryant talent.

Our National Alumni Council invites you to be more involved with Bryant. You can join our Alumni Ambassadors program or sign up to provide career advice on AlumniFire – or both!

What is the one thing you wish someone had taken the

’18, Meagan Brennan ’12, and Paul Marcello ’15. More

time to share with you during your Bryant journey? I am sure our current students have a similar question.

Please email me care of

alumni@

bryant.edu to share your ideas and to find ways that you can be involved in shaping the future of Bryant.

— Rita Williams-Bogar ’76 President National Alumni Association

Be sure to contact the Office of Alumni Engagement if you plan to visit.

Whether living near or far, alumni are encouraged to come to campus and tell us about their Bryant experiences. Email alumni@bryant.edu with your expected visit date.

ALUMNI AND PARENT NE TWORKING EVENTS

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

William Brian Gowen ’13 (right), a Financial Analyst and Bank Examiner at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, returned to campus to talk with the incoming members of the Honors Program about how to make the most of their Bryant education. “Coming to Bryant was the absolute best experience of my life thus far, the best choice I’ve made,” noted Gowen. “It set me up for everything I wanted to do and more, both personally and professionally.”

Gowen encouraged the students to “challenge the conventional.” “Go outside your comfort zone, do something a little bit different, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and take risks,” he said. “There are very few other

places in the world where the system is inherently designed for you to explore and be curious, but also has a safety net and support system that can guide you along as you create your own path.”

than 130 Bulldogs work for Amica. In addition, Amica has been the lead sponsor of Bryant’s Women’s Summit and has a longstanding partnership with our Office of Alumni Engagement to offer personal insurance protection to alumni. Their annual support has helped expand our webinar program and regional alumni events. To learn more about our Amica Partnership visit alumniconnect.bryant.edu or call Amica at 800.459.4000. Be sure to mention you are a Bryant alum.

View more pictures at facebook.com/bryantalumni/photos

July 23 | Denver

August 1 | Baltimore

An enthusiastic group of alumni, parents, and incoming students gathered at the ART Hotel. Pictured left to right are: Brian Tracey, Becky Lafrancois ’05, Julian Pagnotta ’23, Eric Zhang ’21, Matt Tracey ’11, Steve Pagnotta P’23, and Monica Pagnotta P’23.

Alumni, new students, and parents joined members of the Student Alumni Association for a welcome reception in Baltimore.

July 25 | Boston

July 18 | NYC Our annual new alumni welcome reception in NYC attracted a crowd to a rooftop reception at VERSA.

Boston’s annual new alumni reception attracted a sold-out crowd to Tia’s. Pictured here are: Josh Hynes ’16, Kelly Lasko ’16, Alex Sweester ’11, Mary To ’16, Marielle Mekkaoui ’16, Torey O’Leary ’16, and Matt Licari ’16.

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.

August 7 | Dominican Republic August 1 | Long Island Linda Screeney ’91 hosted the Bryant community

at her waterfront home on Long Island. Pictured here are Dave Suaviso ’96, Jeff Hedberg ’08, and Suzanne (Lynch) Kranz ’84.

Alberto Cruz P’21 hosted students and

parents for a welcome reception at his home in Santo Domingo. Pictured here are Aura Heinsen ’21, Alberto Cruz ’21, Miguel Betances Pichardo ’23, and Gustavo Betances Pichardo ’21.

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

2 Engage | October 2019

Engage | October 2019

3

REUNION@HOMECOMING 2019 | SEPTEMBER 27 – 28 Reunion@Homecoming was another tremendous success with more than 1,000 alumni on campus attending various events and parties. We had live music at locations throughout campus, and the evening was capped by a Campaign Celebration

S

everal new initiatives,like the Pancakes, Professors, and Prosecco event,

turned out to be a hit and will certainly make a comeback next year. Class turnouts were

featuring the band Roomful of Blues, as well as a gala held at

excellent, with the Class

the Rosecliff mansion in Newport.

attendance at a 50th reunion

of 1969 setting a record for party. Visit our alumni Facebook page— facebook.com/ bryantalumni — to see the best images from the weekend.

The Class of 1969

Mark your calendars for October 1-2, 2020, when we expect to celebrate all Bryant alumni graduating in the years ending in 5 and 0.

4 Engage | October 2019

Engage | October 2019

5

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

Summer Internship Fellowships help students honor their gifts and talents

Bryant Giving Day 2019 inspires Bulldogs near and far

W

B

hen he first learned of the summer Outreach Coordinator position with the Rhode Island Public Defender’s Office, Politics and Law student Andrew McCotter ’21 knew it would be perfect for him. It would give him an opportunity to build experience and learn firsthand about the career he was preparing for.

For McCotter, a fellowship made that dream internship possible.

Through Bryant’s 2019 Summer Internship Fellowship program, he and students like him from across a range of disciplines were empowered to take on key internships helping them find their path and realize their career goals.

“I thought that I had wanted to go into public law before my fellowship, but my summer in the Public Defender’s Office confirmed it. Now I can’t see myself doing anything other than criminal justice reform,” says McCotter.

“My internship helped me clarify my path and my goals — and make so many connections that I know are going to be helpful in the future.”

HONORING THEIR GIFTS Offered through Bryant’s Amica Center for Career Education, the Summer Internship Fellowships allow students to pursue high-level internships that provide only a small stipend or are unpaid. Fellowships allow them to explore career options, learn more about a prospective field, and develop skills they’ll need for success.

My internship helped me clarify my path and my goals — and make so many connections that I know are going to be helpful in the future.

ANDREW MCCOT TER ’21 “Our students at Bryant are devoted to honoring their gifts and talents. One way of doing that is finding careers and positions that provide the best fit,” notes Amy Ames, a career coach with the career education center and coordinator of the Summer Internship Fellowship program.

“By the end of their fellowships, the students’ confidence has grown exponentially,” she adds. “They’ve been given the opportunity to do real work in their field of interest.”

REAL EXPERIENCE Team and Project Management major Kacie Galligan ’19 received the Leger R. Morrison Endowed Internship Scholarship, which provides need-based stipends for students pursuing summer internships with nonprofit, cultural, or arts institutions. Her summer internship post was with WaterFire Providence, and exposed her to a host of responsibilities managing a corps of volunteers. From clerical tasks to marketing to event-day set up, Galligan’s experience gave the native

Bryant professor who had a singular impact on her life and career in arts leadership and education. Galligan and Allen stayed in touch throughout Galligan’s internship.

“There is no substitute for the type of experience that an Melissa Rodriguez ’21 and Andrew McCotter ’21 internship can provide interned at the Rhode Island Public Defender’s office through at such a critical time in Bryant’s Summer Internship Fellowship program. a student’s life,” says Allen, a Principal with Rhode Islander an important inside Non Profit Specialists and an Adjunct look at what it takes to produce a large Faculty Member at the College of and complex event.

Charleston, SC. “The right internship “I got to exercise my team and can inspire confidence and provide a project management skills, and I also roadmap for professional success.” learned how to lead and work with As for McCotter, his internship other people — presenting myself as taught him more than job skills and both a representative of WaterFire, and about working in a professional office. also of Bryant University,” Galligan He learned that hard work can change says. “I was able to extend my network, people’s lives, which inspired him to working not only with WaterFire, commit to being part of that change. but also with other local sponsoring companies.”

If it hadn’t been for the Leger R. Morrison Endowed Internship scholarship, she says she would not have been able to pursue the targeted summer work experience.

The Leger R. Morrison Endowed Internship Fund was established by Judith Allen ’55, in honor of the

You can support a Summer Internship Fellowship with a single-year gift to fund an opportunity for one student for $2,500, or you can underwrite an endowed fellowship that will provide renewed support to a different student each year for $50,000. Contact Edward A. Magro, Executive Director of Development, at emagro@bryant.edu or 401.232.6528.

Alumni support Partners in Scholarship Program to expand opportunity for deserving Bryant students B

ryant’s commitment to a strong and diverse academic community is reflected in its Partners in Scholarship program. A growing network of alumni, parents, and friends have stepped forward to provide annual grants of $5,000 that are awarded to top students with financial need. The funds help ensure that Bryant is accessible to deserving students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds and life experiences.

College today is a necessity in the business world and it is great to see deserving students get a break.

JASON P. MACARI ’90 Alumni supporters of the program, whose years at Bryant are separated by decades, have found common ground in their desire to establish the scholarships, which provide direct student aid in the year following their creation.

Frank Reis ’69 and Mary (Thornton) Reis ’69, who met at Bryant and married six months after graduation,

6 Engage | October 2019

enjoyed long careers in teaching and higher education administration.

Their Partners in Scholarship gift is focused on students in Human Resource Management, a career field where they each excelled.

“We both feel that strong human resource policies and practices are integral to the success of any organization,” explains Frank.

Having received scholarship assistance and federal loans that were reduced by their teaching at inner city schools in Providence, “we recognize that today’s students are just like us and require different levels of financial need in order to attend Bryant University.

throughout Rhode Island.

As a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, “I had my own challenges affording undergraduate school. So, it hits close to home,” explains Jason. “College today is a necessity in the business world and it is great to see deserving students get a break. Bryant is an excellent school and I hate to see quality students who should be at the school not be able to attend.”

Kaelyn Ulrich Leger ’07 and her husband Ben Leger ’07 established the

Carolyn U. MaHarry ’84 Memorial Scholarship to honor her late aunt, a woman who exhibited unwavering

Bryant professors for giving her a firm foundation in marketing and helping her land her first job,” notes Kaelyn.

“As an 18-year-old, my aunt was the coolest ‘adult’ I’d ever met. So, I followed in her footsteps and attended Bryant myself. Carolyn always inspired us to pursue our passions and really had a knack for recognizing our unique gifts. This is our way to honor her life and continue her legacy.”

Another common theme for alumni is their hope that the student recipients of the scholarships will be successful and someday return the favor. For Frank and Mary Reis, “helping prepare students, one at a time, to successfully

We want to help enable them to have courage, grace, and determination complete their journey through Bryant greater success and to support their throughout her groundbreaking career is critical, with hopes that they ‘give journey through Bryant,” he adds. and in battles with chronic illness and forward’ throughout their careers and Jason P. Macari ’90 MBA and ovarian cancer. The scholarship will beyond.” his wife, Martha Macari, created a be awarded to a female student who That inspiration is echoed by the Partners in Scholarship fund that is has demonstrated leadership through Macaris. “Every little bit that people being awarded for the first time this involvement in student groups or can do to help one another makes the academic year. Jason is an entrepreneur co-curricular activities, or has overcome world a little better place,” says Jason. who founded Summer Infant, and adversity with courage and grace.

“Hopefully the person who receives Baby Delight, two popular consumer “Carolyn always credited her the grant passes it on when they can!” products companies focused on the needs of children and families.

You, too, can provide much-needed financial support to Bryant University students. To He also founded Macari Properties, learn more about the Partners in Scholarship Program, contact Edward A. Magro, which purchases, develops, and manages commercial properties Executive Director of Development, at emagro@bryant.edu or 401.232.6528.

M O R E T H A N 1,600 D O N O R S E XC E E D $700,000 F O R S C H O L A R S H I PS , AC A D E M I C S , ST U D E N T L I F E , A N D M O R E ryant’s Giving Day 2019 inspired generous giving from Bryant community members across the country and around the world.

Though final numbers have yet to be tallied, at press time more than 1,600 donors gave in excess of $700,000 to the University. Those contributions will help fund vital scholarships, academic offerings, student life activities, women’s initiatives, athletics, and more.

With a “Be a Part of Something Big” theme, the October 24 Giving Day was a reminder that when everyone joins an effort, even small contributions can add up to something big.

Donating from as far away as Hong Kong, people from around the world remembered Bryant ­— alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students, and friends all rallied to show their support by donating, and encouraging friends and family to do the same.

“The Bryant community came together once again to help the University strengthen our academic and co-curricular programs, as well as our scholarship offerings and global initiatives," said David Wegrzyn ’86, M.Ed., Vice President for University Advancement. “I’m so proud to be a part of this worldwide community of Bulldogs who believe so deeply in the future of Bryant, our students, and the value of a Bryant University degree.”

“After 24 years of working at this great institution,” said Ronald K. Machtley, who will retire as University President at the end of the 2020 academic year, “one thing that I’ve learned is never underestimate the capacity of great people to accomplish great goals. Bryant’s successful Giving

Day and its generous donor challenges brought hundreds of individuals together to be a part of something big.”

This year’s Giving Day success received a substantial lift from several challenges and contests throughout the day. For the second consecutive year, dedicated Bryant supporters Kathryn “Kathi” (Jurewicz) ’81 and Joseph “Joe” Puishys ’80 issued a $100,000 challenge to help Bryant reach Giving Day fundraising goals. In addition, an anonymous donor stepped up this year with a $100,000 challenge, matching each gift as it came in until the challenge amount was met.

The Dean’s Council for the College of Business issued its own $50,000 match challenge, and several scholarship and athletic challenges were complemented by a number of in-the-moment challenges from donors online as the momentum of the day grew.

Thirty-two percent of giving came from undergraduate and graduate alumni. High alumni participation in giving helps boost Bryant’s national rankings — up to No. 7 regionally this year, according to US News & World Report, and No. 25 nationally for International Business — making Bryant an even stronger and more prestigious institution.

Black & Gold Athletics had the highest number of individual donors, at 406. Giving Day Advocates reached out to family and friends to encourage donations, with Briana Marconnon ’20 alone generating 46 donations from her senior classmates, and winning a prize for her enthusiastic efforts.

Balloons adorned the Rotunda, where giant letters spelling out the Bryant name set the stage for fun photo opportunities throughout the day. A robust social media campaign

I’m proud to be a part of this worldwide community of Bulldogs who believe so deeply in the future of Bryant, our students, and the value of a Bryant University degree.

DAVID WEGRZYN ’86 boosted the online reach of the event, connecting with alumni and friends around the world who follow and support Bryant.

“Giving Day is a fun and exciting time for everyone associated with Bryant, and such an important day for the University,” said Nora Marzocchi, Bryant Fund Director. "It’s a time when the whole community rallies around creating new opportunities for students, and showing the world what it means to ‘Be Bryant.’”

Giving Day has come and gone, but it’s never too late to contribute and make an impact at Bryant. All gifts through December 31 will be counted as part of the University’s capital campaign, Expanding

the World of Opportunity: The Campaign for Bryant’s Bold Future. Please visit givingday.bryant.edu where you can contribute and see details about Giving Day results, or call 877.353.5667 and make your donation today.

YOU’RE THE TEAMMATE WE’RE COUNTING ON! “ Bryant Athletics unites the entire campus community — students, alumni, parents, and friends — with pride and school spirit. Together we are building something special here, on the solid foundation of our Black & Gold Club.”

— BILL SMITH, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Join the Black & Gold Club and support Bryant student-athletes.

Each year, Black & Gold Club members help Bryant student-athletes succeed — ­ both on the field and in the classroom. All gifts to Bryant Athletics qualify for the Black & Gold Club. Exclusive member benefits begin with a Captains Level contribution of $500 or more.

Visit bryant.edu/blackandgoldclub to join today!

Engage | October 2019

7

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

The transformational impact of giving to Bryant

Join the conversation

continued from page 1 education possible for every student who is inspired to excel.

Our success is the result of unprecedented donor support, and thanks to Bryant’s rising rankings and reputation, a hard-earned Bryant degree has never been more valuable.

With so many Bryant grads eager to “be a part of something big,” our second Bryant Giving Day last month helped push Bulldog pride to an all-time high, with more than 1,600 contributors raising more than $700,000 and reflecting a new level of participation and alumni engagement that continues to climb (see article on page 7).

Over the next several months, we will also be celebrating the transformational impact President Ron and Kati Machtley have had on Bryant as they begin their final semester of leadership before retirement. Watch for news on

$109 million

Our success is the result of unprecedented donor support, and thanks to Bryant’s rising rankings and reputation, a hard-earned Bryant degree has never been more valuable.

$75 million original goal

alumniconnect.bryant.edu for exciting opportunities to engage with them, as well as other upcoming alumni events near you.

In the meantime, Expanding

the World of Opportunity: The Campaign for Bryant’s Bold Future will continue until December

31, 2019, so if you have not yet made a gift to the campaign, there is still time! You can ensure that our momentum continues to grow, and with your gift you will join the more than 24,000 campaign contributors who have helped to transform Bryant. Visit bryant.edu/givenow to make your campaign gift today!

MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY BY VISITING

David C. Wegrzyn ’86 Vice President for University Advancement

bryant.edu/givenow

Presidential Search continued from page 1 The valuable insights that you shared became the foundation of the position specification for the Bryant presidency. We encourage you to read the position specification, as it lays out our shared priorities for future success in detail. We continue to make excellent progress on the search for Bryant’s next president and in the weeks ahead will be using this document as a key part of our candidate search and assessment process.

PLAN YOUR BRYANT LEGACY TODAY

Thank you again for your engagement in this process.

While the formal listening sessions have concluded, we continue to welcome input. We are pleased to launch a new microsite for the Presidential Search,

presidential-search.bryant.edu, which includes the position specification, frequently asked questions, background information on members of our Search Committee, and resources for candidates. Please contact us, our partners at Spencer Stuart, or members of the Search Committee to share your thoughts or suggestions.

Sincerely,

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 plannedgiving.bryant.edu.

8 Engage | October 2019

William J. Conaty ’67 and Dr. Patricia O’Brien P’15 Bryant University Board of Trustees

Visit presidential-search.bryant.edu to read the Position Specification and learn more about the Presidential Search.

Find and follow Bryant University on your favorite social media platforms.

N M P S

T WIT TER @BryantUniv

FACEBOOK BryantUniversity

I NSTAGRAM BryantUniversity

L INKEDIN school/bryant-university

Keep up with Bryant Alumni organizations on these social media sites

N M P S

T WIT TER @BryantAlumni

FACEBOOK BryantAlumni

I NSTAGRAM Bryant_Alumni

L INKEDIN Bryant University Alumni Association (Group)

Engage | October 2019

9

I N SSPPIIRREEDD TO TOEEXC XCE LE L

PAT R I C I A O ’ B R I E N P ’15:

A family legacy at Bryant P atricia O’Brien DBA, P’15 has roots

O’Brien Endowed Scholarship Fund,

that run deep at Bryant University.

helping Bryant students achieve their

Not only was her father an alumnus (the

educational goals since 1997.

William O’Brien ’50, ’54), but her daughter Gabriella “Ellie” Badaracco ’15 received a BA in Communication.

Budget & Planning in the Office of

A career educator and administrator,

she works to develop new policies

late

O’Brien is the Associate Provost for the Provost at Boston University, where

O’Brien was elected to the Bryant Board

and procedures and helps drive the

of Trustees in 2013. Her close connection

annual budgeting process. She has

with Bryant is one of the many ways

served in her current post since 2016.

she helps shape the future of students and higher education.

Currently, she is serving as Co-Chair

She joined Boston University in 2007, serving as the Associate Dean for Administration and Finance at the

of Bryant University’s Presidential

BU School of Public Health. She joined

Search Committee to select a successor

the Office of the Provost in 2014

to President Ronald K. Machtley upon

as the Assistant Provost for Graduate

his retirement in 2020. She shares this

Enrollment Management, leading

role with

William J. Conaty ’67.

strategic efforts to achieve and sustain graduate enrollment goals.

T I N A ( M O N AC O ) S T. P I E R R E ’ 92:

Thriving as a woman in private equity

R

ecruited from a top accounting

know how to work through it;

firm to join Landmark Partners,

Bryant gave me the foundation to

a registered investment advisor based in Simsbury, CT,

Tina St. Pierre ’92

solve complex problems.”

Her days are filled with diverse

A R T E M F E DYA E V ’ 12:

Seizing opportunity with Grabr A rtem Fedyaev ’12, knew there

or advertising beyond word-of-mouth.

was an opportunity waiting for a

While not yet profitable, the 35-person

disruptive solution.

“Every time we went [back home]

startup, which launched in 2016, has secured more than $14 million in venture

faced both challenges and opportunities.

commitments, including evaluating the

to Russia, family and friends wanted

capital. Sales grew threefold between

Fourteen years later, she became the

risks and requirements of establishing

us to bring something back — Apple

2017 and 2018, and are projected to

firm’s first female partner.

a Landmark office outside of the

items, or special shampoos from CVS

do the same this year, Fedyaev says.

United States, negotiating investors’

— they couldn’t find there,” explains

He’s learned that building a strong team

behind the scenes in accounting. I wasn’t

partnership agreements, and structuring

Fedyaev, who also watched other Bryant

is essential for any startup to grow.

raising capital and I wasn’t sourcing

complex transactions. She informally

international students buy consumer

“Be very smart about who you hire,”

transactions, so I had to work diligently

mentors younger colleagues. She tells

goods to take home to their families.

he advises. “You’re hiring long-term.”

to show people that I could still add

them, “You have a voice; speak up and

“So many people around the world don’t

value to the firm,” recalled St. Pierre.

you will be heard. We saw your potential

have the access we do in Europe and

degree program helped shape his

During her nine-year tenure as the sole

when we hired you, but you need to

the United States — we’re spoiled,”

entrepreneurial desire. “[In class] we

woman partner, she never felt ignored,

advocate for yourself and promote your

but “being the only female at the table

contributions.”

“Before I made partner, I was

had its challenges.”

“ You can solve any problem if you know how to work through it; Bryant gave me the foundation to solve complex problems.”

“ Bryant is a special place, where students are truly inspired to excel” — Patricia O’Brien P’15

He and his wife and co-founder,

His Bryant International Business

looked at big companies like Starbucks,

Daria Rebenok, were named to the

and I got inspired,” recalls Fedyaev.

2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for their

“I wanted to build something of my

innovative startup, Grabr, which has,

own.” In fact, as students, he and his

to date, benefited an international

roommate

peer-to-peer marketplace community

developed a social discovery browser,

of more than 500,000 people.

mywebroom, which earned attention

John Michael Gonzalez ’12

from Google’s Daydream VR platform.

Though that venture didn’t endure, Grabr is today enabling a new kind of commerce worldwide.

Eric Handa ’97, CEO of APTelecom, hosted a group of International Business students along with Professor Michael Roberto for an August 19 dinner in Barcelona.

TRAVEL THE WORLD APRIL 25–MAY 7, 2020

JULY 29–AUGUST 5, 2020

Spain and Morocco with Collette prices from $4,299 p/p (includes airfare from Boston or other US cities)

Rhine Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel prices from $2,674 p/p (airfare not included)

SOLD OUT

Four staterooms remain!

JUNE 1–13, 2020

NOVEMBER 2020 TBD

Israel and Jordan with Scopia Tours prices from $4,999 p/p (airfare not included)

Mallorca Spain

— Tina St. Pierre ’92

international business and executive A lifelong math aficionado,

Business School faculty for more

St. Pierre is passionate about sharing

than a decade, and served as Deputy

her knowledge. Through her role as

Dean of Harvard College. She previously “Bryant is a special place, where students are truly inspired to excel,”

School of Management, and held

O’Brien says. “My father had a very

teaching positions at Babson College

successful career in business and always

and Brandeis University.

credited Bryant for that. It’s important

O’Brien received her Doctor of

to me and my family to make sure that

Business Administration from Harvard

what makes this University so special

University, an MBA from Simmons,

continues to grow in the future.”

and a bachelor’s degree in political

The O’Brien family name is visible in the George E. Bello Center for Information

science from Boston College.

She and her husband

Joseph “Joe”

and Technology on the Olga and William

Badaracco P’15 — who is the John

R. O’Brien ’50, ’54 Team Study Room.

Shad Professor of Business Ethics at the

Olga O’Brien maintains active and strong

Harvard Business School — are members

ties to the University. The family legacy

of the Bryant Leadership Council of

also includes the

William R. and Olga

Donors and the Parents Council.

— Artem Fedyaev ’12

a Junior Achievement board member,

was Dean of the Simmons College Today, as one of two women partners and the firm’s Chief Administrative Officer, St. Pierre oversees 48 colleagues in operations, including finance, human resources, legal, and IT. Landmark Partners has more than $25 billion in commitments under management, 135 employees and five offices, including one in London. Opportunities to resolve complex accounting situations — which she relishes — are rare, given her management responsibilities.

Nevertheless, Bryant’s tax and accounting classes “gave me such a good understanding of financial statements and double-sided journal entries,” she said. “You can solve any problem if you

ALUMNI AND PARENT NE TWORKING EVENTS

a special experience for adventurous alumni organized by Monika Sattler ’08.

Contact alumni@bryant.edu.

“ [In class] we looked at big companies like Starbucks, and I got inspired. I wanted to build something of my own.”

A widely respected expert in development, she was on the Harvard

with Bryant

she teaches basic finance principles to primary school classes. “I help them understand wants and needs; you don’t

The most popular items on Grabr?

need an Xbox, but you do need food,”

Apple products, naturally, but Grabr

she said. “They’re so fun to work with and help mold.”

Honored to speak to Bryant’s

Grabr.io matches international travelers with natives who seek products

Finance Association and Smart Women

they can’t get locally. Shoppers post

in Finance, and to serve on a Women

their desired products; travelers respond

in Executive Leadership panel, St. Pierre

with an offer, and both agree on terms

said, “I hope people will look at me —

of in-person delivery and compensation.

a woman with a family who is successful

Once the product is delivered and

in the male-dominated private equity

accepted, the traveler is compensated

sector — and realize that if they work

through the Grabr platform.

hard, advocate for themselves, and use

The San Francisco-based company

the skills they learn at Bryant, they

facilitated the delivery of products to

can succeed.”

72 countries last year, with no marketing

facilitated the delivery of more Stanley tea thermoses than iPhones in Argentina last year. Average compensation per trip is around $200, and Fedyaev says he and his wife earn enough to pay for their flights when they travel to and from Grabr’s offices in Buenos Aires, Moscow, and Sao Paulo. How does Fedyaev use Grabr? “I collect wines…

Alumni and friends cruised the Baltic Sea in 2018. Join us for an upcoming adventure with fellow Bulldogs.

and ask people to bring me wine from New Zealand and Argentina.”

More information on each of these unique travel opportunities is available online at alumniconnect.bryant.edu/alumnitravel or call Robin Warde at 401.232.6253 for more information.

View more pictures at facebook.com/bryantalumni/photos

June 20 | Trumbull, CT

July 17 | Avon CT

August 6 | Wellesley MA

Gino and Sue Tarantino P’20 entertained incoming

The Sannizzaro family also hosted a welcome event at the North House for new families.

Peter Sannizzaro P’18, ’20 is pictured at right with incoming student Jackson Russo ’23 and his mother Katie Russo P’23.

Rob and Terry Wadsworth P’19 hosted new families at their home.

students and their parents at the Tashua Knolls Country Club. Pictured here is Aimee O’Connell of the Admission Office, along with new student Joseph Leszczynski ’23 and his parents Lou and Anna.

Pictured left to right are: Annie Harris ’23, Robert Hayward ’23, Sam Pool ’23, Christopher Condon ’23, Lexie Condren ’20, and Michael Wadsworth ’19.

July 14 | Cape Neddick, ME Cortney Sannizzaro P’18, 20 (center) and her

husband Peter (not pictured) hosted alumni, new students, and their parents at the Cliff House Maine.

Pictured at right is Abigail Sannizzaro ’20. (Her sister Lauren, not pictured, is a 2018 graduate.)

Pictured (left) is alumna Janet (Swartz) Watson ’79, Dan Patry P’23, and Ean Patry ’23.

10 Engage | October 2019

July 31 | Plymouth MA Jim ’88 and Meg (Mitchell) Magee ’89, P’19, P’23

hosted new families at the Plymouth Yacht Club. Pictured here are proud alumni and new parents Lynn (Cuzzi) Pearson ’94 , P’23 and Brian Pearson ’94 , P’23 and their daughter Carley Pearson ’23.

August 1 | Old Lyme, CT Michael and Laurie Klier P’20 parents of Ford Klier ’20 were our hosts at the

Old Lyme Country Club. Pictured here is alumnus Samuel “Wale” Aduayi ’18, Patricia McKay Sasso P’23 and her daughter Juliette Sasso ’23.

Engage | October 2019

11

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 5/25/19 to 7/27/19

May 25, 2019 | West Sand Lake, NY Amanda Harnden ’07 and Bryan Hurst June 7, 2019 | Mashpee, MA Chelsea Spillane ’13 and Kevin Brown ’13

July 20, 2019 | Cape Cod, MA Kelsey Langevin ’15 and Alex Friedlander ’15

July 22, 2019 | Portland, CT Nicole O’Neil ’15 and Andrew Passias ’14 Send wedding photos that feature a group of Bryant alumni to alumni@bryant.edu.

Contact us in advance to receive a complimentary Bryant banner.

We receive more photos than we can print for each issue of Engage. To view all wedding photos received since the last issue, as well as the names of alumni in attendance, please visit facebook.com/bryantalumni.

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

July 27, 2019 | Millis, MA Jennifer Manni ’15 and David Ferraro Jr. ’14

bryant.edu/alumni.

C A L E N DA R November San Diego, CA

November 13, 6-8 PM Flemings La Jolla Reception

December Smithfield Campus December 4, 5:30-7:30 PM Festival of Lights

Hamilton, Bermuda

January Boston, MA

January 7, TBD Student/Alumni Explore Program

New York, NY

January 9, TBD Student/Alumni Explore Program

Hartford, CT

Smithfield Campus

January 22, 2-4 PM IDEA Program Judging

February Smithfield Campus

February 8, TBD Basketball Reunions

January 14, TBD Student/Alumni Explore Program

December 4, 6-8 PM Alumni Reception

New alumni events are added weekly.

Boston, MA

for the updated calendar and to register.

December, TBD Alumni Reception

Check alumniconnect.bryant.edu/events Check bryantbulldogs.com for athletic contests in your area.

Fraternity brothers and sorority sisters from Chi Gamma Iota, Delta Sigma Phi and Phi Upsilon gathered to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Frank ’69 and Mary (Thornton) ’69 Reis at Chapel Hill Restaurant in July. From left: Bill Martin ’69, Dolores (Kimball) Delude ’69, P’98, Ron Cioe ’67, Mary (Thornton) Reis ’69, Kevin Fitzgerald ’71, Al Speigle ’68, Frank Reis ’69, David Marques ’68, Charlie German ’69, George Kane ’71, David DeSousa ’70.

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 alumniconnect.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

( loya l

project specialist

Chardé Hunt-Jeanty ’17

Leslie Bucci ’77 c a l e n da r l i a i s o n

12 Engage | October 2019

a r c h way s o c i e t y

Nancy Kirsch Stephen Kostrzewa Karen Maguire, P’18 Jeffrey Stupakevich Patricia Viera

Kathleen Brown

guard) liaison

Donna Harris, P’03

a lu m n i r e c o r d s l i a i s o n

Rita Colburn a lu m n i w e b m as t e r