Engage mmersive, experience-based
The University’s signature IDEA (Innovation
first-year students, is a cornerstone of the
learning is a Bryant hallmark that
and Design Experience for All) program,
First-Year Gateway Experience. Launched
starts in a student’s very first year.
a three-day design thinking boot camp for
a decade ago, Bryant’s Gateway has been nationally recognized for its learning-centered teaching by organizations including the Davis Educational Foundation and Hanover Research.
Professor of Psychology Allison Butler, Ph.D., serves as IDEA Program Director.
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 26 No. 4 October 2021
IDEA@10: Back in person and better than ever
I
B RYA N T UNIVERSITY
IDEA was groundbreaking when it was introduced in 2013 and the one-credit course has been refined every year since to be even more transformational for students as the leadership team prepares for a milestone tenth year. IDEA 2022 takes place Monday, January 24 through Wednesday, January 26. The program
4 New Dean’s Council members 5 Survey results 8 The gift of scholarship
leadership team is currently seeking alumni, faculty and staff mentors. (see URL on p. 2) For 2022, IDEA returns to in-person programming, but with smaller student cohorts and no large gatherings. The Opening and Closing ceremonies will be virtual and livestreamed for campus health and safety; students will view them in cohort classrooms. Favorite parts of the IDEA experience are returning for 2022, including keynote speakers, empathy interviews conducted during field research, and of course food and fun. As they do each year in IDEA, students will learn to “elevate empathy” by embracing a humancentered approach to problem-solving and design. continues on page 2
P H I L A N T H R O P Y U P DAT E
As 2021 wraps, excitement for 2022 and beyond By David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23 distinguish a Bryant University education that Bryant alumni care about to prepare students with critical 21st what’s going on at their alma mater, century skills that are in high demand. and want to be even more engaged Alumni, along with and involved. We were students, faculty, staff, delighted to learn, for parents and trustees example, that 85 percent of have all been a critical Bryant alumni appreciate part of this planning vehicles like this one helping process and I’m excited them stay informed about to see what the future what’s happening across will hold. the University. A further We’re still 70 percent appreciate analyzing results from networking and socializing our alumni survey (see with other Bryant alumni, David C. Wegrzyn p. 5 for more), but and 49 percent want to ’86, P’23 your responses were increase their involvement Vice President for even more evidence University Advancement continues on page 3
1150 Douglas Pike Bryant University
INSPIRED TO EXCEL
and expanded athletic, recreational and co-curricular activities and programs; visiting professors and executive lecturers; extended counseling services; international education experiences; and so much more. Across the University community, we’re engaged in collaborative discussions and planning for a bright future. A group of five University-wide committees are working to develop, review and refine recommendations around several emerging themes as the context around higher education continues to evolve. Through this work, we’re looking hard at how we can further strengthen and nationally
Smithfield, RI 02917-1284
nother calendar year will soon draw to a close, and with it the end of the fall semester. It’s been great to be back where we belong, able to experience and celebrate so many cherished Bryant activities and milestones together again, including a fall Homecoming and the observance of a remarkable 50 years at our beautiful Smithfield, RI campus. After closing out fiscal year 2021 strong, Bryant Giving Day on October 20 was another exhilarating reminder of just how committed and engaged Bryant alumni are, coming together to raise a record $1.46M in just 24 hours (see story, p. 3). Your ongoing generosity helps us to provide scholarships for students; new
Follow us on social media
A
D E E P, L I F E - LO N G C O N N E C T I O N S This year marks the 10th anniversary of Bryant’s
NAC
BACK IN THE TRAVEL BUSINESS NEXT YEAR
signature IDEA Program — an intensive three-day workshop for first year students where they apply design thinking to solve pressing real-world problems.
CORNER
Through interviews and observational field research, students dig in to understand the needs and obstacles of their assigned project or program. Working in small cohorts, they then document their insights, brainstorm innovative solutions, and create prototypes that are tested and refined. The program relies on alumni volunteers to complement faculty, staff and student leaders in guiding and mentoring students through the design process. Additional alumni volunteer as judges of the final prototype projects.
Good news! The Alumni Travel program will be back up and running next May 2022 with a trip to Israel and Jordan with Bryant’s Rabbi, Steven Jablow. In November, up to 24 Bryant travelers will visit Tuscany and Umbria. And our Southeast Asia cruise has been rescheduled for February 2023. In the planning stages: Spain, Morocco and Cuba. Limited space is available on each of these tours, and prices and down payments vary. Visit alumni.bryant.edu/travel for more detailed information and to register.
Israel and Jordan MAY 23 – JUNE 4, 2022
T
Stronger Together.
Southeast Asia: China, Taiwan and Japan FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 4, 2023
President, National Alumni Council Member, Bryant University Board of Trustees
rwbogar@bryant.edu
For more information on all these tours, visit alumni.bryant.edu/travel or email Robin Warde at rwarde@bryant.edu.
continued from page 1
Philanthropy Update
•
6 19
• 197 2• 19 7
7
17 20
97
•2
002
• 2007 • 2 012 •
REUNIONS
987 •199 2 •1 2 • 19
S AV E T H E DA T E
8 19
947 • 1952 • 19 •1
•
57
BUILDING CRITICAL 21ST CENTURY SKILLS
1967 2•
J U N E 24 – 26 2 0 22
Classes of
1952, 1962, 1967, up 1972, 1987, All1947, classes are 1957, welcome to make for 1977, missed1982, reunions! 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017
Visit alumni.bryant.edu/IDEA2022 to learn about the projects and to sign up to volunteer as a mentor or judge.
the extraordinary place it continues to be. I’m very proud to be a Bulldog!” “It is inspiring to know that Bryant alumni, students, families, friends and supporters from around the world are so dedicated in their support of the University and the very special educational experience we provide here,” said University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “The energy and enthusiasm of Bryant Giving Day was felt all over the campus and beyond — and that spirit is reflected in the results we were able to achieve, thanks to the generosity of everyone who contributed.” The momentum of the day was evident across campus, with signs, posters, stickers and reminders visible nearly everywhere. A festively
That unifying theme rang out across campus, across the U.S., and around the globe as more than 2,500 donors from 47 states, and 22 countries came together for 24 hours, making 4,000 gifts, for an amount nearly 40 percent over last year’s total gifts. And it was a remarkable 294 percent more than 2018, the first annual Bryant Giving Day. “Once again, the entire Bryant community has shown what we can do when we come together around a worthy cause,” said David Wegrzyn ’86, P’23, Vice President of University Advancement. “Each year since 2018, when we began Bryant Giving Day, I’ve been thrilled by — and grateful for — the inextinguishable spirit and generosity of our donors. I’ve heard from so many devoted supporters about their own personal reasons for giving. Each story — and each gift — is special Proud Bulldog Tupper II was on hand to thank students for their and important to generous support on Giving Day. Three-hundred and forty students making Bryant contributed more than $12,000 of the total amount raised.
— Rita Williams-Bogar ’76
Through active and immersive learning, IDEA teaches students to apply design thinking principles — observation, ideation, rapid prototyping, user feedback, iteration and implementation — to develop real-time, real-world solutions for regional businesses, organizations, and communities. IDEA is designed to change the way students approach situation analysis and problem-solving, developing leadership and communication strengths while accelerating learning for critical 21st century skills in high demand. The programs sets a foundation for success at Bryant and beyond. “Through practicing the design thinking process, students become better communicators and collaborators, and they learn the value of iterating their work based on feedback. They also build their creative confidence,” says Allison Butler, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Director of the IDEA program. “In just three days, they begin to see themselves as innovators who can leverage the methods they learn in IDEA for their future success, and that’s very empowering for them.” Approximately 700 students will participate in the 72-hour experience this year, with the support and guidance of nearly 200 faculty, staff, student, alumni and parent mentors, as well as more than 100 alumni and regional business leaders who serve as judges. This year’s class will join the nearly 8,000 Bryant students who’ve already been trained in design thinking through the Bryant IDEA Program.
raised a record-breaking $1.46M in
how the Bryant community truly is
I hope you will join me and others from the National Alumni Council on campus this January. Alumni mentors assist Tuesday evening, January 25, to refine the solutions and prototypes. Judges score the final projects on Wednesday afternoon, January 26. Mark your calendar with these dates and reach out to alumni@ bryant.edu to volunteer.
IDEA
he fourth annual Bryant Giving Day
24 hours on October 20, demonstrating
Tuscan and Umbrian Countryside NOVEMBER 5 – 15, 2022
As a frequent mentor and judge for the program, I have strengthened my own design thinking skills and connected with hundreds of today’s students.
Please visit alumni.bryant.edu/getinvolved or contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement at alumni@bryant.edu to join our efforts.
Record-breaking Bryant Giving Day proves we are stronger together
alumni.bryant.edu/reunion
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.
continued from page 1
or begin volunteering with Bryant. We’re looking forward to innovating new and expanded ways for our alumni to deepen their connections with the University and with one another. After postponing their recognition due to the pandemic, we were finally able to celebrate our 2020 Alumni Achievement Award recipients in October at the Champions Dinner (see photos on p. 6). Consistent with our tradition, we honored the achievements and the generous dedication of eight deserving award winners, including the incomparable
George E. Bello ’58, ’96H, who received the rare distinction of accepting the Key to the University. These outstanding members of our community have both our admiration and our gratitude, and we’re looking forward to celebrating our 2021 winners in June. Our innovative and remarkable IDEA (Innovation and Design Experience for All) program will “celebrate its tenth anniversary in the new year. It’s the epitome of the immersive, experience-based learning that’s such a hallmark
of a Bryant education, and has been nationally recognized by prestigious educational organizations. If you’ve been a part of IDEA in the past, this year is a terrific one to come back and participate again as a mentor or judge; if you haven’t, our 10-year anniversary is the perfect opportunity to get involved for the first time. We’re so appreciative and filled with admiration for those who give to the University in so many ways. This year we welcomed more devoted alumni to the Consecutive Giving Society, recognizing those who’ve donated for three or more consecutive years. Those who’ve committed donations as part of their estate planning have provided Bryant with gifts that transcend even the boundaries of time. Alumni who volunteer to speak with classes, and to mentor students and recent graduates, give the precious gift of their time to those who will one day pay it forward, too. As your year winds down, I hope you’ll keep your connection to Bryant University in your thoughts and plans for 2022.
The campus community showed its Giving Day spirit in a highlights video. decorated Rotunda featured treats, from donuts and cider to hot dogs and tater tots to cookies and candied apples, throughout the day. Several Bryant community members were featured in live-streamed discussions, speaking about the significance of Bryant Giving Day and the important programs it helps to support throughout the year. And performances from the Cheer and Dance Teams, Pep Band and The Bottom Line a cappella group punctuated the day’s events. See those recorded streams at givingday.
bryant.edu/info/livestream.
“The money raised on Bryant Giving Day is so critical to the Bryant student experience,” said Bryant Fund Director Nora Marzocchi. “Gifts from Bryant Giving Day will help fund scholarships,
academic offerings, student life activities, women’s initiatives, athletic programs and more — they’re all vital to the unique educational experience that is the hallmark of Bryant University.” Among the many giving challenges for the day was the Class Challenge, in which Bryant’s currently enrolled classes competed to raise the most. The leaderboard winner for gifts by student classes was the Class of 2023 with a total of 378 gifts.
See a full tally of results and leaderboards, view the social board and watch recorded streams from the day by visiting
givingday.bryant.edu.
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY It’s never too late to make an impact at Bryant Gifts to the Bryant Fund through December 31 will help support students with financial aid, academic programs, world-class faculty, powerful experiential learning opportunities, and more.
Make your gift before December 31 at bryant.edu/givetobryant
TKE brothers gathered in September for their annual charity golf outing at Pinecrest Golf Course in RI to have fun and raise money for the Robert A. Provost Endowed Scholarship Fund at Bryant and the Providence Ronald McDonald House. Each charity has received over $40,000 in generous support from TKE over the years.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Engage, Bryant University Alumni Office, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917-1284.
2 Engage | October 2021
Engage | October 2021
3
COLLEGIAL COMMUNITY
New College of Business Dean’s Council members appointed
The Alumni Survey results are in!
B
T
ryant’s College of Business
he explains. “Initially, my idea was to keep them appointment of three new informed and seek members to its Dean’s advice as necessary.” Council, a distinguished and But the group’s diverse group of industry enthusiasm and leaders and entrepreneurs energy quickly who bring a wealth of persuaded him that expertise and thought he had an invaluable leadership to the advisory resource at hand. “They Chander Agarwal ’01 care about Bryant because board. The new appointees are: they have graduated or • Chander Agarwal ’01 are parents of students. – Managing Director at They are very loyal TCIExpress Ltd. and appreciative of the education they • Junior Jabbie ’06, received here, so they ’07MBA – President and want to give back Chief Executive Officer in as many ways as of Banneker Supply Chain possible,” he adds. Solutions, Inc. In addition to • Stephen Tully ’98 – engaging with students Director, Client Services Junior Jabbie ’06, ’07MBA as guest lecturers and at Cantillon Capital business competition Management, LLC judges, Council members introduce students When Madan Annavarjula, to their companies Ph.D., Dean of the College and professional of Business, relaunched networks for the Dean’s Council in 2018, internships, he had modest expectations. mentoring and “The Council members employment were all highly accomplished opportunities. executives with their own Most recently, the responsibilities and obligations,” Stephen Tully ’98 has announced the
Council has been consulting with faculty on the drafting of a new strategic plan for the College of Business, one that will align with the University’s overall strategic plan. “We are focusing on three key areas: undergraduate school, graduate school, and student success and outcomes,” notes Annavarjula. “With the way industry and the economy are evolving, our students need to be learning different skills and competencies. We are engaging Council members to help us identify those 21st century skill sets for each
• Charles
Caranci, Jr. ’88, CPA – CEO
• Sharon
Co-Chair; Managing Director, Operations
Vice President, Monroe Capital, Inc.
Executive, JPMorgan Chase
(Vessichio) Carrubba ’89 –
• Mario
Tax Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers • Erin
•
(Doherty) Champlin ’85 –
•
Samantha Merwin ’12 – Head of Markets Advocacy for ETF and Index
Experiences at Humana, Inc.
Investing Markets & Investments,
Jaime Eichen ’98 – Partner,
BlackRock •
Jeffrey M. Fryer ’91 CPA, P’19, P’22 – Council Chair; Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer at Rallybio, LLC
•
F. Hernandez ’97MBA –
Founder and CEO of Impesa
Senior Vice President, People
Ernst & Young •
Garavel ’85 – Council
of ROC/TE Wash Holdings; Executive • Laura
John R. Galvin ’91MBA –
Kevin O’Neill P’20 – Managing Partner and Co-founder, Acertitude
• James
President and CEO, AAA Northeast
ryant University’s 2021 Walk Down Wall Street event brought together
alumni from some of the most prestigious
Verraster ’77 – CEO at
Auromet Trading, LLC • Scott
Organized by Bryant’s Amica Center for
Bryant has a worldwide alumni network of more than 50,000 that is excited to work with students to help them get to wherever they want to go and do whatever they want to do.
Career Education, the alumni panel showed the students what their futures may look like and helped them prepare to maximize their education.
For Brooke Blanche ’24, the panel discussion provided her with a fantastic opportunity to learn from young professionals not much older than her about possible careers. “They were in our shoes here not too long ago, taking the same classes that I’m going to be taking and doing the things I’m doing,” she says. “So just seeing how they were able to use their
experiences, and combine their degree with their passion and make a unique career out of it, was pretty inspiring.”
PATHS TO SUCCESS Walk Down Wall Street, a Bryant tradition, is great way for alumni to pass down their firsthand experience, says panel organizer Patricia Miernicki P’21 the Amica Center’s Assistant Director
of Employer Outreach & Development. It also helps forge invaluable connections. “One of the most important things I think almost all of the alumni on this panel did was reach out to alumni when they were students,” she notes. “Bryant has a worldwide alumni network of more than 50,000 that is excited to work with students to help them get to
opinions are important to us, and we are listening.
These periodic survey touch points — about every five years — help us understand how Bryant alumni view the University and its priorities. Our survey addressed a range of issues such as gauging preferred interest in programs for alumni engagement, determining the best communications avenues to reach
Programs and Events
85%
wherever they want to go and do whatever they want to do.” Representing organizations in both private industry and government, the five alumni panelists were:
Matthew Caruso ’21 Emma Guinnessey ’15 Krishen Khurana ’20
alumni audiences, getting feedback on the University’s priorities, and assessing alumni motivation to support Bryant. “Especially important to us as we emerge from the isolation caused by the coronavirus was gauging alumni interest in continuing with some virtual and hybrid programming,” comments Robin Warde P’17, Executive Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement. “More than 10,000 alumni, parents and friends attended a virtual program hosted by
70%
SOCIALIZING/ NETWORKING
Bryant in the past year, but those many contacts lacked the personal connection and networking available face to face.” Also important to measure is alumni feedback on Bryant’s emerging and continuing academic priorities. Topping the list was preparing our students to be future leaders in a global and an increasingly data-driven-society. Bryant’s survey partner, Grenzebach Glier and Associates out of Chicago, was impressed by the high number of alumni who indicated they wanted to stay informed about what’s happening at the University. Also impressive, compared with other universities they have surveyed, is that nearly 50 percent indicated an interest in mentoring students or recent graduates and helping to recruit prospective students.
53%
with other Bryant alumni
Staying informed with what’s happening across the entire University
62%
at HarborVest Partners LLC
PATRICIA MIERNICKI, AMICA CENTER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYER OUTREACH & DEVELOPMENT
options and build paths to success.
who filled out our recent survey. Your
Voss ’92 – Managing Director
financial organizations in the world to help Finance students discover their
hank you to the nearly 1,800 alumni
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU:
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DEAN’S COUNCIL ARE:
Alumni give Finance students advice and a virtual Walk Down Wall Street B
industry. Then, we can map them into our curriculum.” He adds, “We don’t want to pretend we know all the answers as faculty. We want to make sure we are in touch with what’s happening in the outside world. It is very important that we get the practitioner’s perspective.” Dean Annavarjula is grateful for each Council member’s support and participation. “I am really thrilled to work with them. They come from many different backgrounds and careers and are wonderful advocates and role models for our students.”
61%
Attending in-person events
Peter and Betty Calise ’64
49%
VOLUNTEERING WITH BRYANT
ATTENDING A REUNION
Online access to faculty talks or other events
59 %
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU:
Institutional Objectives
Achieving ever-greater academic excellence
61%
52%
PREPARING STUDENTS
ENHANCING BRYANT’S experiential learning opportunities
to be future leaders
Maddie McLaughlin ’19 Stephanie Vlohiotis ’15 continues on page 11
PA R T N E R S H I P S
April 16, 2021 | Newport, RI Amanda Butterworth ’14 and Ryan Welch ’14
4 Engage | October 2021
June 4, 2021 | New London, CT Caroline Gosselin ’14 and Jeffrey Kannally ’14
June 5, 2021 | York, Maine Jamie Schaefer ’16 and Tom Carlin ’16
June 26, 2021 | Pawtucket, RI Abigail French ’15 and Tyler Keating ’14
July 3, 2021 | Providence, RI John Centonze ’14 and Arianna Colella
July 17, 2021 | Quincy, MA Steve Alibrandi ’11 and Alex Fronduto
Engage | October 2021
5
COLLEGIAL COMMUNITY
Fall highlights
How a gift of stock can be a win-win
D
By Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development
uring September and October, alumni from across the decades made it back to campus. On September 11, the combined classes of 1970 and 1971 celebrated their 50th Reunions and induction into the Archway Society with a luncheon on campus. On October 1st, Bryant hosted a Champions Dinner to recognize the 2020 Alumni Achievement Award Recipients. Also recognized were Patrick and Margaret Nassaney P’96, P’98, who received a Champion
W
of Philanthropy Award, and George Bello ’58, ’96H, who was awarded the Key to the University (see p. 7). Homecoming Weekend was capped on Saturday, by a big win on the gridiron over Brown.
Brian ’94 and Lynn (Cuzzi) Pearson ’94 proudly pose in their Bryant mom and dad t-shirts with daughter Carley ’23.
ith the stock market recently hitting all-time highs, you have a unique opportunity to support Bryant. If you own stock that has increased in value since you purchased it, and you have owned it for at least one year, a gift of stock might be the ideal way to support Bryant. When you donate securities to Bryant, you receive the same income tax deductions that you would if you made your gift using a check or Ed Magro credit card (if you Executive Director of itemize), with Development the added benefit of eliminating capital gains taxes on the transfer, which can be as high as 20 percent. Making a gift of securities to support Bryant is as easy as instructing your financial advisor to electronically transfer the shares, or, if you have
the physical securities, mailing us the certificates along with a stock power in separate envelopes. (Using separate envelopes protects your gift — the certificates will not be negotiable without the stock power.)
Here’s an example of how a gift of stock works: Sally owns stocks currently valued at $25,000 that she purchased for $10,000 several years ago. She will pay $2,250 in capital gains tax if she sells the securities ($15,000 x .15 capital gains tax rate). Instead, Sally decides to donate the stock to Bryant. She receives an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of $25,000, and eliminates the capital gains tax. Using assets other than cash also allows you more flexibility when planning your gift, and there are even more potential benefits if you plan your gift creatively. For example, if you aren’t ready to donate these assets during your lifetime, a gift of securities through your will or living trust allows you to continue to receive dividends
and participate in shareholder votes, and the securities are still yours if you need them for other expenses. Through creative gift planning, you can secure your own and your family’s financial future, and help support Bryant’s mission. We can work with you and your advisors to help you plan for tomorrow and receive maximum benefits today.
Benefits of donating stock: •Y ou receive an income tax deduction based upon the current, full fair market value of the stock regardless of how much the stock originally cost. •Y ou eliminate capital gains tax on the increase in value — taxes you would pay if you otherwise sold the securities. •B ryant receives the support you wanted to provide, at a reduced cost to you. The tax deduction for your gift + capital gains avoided = total tax savings.
The information in this article is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further affect your individual results.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP Contact Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development, at 401-232-6528 or emagro@ bryant.edu, for a confidential, no-obligation conversation to see how a gift of securities can be a win-win. For other gift planning ideas, visit plannedgiving. bryant.edu and start building your Bryant legacy today!
Associate Professor of Marketing Teresa McCarthy, Ph.D., participated in an Academic Showcase with students and other faculty.
President Ross Gittell (left) joined Rita Williams-Bogar ’76 (right) in awarding the 2020 Alumni Achievement Awards. Left to right: John Froehlich, M.D. ’09 MBA, George Bello ’58, ’96H, Allison Butler, Ph.D., Mary Green Dunn ’12, ’13MBA, Jay Weinberg ’85, Sharon (Guenther) Garavel ’85.
During the Champions Dinner recognitions in October, George E. Bello ’58, ’96H received the Key to the University.
On campus to celebrate Homecoming were fraternity brothers and friends, Ron Cioe ’67, Bill Martin ’69, Dave Marques ’68, Roger Pearly ’71, J. Craig Heil ’72, Bernie Spirito ’77, Bob Lehtinen ’72 and Ron Valentine ’71.
The most prestigious honor the University bestows, it is presented periodically to an esteemed graduate who has made a major and lasting impact on Bryant through service and support that spans decades and has improved and distinguished the University in a singular way.
“…In a larger sense I was given the key to Bryant in 1958,” Bello said in his remarks. “As a student, that key unlocked my eyes, my mind and my will to achieve success. But not at the expense of others. Mark Twain once said, ‘It’s
Paper or Plastic, a band formed in 1994 by classmates Joe Grillo ’90 and Jim Quigley ’90 performed again this year.
never the wrong time to do the right thing.’ And I’ve
SUPPORT BRYANT STUDENTS WITH THE LEGACY GIFT THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
always tried to do the right thing.”
Did you know that there are several ways you can support Bryant and provide additional financial security for yourself and those who depend on you? When you are ready to discuss your estate plan, let us help you create a legacy gift that allows you to leverage your assets to benefit your family, while also supporting the school that has been such an important part of your life and success. For a confidential conversation, contact Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development, at 401.232.6528 or emagro@bryant.edu. Donna Harris P’03, retired Senior Associate Director of Alumni Engagement (pictured here with Director of Constituent Engagement, Kathleen Brown) was recognized for her service.
6 Engage | October 2021
Back Row (L-R): Sheldon Katz ’71, Robert Bolton ’71, Alan Lowe ’71, Mark Pearlstein ’71, Richard Clemence ’71, Raymond Lisi ’71, Robert Costa ’71, Richard Mercier ’71, Barry Sapurstein ’71, Douglas Meeker ’70, Howard Bromberg ’70, Ralph Whitman ‘70 Front Row (L-R): Rosemary (Rotondo) Casale ’71, Maria (Izzi) Greene ’71, Janet DeLeo ’71, Esta (Holtzman) Barcohana ’71, Kathleen (Perri) Daniele ’71, Jim DeMeo ’70, Rita Williams-Bogar ’76, President of the National Alumni Council, Ed Andrews ’70
For more information, visit plannedgiving.bryant.edu and start From left: President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., Carol Bello, George E. Bello ’58, ’96H, and David M. Beirne ’85
building your Bryant legacy today.
Engage | October 2021
7
I N V E ST I N E XC E L L E N C E
SOCIAL MEDIA
P. James Brady III ’81 and Barbara Brady bequest makes a tangible difference for Bryant’s College of Business P
. James “Jim” Brady III ’81
and his wife, Barbara, epitomize the philanthropic ideal of “time, talent, and treasure.” Both are committed to helping young people succeed and are deeply invested in the educational institutions and community organizations that have enriched their lives. Like many alumni, Brady says his early support for Bryant flowed from gratitude for his education and the opportunities it gave him. Over time, he added another reason. “For me, in one word, it’s ‘consequential,’” he explains. “Being grateful is still fifty percent of the reason, but the sustaining component is to be consequential and know you are making a very tangible difference.” Seeing that positive impact has culminated in a $1 million bequest intention for the University that will provide endowment support for the University’s College of Business. The Bradys’ legacy gift follows the establishment of the Barbara and
a commitment to provide students with learning-abroad opportunities early in their academic careers. Their approach to philanthropy and service echoes the adventurous spirit they share. When first considering the opportunity to work and live abroad, Barbara notes, “Our thought was, how can we not do this?” Brady’s personal involvement at Bryant has touched hundreds of students. In addition to being a popular guest lecturer every semester for the last several years, he and Barbara have made significant unrestricted gifts in support of the College of Business, and he is the founding Chair of the Dean’s Council for the College.
accounting firms that launched Brady’s stellar career. In 2015, after 27 years at Deloitte, Brady was appointed COO of Grant Thornton USA. Today, he is CEO at alliantgroup India Talent and Vice Chairman of Advisory Services for alliantgroup in Houston, TX.
=
Online highlights
succeed... I love mentoring younger people — it’s been my passion for four decades. Now, most importantly, it’s our children — daughter Alex (24) and son Chris (22).” Brady’s professional drive, business acumen, and global perspective are the essential qualities Bryant strives to
JOIN THE CONVERSATION To keep up with the latest news from Bryant and learn more about what alumni, faculty, and students are up to, follow us on social media. UNIVERSITY
My passion is helping others succeed... I love mentoring younger people.
P. James Brady III ’81 Sophomore International Experience Scholarship
P. JAMES “JIM” BRADY III ’81
in 2017, which supports Bryant students majoring in International Business and reflects the couple’s interest in global education. The transformational experiences they had in Russia (1995-98) and India (2008-12), where Brady led Deloitte’s audit and advisory practices, inspired
Looking back, Brady is astonished that at age 19 he identified the passion that would become his profession. An Accounting major, he was especially influenced by Bryant professor Michael Lynch, J.D., who arranged the internship at one of the “Big Eight”
TWIT TER @BryantUniv
INSTAGRAM BryantUniversity
Brady credits his early aptitude as a leader, along with the support and mentoring he received at Bryant, for the “people-first” strategy that has guided his life and career. “Growing up, I was the organizer — always pushing to get the game going,” he recalls. “My passion is helping others
instill in every student. This fall, he joined Bryant’s Board of Trustees. It’s a timely appointment, as the Board will be developing a new strategic plan to guide the University through 2030 — and another opportunity for Brady to make a consequential impact.
MARIE (TEIGUE) RENZA ’43,
CBIZ & MHM Partners in Scholarship Fund helps bring diversity to accounting field T
he new CBIZ & MHM Diversity Scholarship Fund will help fill a gap in the diversity of professionals represented in the field of accounting by providing a scholarship to a full-time Bryant University student from a minority background. “The whole profession is striving to be more diverse and inclusive,” says Scott
In the New England region, the company recruits many of its young associates from Bryant, Wragg says. “We’ve had such great success with graduates from Bryant,” Wragg says. “The Bryant education produces a very high-quality candidate for us to hire.” Wragg has strong personal ties to the Wragg ’84 ’90MST, University — he met his Vitoria Pereira ’22 Senior Managing wife, Lori (Soscia) Wragg Director of CBIZ & MHM New England. ’85, at Bryant, and their son, Ryan When he graduated and entered the Wragg ’17MBA is also a graduate. field, he says, “there wasn’t much diversity at all.” We’ve had such great success “And there still isn’t anywhere with graduates from Bryant. near as much diversity as there should be,” he adds, which is why he says The Bryant education produces providing this scholarship fund fits so a very high-quality candidate well into his firm’s diversity strategy. for us to hire. With more than 100 offices and 5,000 employees throughout the United States, the top accounting and SCOTT WRAGG ’84 ’90MST, advisory provider has signed on to the CBIZ & MHM NEW ENGLAND CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR initiative, a coalition of business leaders committed to expand diversity, Wragg has been an engaged equity and inclusion strategies. alumnus at Bryant, co-teaching a class
8 Engage | October 2021
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in the Master of Professional Accountancy program in the early 1990s, and currently serves on the committee that organizes the President’s Cup Golf Tournament each year, raising significant scholarship money.
“I’ve really enjoyed the program here. The professors have been so helpful with academic decisions, career decisions, life decisions…” she says. “They’re always there for us.” She participates SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT in the Accounting GRATEFUL AND Association on Scott Wragg ’84 ’90MST EXCITED ABOUT A campus and is a FUTURE IN ACCOUNTING captain of the Cheerleading team Inaugural CBIZ & MHM Scholarship — a sport she’s been passionate recipient Vitoria Pereira ’22, an about since the age of 9. Accounting major and a Legal Studies “Being of Brazilian heritage and minor, says she’s pleased with the being a first-generation college company’s commitment to encouraging student, I’m very grateful for this diversity and inclusion in the industry. scholarship,” she says. “My parents She’s known since high school were so happy when we found out!” that she wanted to enter the field Pereira spent a day at CBIZ & of accounting. When a favorite teacher MHM in her sophomore year at her Peabody, MA high school of college, listening to managers encouraged her to take a college-level from different departments and elective class she did well and was sitting in on meetings. She says she launched on her professional path. enjoyed the experience. The excellent reputation of Bryant’s She went on to complete an Accounting program — along internship with John Hancock in her with many of the University’s other junior year, and says she’s thrilled to qualities and benefits — led her to have recently received a job offer from put in an application, and she says she them for after graduation next June. made the right choice.
I N M E M O RY In the past six months, Bryant has lost more than 100 alumni and former faculty. To review a list of recently deceased alumni, please visit alumni.bryant. edu/inmemoriam. Sadly, space allows us to share only a few profiles of alumni and faculty who have served Bryant for many years.
100, of Cranston, RI, passed away on September 22, 2021. She was the wife of the late John S. Renza, Sr., ’43, a longtime member of the Bryant faculty in the Department of Accounting. Marie graduated from Bryant College in 1943, and went on to teach at St. Rocco School and Winsor Hill Elementary School in Johnston RI, before retiring. Among her children and grandchildren, son John S. “Jack” Renza, Jr. ’71, served as a trustee of Bryant University, son Gerald received his MBA in 1980, and grandson John S. Renza, III received an MBA in 2006. She also leaves her daughter, Jane Renza, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
LINKEDIN school/bryant-university
JOSEPH MCCARTHY, a former Finance Department faculty member, passed away on October 7, 2021 from complications from lymphoma. Professor McCarthy served the Bryant community for over 31 years before retiring in January, 2021. Among many other courses, he taught Financial Institutions and Markets, Financial Management and Forecasting. He was a well-published and well-known speaker in the finance field, and most recently served as Associate Editor of the Review of Accounting & Finance. Joe leaves his mother, Beverly McCarthy, his siblings Dennis and Jeanne, and an extended family.
ALUMNI
N M P S
TWIT TER @BryantAlumni FACEBOOK BryantAlumni INSTAGRAM Bryant_Alumni LINKEDIN Bryant University Alumni Association (Group)
LUCILLE (GOTSELL) KILLIANY ’46, 98, passed on October 24, 2021. She was predeceased by her husband, Stephen Killiany. Lucille earned her Bachelor’s degree at Bryant College in 1946 and her Master’s in Education from the University of Hartford. She fulfilled her dream and taught business courses for Bryant College as well as in the Thomaston and West Hartford, CT School systems. In recognition of her devotion to Bryant University, she was awarded the Nelson Gulski Service Award in 1996 and the Key to the University in 2010 for her leadership, generosity and unwavering dedication to Bryant.
PA R T N E R S H I P S
July 17, 2021 | Mystic, CT Kerry Quirk ’15 and Matt Marcotte ’15
July 17, 2021 | Chatham, MA Anna McCabe ’17 and Matthew Sugar ’17
August 7, 2021 | Kingston, MA Taylor Janoskie ’16 and Caroline Bettle ’16, ’17MPAC
Engage | October 2021 9
I N SSPPIIRREEDD TO TOEEXC XCE LE L
J AS O N M AC A R I ’9 0 M B A :
The best interests of others
J
ason Macari ’90MBA, President
and CEO of both Baby Delight, Inc.
But juvenile products were never far from his heart, and in 2016, he
and Macari Properties, Inc., always
acquired Baby Delight, a mom-centric
had a natural curiosity about how things
baby products company focused, first
worked. Growing up in Smithfield, RI,
and foremost, on safe products, but
he liked working with his hands, taking
also beautiful and functional items
things apart and putting them back
people can be proud to have in their
together again. As a kid he kept a
homes, he says.
collection of 20-30 junk bicycles that
As Baby Delight continues to grow
he would take apart and reassemble
and expand, Macari says his family and
into different configurations.
his faith have always given him the
But after graduating from Worcester
strength and character to run businesses
Polytechnic Institute with a BSME in
and manage other people, he says. “It’s
mechanical engineering, he knew that
a humbling experience. You’re learning
he needed to round out his natural
every day. On the one hand you have
engineering proficiency with a broader
to lead, but you also must take your
perspective on how business worked if
direction from others.”
TA R A LO N G ’ 17:
Grateful for Bryant connections
V E R N A D E J E S U S ’ 04:
The importance of mentorship
T
ara Long ’17 has traveled to more
She only toured one university and was
than a dozen countries, and called
delighted by the opportunity to study
Japan home from the age of three. So
the Chinese language and culture. She
V
when the Production Logistics Assistant was tapped to work at the Tokyo Olympic Games, she was a perfect match.
erna De Jesus ’04 is a marketing
When a mentor from ESPN moved to
executive with experience at some
The Wall Street Journal, De Jesus joined
of the world’s top technology and sports
him to develop the media giant’s new
graduated with a degree in Chinese and
companies. She’s traveled and lived
business-to-consumer and sports focus.
a minor in Marketing.
around the globe and invested her skills
Long credits her Bryant connections
to Yahoo — once again the result of
with helping her to land the post at
equity and inclusion), youth sports and
a candid conversation with a mentor
she says she was responsible for
NBC Universal — specifically classmate
character & confidence building. She
— De Jesus jumped into the tech
translation in the logistics operations
Olivia Davis ’17, who referred her
credits Bryant’s hands-on education and
industry. Her ultimate goal was to work
between a trucking company and NBC’s
for the role.
professional network for laying a solid
for a top-tier tech company, and within
foundation for her career success.
a year, she was recruited by Amazon for their newly established media business.
Olympic locations. She also assisted with
“My Bryant education gave me so
venue production, including inventory
much,” Long says, “and among the most
management and equipment setup.
valuable is my association with so many
Elaine Notarantonio, Ph.D., ’75, P’04
outstanding professionals who share
provided her an unparalleled learning
De Jesus took a brief sabbatical to travel,
Bryant in common.”
experience. De Jesus was a member of
re-energize and volunteer. Today
the Bryant team that won a national
she leads Global Video and AR Solutions
interests at heart, and not just your own.”
One professor in particular,
Reflecting on the path she’s taken, De Jesus notes, “I’ve been both lucky
“ I’ve been both lucky and deliberate in finding fantastic mentors, but I’ve always made sure to pay it forward and be a mentor to others myself.” — Verna De Jesus ’04
— J ason Macari ’90MBA In her time at Bryant, Long worked with the STARTALK program,
This philosophy is never far from
a two-week language learning and
his mind as he continues to grow Baby
aspirations. “Bryant just fit for me,” he says, and he was able to earn his MBA while working full time and raising a family. His career began at Hasbro, and then Davol Inc. But he found his true calling at Safety 1st, where he developed a passion for juvenile products, an industry he describes as an intersection of fun, care and safety. In 2001, he acquired Summer Infant, an established brand with declining revenues, growing it from $1M to $250M in sales, and taking it public in 2007. When he left in 2014, he got involved in commercial real estate, mostly in the
She’d had to wait an entire year
he explores new business opportunities
to take on the role, which was offered to
in craft beer and farming.
her in late 2019, but then postponed
It’s also why his relationship with Bryant is focused on giving back where he can. For nearly a decade, he and his
Jason P. ’90MBA and Martha Anne Macari Partners in Scholarship Fund.
wife have funded the
by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It was worth the wait. Recalling the excitement of meeting and working with so many different people in such a high-demand environment, she says,
“I grew up quite modestly,” he
“I didn’t want the Olympics to ever
explains. “I don’t know if I would have
end,” though her days were often 12
been able to get an advanced degree
hours long.
if it hadn’t been for the help I got at the time.”
Long doesn’t shy away from challenge; soon she will travel to Beijing
“I appreciate being able to offer
for the Olympic games there. Due to
support, and feel good that I’ve hopefully
pandemic restrictions, she will need to
helped even one more person be able
quarantine upon arrival, and will likely
to contribute at a higher level in life.”
face other restrictions limiting her
Rhode Island area.
movement, but she says she’s always had a passion for and a fascination with China. That passion for China was an important factor when she decided where she wanted to attend college.
After eight years at Amazon,
at social media company Snap, Inc.
“ My Bryant education gave me so much and among the most valuable is my association to so many outstanding professionals who share Bryant in common.” — Tara Long ’17
“ You’re learning every day. On the one hand you have to lead, but you also must take your direction from others”
he wanted to fulfill his entrepreneurial
With a carefully calculated move
in nonprofits devoted to DEI (diversity,
Describing the experience as “amazing,”
“The key is having others’ best
Delight and Macari Properties, and as
Walk Down Wall Street The panelists discussed their individual journeys from Bryant student to young professional and what helped them find success along the way. They also shared advice, drawn from their own experience, on topics such as applying for jobs and internships, preparing for an interview, negotiating your first salary and starting a new career in a fast-paced field. The range of careers they pursued, the panelists noted, was evidence of the wide variety of opportunities available. “There’s really no limit to what you can do with a Finance degree from Bryant,” said Guinnessey. “Finance is everywhere. Think about what your passions are, what your hobbies are, whatever your side projects are. If you love cars, Porsche needs financial analysts. If you love space, SpaceX needs financial analysts. Any company or field that you have a personal attraction to — well they have to operate, right? So they need financial analysts.”
continued from page 4
The alumni also spoke about how their undergraduate years at Bryant prepared them for their careers. In addition to a Finance/ Financial Management curriculum recently ranked among the Top 8% in the country by College Factual, they benefitted from a faculty dedicated to their success and support services that helped them ready themselves for the professional world. Their words resonated with John Henry Dyroff ’24, who appreciated hearing from the alumni and how willing they were to offer personalized advice. “It was really impressive to learn from people with such diverse careers,” he says. “Because they’re recent alumni, I was really able to relate to them and they can relate to you and your experience, which means they can give you tailored advice to help you succeed,” he says.
C A M P U S V I S I TS M A D E P E R S O N A L
culture experience for middle school and high school students that Bryant hosts each summer, and at the University’s U.S.-China Institute and Confucius Institute. During her junior year, Long studied at East China Normal University in Shanghai where, she says, “the process of adapting to a new culture was incredible.” She returned there after graduating from Bryant to earn a Master’s degree in Political Theory. While a student intern at Bryant’s John H. Chafee Center for International Business, Long conducted market research and provided translation services. Her language skills were also in demand at Collette Tours, a Rhode Island-based tourism company. Long provided Japanese translations as the company built its presence in Japan — including helping to translate
and deliberate in finding fantastic marketing case study competition and presented to top executives at Cadillac. “We worked collaboratively to solve a real marketing problem,” recalls De Jesus. “It was an amazing experience.” Equally valuable were the internships and connections De Jesus made through Bryant’s Amica Center for Career Education. It was contact with a Bryant alumnus at ESPN that started her network and launched her career. “I credit so much of everything I’ve been able to accomplish to having good people in my life,” says De Jesus. For seven years, De Jesus followed her passion in sports marketing — moving from ESPN to the Red Sox to Octagon, a sports marketing agency.
contracts and the details of potential contracts, helping them to launch a very successful Japan tour for 2017.
mentors, but I’ve always made sure to pay it forward and be a mentor to others myself. I also push my mentees to do the same, creating a domino effect of inclusion and impact.” “Having advocates and allies, especially early in your career, can accelerate one’s career trajectory. When I think about my journey, I was fortunate to have advocates and allies at every step.” Her advice for today’s graduates: “Take the business concepts you learned at Bryant and apply them. Tutor at a school, help a nonprofit, etc. You’ll end up not only doing good, but you can network, learn and scale your impact as well.”
A group of friends from the Teacher Education Program at Bryant visited campus in October. Front (from left): Sharon (Restivo) McDonald ’74, Patricia Rodgers ’71, Marion (Winton) Palumbo ’71. Back row: Eileen (Smith) Passano ’74, Patricia (Cody) Lyons ’74, Maryann (Landwehr) Pehonsky ’73, Irene (Kamishlian) McReynolds ’74
David Ellison ’79 visited campus in October to deliver copies of his second book Repairing our Divided Nation to the library and the History Department. He is pictured at the Archway with Robin Warde P’17 of the Alumni Office. Ellison previously authored an earlier book Politics Beyond Left and Right.
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.
PA R T N E R S H I P S
August 8, 2021 | Harwich, MA Madyson Famiglietti ’16 and Andrew Barton ’17
10 Engage | October 2021
August 20, 2021 | Watertown, CT Emily McNeil ’17 and Kyle Litteral ’17
August 22, 2021 | Plymouth, MA Michael Ostrander ’10 and Anne Kaduboski ’14MBA
September 6, 2021 | Newport, RI Kelly Farrell ’15 and Chris Kotos ’11
September 17, 2021 | Newport, RI Maria Messina ’16 and Stephen Carrigg ’14
September 18, 2021 | Middletown, RI Krystin Bernacki ’16 and Colin Walsh ’15
Engage | October 2021 11
D E E P, L I F E - LO N G C O N N E C T I O N S
Bryant Graduates of the Last Decade welcomed the Class of 2021 to the alumni family at the at the Charlesgate Yacht Club, Cambridge, MA, in September. A special thank you to Ryan Buonaugurio ’18 for his help with coordinating and sponsoring the event.
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Seattle-area Alumni were on hand to welcome Bryant faculty, students from the Honors Program, and Dean Madan Annavarjula at a special reception at the Edgewater Hotel, co-hosted by Ian Morris ’90 and the Alumni Engagement Office.
E V E N T C A L E N DA R DECEMBER Festival of Lights December 1, 5:30 PM Alumni and Parents Reception Festival of Lights December 1, 7 PM Lighting Ceremony Webinar December 1, 12 PM Research Like a Pro Bryant Men’s Basketball December 3, 7 PM Houston, Texas
Do you operate an alumni-owned business? Advertise at alumni.bryant.edu/services today!
Bryant Men’s Basketball December 5, 5:30 PM Alumni Pre-Game Reception Cincinnati, Ohio
Webinar December 15, 12 PM Beating Burnout at Work
Bryant IDEA Program January 24-26 Judges and mentors needed
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
RENT at PPAC January 14, 7:30 PM 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour
Bryant Men’s Basketball at St. Francis February 24 Pregame Party, 5:30-7 PM Game, 7 PM Brooklyn Heights, NY
Alumni Cocktail Reception with President Gittell January 16, 4-6 PM Hilton Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, FL Alumni Cocktail Reception with President Gittell January 18 Estate Planning Seminar, 4-5 PM Cocktail Reception, 5-7 PM Naples, FL, Location TBD
NEW EVENTS ARE ADDED FREQUENTLY Check alumni.
bryant.edu/events
for the most up-to-date calendar and to register for events.
C L ASS N OT E S 1982 FRED THURBER ’82 published an audio
book In the Wake of the Willows as a sequel to Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Thurber also serves as an advocate for prostatecancer.net 1987 LISA (TARKIAINEN) STEELE, ’87 won three
2021 Telly awards. She was also nominated for a Boston/New England regional Emmy award for her television show Welcome to My Farm, which she produces and hosts. The show will air on PBS in April 2022.
1999 DAMIAN J. TURCO, ’99, has been elected
vice president of the Massachusetts Bar Association for its 2021-22 year. Turco will serve as a member of the MBA’s leadership team alongside incoming President Thomas M. Bond, who will focus his term on strengthening the bar’s role as a partner to members of the legal profession, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
ADDITIONS Notices received through October, 2021
2021 Mary Green Dunn ’12, ’13MBA and Kevin Dunn ’12 welcomed their first child, a daughter, Charlotte Grace, on July 2, 2021 Kristen (Collins) Capezza ’09 and her husband Joseph Capezza Jr. ’08, welcomed their second child, Anthony Joseph, on July 18, 2021, joining big sister Gianna Kenley.
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.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY In the July issue of Engage, we ran this picture of the LeBlanc family, but we misidentified the names. Our apologies. Pictured here are proud parents Michael ’87, his wife Julie and son Cameron LeBlanc ’21.
Be sure to visit alumni.bryant. edu/classnotes for more updates, and to add your own Class Note.
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.”
12 Engage | October 2021
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
e d i to r s / w r i t e r s
Kathleen Brown Jenna Buraczenski Cecilia Cooper Jessica Dang ’16 Stephen Kostrzewa Pat Vieira
project specialist
Leslie Bucci ’77 a r c h way s o c i e t y
( loya l
guard) liaison
Donna Harris P’03
a lu m n i w e b m as t e r
Meg Cummins