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