Engage - Summer 2022

Interdisciplinary School of Health and Behavioral Sciences extends high ROI academic programs to healthcare

Anew School of Health and Behavioral Sciences with a unique interdisciplinary education — integrating studies in health sciences, cognitive and behavioral sciences, data analytics and business — addresses the growing demand for healthcare experts and prepares students for successful careers in data-rich STEM fields.

“In establishing its School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Bryant University is providing a uniquely focused education for future healthcare professionals,” said Bryant President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “Bryant’s new programs at the intersection of health and behavioral sciences, data analytics and business will prepare students

In spring 2022, President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. announced Bryant University’s Vision 2030: Education Through a New Lens strategic plan which will guide the university’s priorities for the next several years. In this and forthcoming issues of Engage, we will highlight some of the new initiatives and share information about our progress in achieving the priorities of Vision 2030.

for exceptional career opportunities in fields including healthcare analytics, healthcare management and finance, and public and community health.”

Data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics indicates a growth rate of 16% for occupations in healthcare until 2030, more than triple the projected average employment growth rate of 5%, with projected earnings well above national and New England averages for college graduates.

“Bryant’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences has a unique perspective on healthcare education that addresses the need for skilled professionals who can integrate knowledge between disciplines. We will prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals by building on our core strengths in business and leadership skills, data analytics and quantitative skills, and cognitive and psychological skills,” said Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D. “Bryant is creating an ecosystem of experiential learning where students will develop the specialized skills and insights to provide employers and society with professionals who can enter the field directly and make immediate impact and contributions.”

Bryant has recently commissioned an architectural design to establish a dedicated Science wing and expanded lab and classroom space within its landmark Unistructure facility.

“With the new School of Health and

Behavioral Sciences and its new degrees, Bryant is poised to provide leaders who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others and embrace a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to solving problems,” said Kirsten Hokeness, Ph.D., Chair of the Biology Department who will be assuming the role of Director of Bryant’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences. “Healthcare is a data-intensive industry,” she notes. “Specialists who can transform data into meaningful insights for numerous and diverse stakeholders are urgently needed and in high demand.”

“Our new bachelor’s degrees in Health Analytics, and Exercise and Movement Science are a natural extension of Bryant’s core strengths,” said Joseph Trunzo, Ph.D., Chair of the Psychology Department and a practicing clinical psychologist who will be assuming the role of Associate Director of the School. “Bryant’s student-centered focus and strong interdisciplinary collaborations between faculty and students across the University empower Bryant graduates to excel. The new School and added majors will provide students with unparalleled opportunities.”

Bryant University’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences builds on the success of its School of Health Sciences, first established in 2014, and its fully accredited Master of Science in Physician

New Beginnings, New Opportunities

By David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23

B

ryant’s picturesque Smithfield, RI campus is buzzing with activity as we begin the 2022-2023 academic year. In the early fall, I always think back to my days as a student — the anticipation of the coming semester, reuniting with friends and stocking up at the Bryant Bookstore for my upcoming classes. Since then, I have seen countless changes, some big and some small, but all in service of our core mission to educate and inspire our students to excel. This year, students were welcomed back to campus by upgrades to several residence halls and a brand-new patio outside Fisher Student Center, which provides an expanded and revitalized gathering space for community events, campuswide celebrations, and outdoor dining. These are the first of Vision 2030’s all-encompassing enhancements to facilities, programs, and student life at Bryant.

The Vision 2030 strategic plan incorporates our existing strength in business, the liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences to create innovative interdisciplinary programs that prepare our students to meet changing workforce needs. Healthcare ranks among the fastest-growing career fields in the country, and the newly created School of Health and Behavioral Sciences (SHBS) will provide unique educational opportunities that meet the everchanging demands of a dynamic healthcare market. With new

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Smithfield,RI02917-1284

Answering the call for impact thinkers equipped with critical 21st century skills, Bryant’s

Vision 2030 Strategic Plan is expanding the University’s academic programs that prepare real-world ready students for outcomes and economic mobility ranked in the nation’s top 1%.

2030

PHILANTHROPY UPDATE

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I am a runner. Running hasn’t been a lifelong passion. I didn’t run track at Bryant or run anywhere until four and a half years ago. My 2021 TEDxBryantU talk summarized how my newfound passion for running has changed my life.

Leading the Alumni Association as president of the National Alumni Council — now appropriately rebranded as the Alumni Leadership Council because our reach is worldwide — has been a relay race. I took over a well-positioned baton from former president Jay Weinberg ’85, and on July 1, I passed the baton to incoming president Marissa Crean ’81.

Over the past three years — we learned that nothing could stop our alumni from making the best of any situation. We moved from fully in-person, to fully online, and recently have settled into a workable hybrid of alumni programming that brings alumni together to network or share important professional development strategies and techniques through robust webinar and online course options. We strengthened our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by our actions in these critical areas including expanded panels and mentorship opportunities.

I’m especially proud of how we have been able to elevate the voices of Bryant alumni among the University’s leadership and others in the Bryant community. Our collective alumni voice is present, listened to and acted upon.

As a member of the search committee that selected Dr. Ross Gittell as our ninth president, I had the opportunity to relay to him the importance of our alumni network — Bryant’s largest constituency. Alumni have been invited to participate in shaping Vision 2030, Bryant’s new strategic plan. And, alumni regularly coach students, hire Bryant interns and graduates, judge competitions and provide advice to faculty and University leadership through participation on various Councils such as the Alumni Leadership Council, The Dean’s Council, the Wall Street Council and more to come.

Although most relays end after the baton is passed three times, your Bryant Alumni Leadership Council will continue to race on. Feedback from our surveys and conversations at alumni events and through our social media channels will inform our future outreach, programs and goals.

I’m now entering the cool down period as immediate past president. But I will continue to advocate for Bryant alumni and cheer our success. Together we make a great team. Go Bulldogs!

— Rita Williams-Bogar ’76

Past President, Alumni Association and Member, Bryant University Board of Trustees rwbogar@bryant.edu

Alumni Leadership Council announces new officers

This summer, Marissa Crean ’81 begins her two-year term as President of the Bryant University Alumni Association and its governing body, the Alumni Leadership Council. During much of her professional career at The Hartford, Marissa was well known on the Bryant campus as the Program Lead for the company’s Early Career Leadership Development Program, recruiting scores of high-potential young Bryant graduates interested in building a career with

for the Alumni Association. “I was fortunate to come on board as we developed the most recent Strategic Plan for the Alumni Association, which has taken us from 2018 and into 2023. We are now poised to fully

The Hartford. In 2021, Marissa retired to have more time for volunteer causes important to her, including Bryant University and the Alzheimer’s Association, while continuing as a self-employed career coach. “During the next two years as the Alumni Association president, my goal is to improve opportunities for Bryant alumni leaders to engage with students, our future alumni leaders, and contribute to realizing Bryant’s Vision 2030 strategic plan.”

Joining Marissa in leadership roles are Samuel Broomer ’93, P’25, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at W.R. Berkley Corporation, and Sean Kenny ’98, ’20MBA, Client Executive, CPG, Professional Services and Retail for Hitachi Solutions America. Sam will begin a two-year commitment as first vice president of the Alumni Leadership Council, with a focus on setting strategic direction

align the priorities of the Alumni Association with the goals of Vision 2030.” Sean, the newly elected second vice president, will also guide the strategic planning and plans to focus on “encouraging greater participation in affinity groups to drive higher levels of participation among groups of graduates who aren’t currently active.”

School of Health and Behavioral Science

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Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program and Center for Health and Behavioral Sciences. The new School unites undergraduate and graduate programs and complements the University’s College of Business and College of Arts and Sciences. It also unifies new majors in some of the world’s fastest-growing fields, Healthcare Analytics and Exercise and Movement Science, with areas of strength in Bryant’s current Health Sciences, Biology and Psychology majors.

NEW MAJORS IN HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS AND EXERCISE SCIENCE

Bryant’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Analytics degree is the first of its kind in Rhode Island. The interdisciplinary degree integrates health sciences,

statistics, math, and data science with behavioral science and is designed to provide students with real-world, specialized skills for careers in fields such as biomedical research and public health. At Bryant, Healthcare Analytics majors will have the flexibility to minor in a complementary discipline they select from either the College of Business or the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Movement Science draws upon the strength of the University’s highly competitive NCAA Division I athletics program to prepare graduates for certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and surging career opportunities in a wide array of fitness and athletic settings. The

program develops the foundation to understand and analyze human movement, incorporating an appreciation of the overlapping influences from anatomical, physiological, psychological and neurological factors. Two tracks of study are available: the Applied Exercise and Coaching track, designed for students who plan to enter the workforce directly after graduation, and the Healthcare Provider Prep track, designed for those who plan to pursue graduate study in a healthcare or medical field. All students will select a complementary minor in the College of Business and complete an internship to gain real-world experience in a setting that aligns with their career goals.

Vision 2030 expands Bryant’s nationally acclaimed student success and career programs

Lorraine A. Daignault, an experienced university and industry marketing and communications leader, has been named Bryant University’s first Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) following a national search. Daignault joins the leadership team of Bryant University and will serve in a key role central to advancing initiatives of Bryant’s Vision 2030 strategic plan. Previously, Daignault was the assistant vice president of institutional marketing and communications strategy at Babson College. She began her new role at Bryant in early July.

June 1 | Boston, MA

PwC was the site for a gathering of more than 100 alumni and parents thanks to our host, Bryant Trustee Bob Calabro ’88 pictured here with recently retired Accounting Professor Michael Lynch.

Kasey (Torchia) Cloutier ’15 and Jennifer (Tomasetti) Langellier ’15 were among the alumni who enjoyed in-person networking.

Bulldogs filled the University Club to meet President Ross Gittell who shared the latest news from Smithfield along with highlights of Vision 2030, the University’s strategic plan. Left to right: David Tikoian ’90, Glen Martin ’81, ’87MBA, David Spencer’81, ’88MBA and his wife, Lisa Spencer.

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ryant’s greatest strength is its attention to the success of each individual student, leading to student outcomes and ROI ranked in the top 1% in the county. With the University’s Vision 2030: Education Through a New Lens strategic plan, significant investments are underway to further enhance nationally recognized student success programs in the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) and Amica Center for Career Education, among others. Throughout their four years at Bryant, students are supported by a close-knit community with personal attention focused on helping them discover their passion and achieve personal and professional success. Bryant’s Amica Center for Career Education, one of several departments within the Student Affairs division that bring learning to life beyond the classroom, oversees programs that help students plan for their future from the start of their freshman year. This includes the discovery of personal career goals, securing internships, employment search tools and a wide range of programs that prepare students for career success at rates other colleges

envy. For the Class of 2021, 99% of graduates had secured employment or were enrolled in post-graduate study within six months of graduation and a median starting salary was $64,000.

Vision 2030 will support crossdivisional initiatives between Academic Affairs and the Amica Center, including added personnel for expansion of experiential education opportunities and employer relations. According to Kevin Gaw, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Amica Center, “Experiential learning is transformative for our students because the experiences put students in the workplace amongst professionals, where they not only apply their world-class Bryant classroom learning, but also where they develop real-world skills.”

In addition, Vision 2030 funding will sponsor an immersive student leadership Career Advocate Program focused on career development and planning. In the peer program, students will provide resume review and critique, deliver career development and presentation programs, and assist with career counseling.

Bryant’s Centers for Student Success are dedicated to helping students

maximize their potential and achieve their goals of academic success. Through a person-centered process of honoring the unique learning needs of each student, the University offers comprehensive services to discover what learning and study strategies work best for each student and support academic progress.

Expert learning specialists deliver individualized assistance and group workshops on skill development for all students, as well as focused Learning Labs, tutoring, tailored assistance for the unique needs of student-athletes, and support for international students and English language learners.

With added momentum from Bryant’s strategic plan, additional resources will help to expand the cohesive academic success resources for students and their families, enhancing Bryant’s transformational student experience and superior return on investment. The Office of Accessibility Services and dedicated Student Testing/Accommodations Center will increase Bryant’s coordinated and highly effective strategies for students and faculty.

At Bryant, Daignault will be engaged with all branding, marketing and communication aspects of the University’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan and its commitment to real-world ready education for critical 21st century skills, knowledge and emerging career opportunities. “I am thrilled to join Bryant University to help lead the institution through a decade of transformational growth and innovation,” said Daignault. “Now more than ever, the world needs creative thinkers focused on solving problems, identifying opportunities and serving communities. With Vision 2030 as a roadmap, Bryant’s new curricular and experiential learning opportunities focused on business, STEM, and health sciences, wrapped in a vibrant on-campus living and learning environment, will provide students with the discipline, technical and collaboration skills needed to meet changing demands of the 21st century economy.”

Daignault holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications/Journalism and Political Science from Simmons University in Boston, MA.

June 15 | New Britain, CT Ben Heyman ’22, Morgan Whelan ’21 and Kelly Barry ’21 reconnected with President Ross Gittell at the New Britain Museum of American Art. An impressive group of alumni from the greater Hartford area gathered for an update on the University’s strategic plan, Vision 2030 from President Ross Gittell.

June 2 | Providence, RI

Marissa Crean ’81

Samuel Broomer ’93, P’25

Sean Kenny ’98, ’20MBA

Lorraine A. Daignault

Design Thinking 440 partners with Fidelity for transformative classroom experience

R ecent graduate Karli Lajeunesse ’22 took many courses at Bryant that involved partnering with leading corporations but being part of Design Thinking 440 in the spring of 2022 — led by Allison Butler, a Professor of

For Fidelity, the benefit was mutual. “It was energizing to see how thoughtfully and creatively the students worked to really think through the problems we presented to them. Bryant students continue to impress us, and their presentations

which the professors define as a “human-centered” approach to problem solving, to tackling a challenge that Fidelity proposes. For this course, Fidelity came to the students with the question of how to improve financial literacy among younger people — and the groups worked collaboratively through the design-thinking process to respond.

The professors believe this hands-on experience of working with a client elevates the classroom experience.

“They are already accustomed to academic standards and striving to meet professor expectations,” says Butler. “But with Fidelity in the classroom, our students also must meet the company’s needs and constantly have those touch points with the client as well.”

As both client and alumnus, Ferrari was proud to see that the rigor and excellence she learned as a student was still alive and well in the classroom.

interactions, when it came to filling in more serious forms, they preferred using a desktop — all important information that can directly benefit how Fidelity creates its products.

“It was magical watching these ideas transform. They are definitely feasible,” says Ferrari.

Psychology, and Lori Coakley, a Professor of Management, in collaboration with Fidelity Investments — was a hands-on, real-world experience like no other. What stood out to the then-senior was how actively involved Fidelity’s executives

— Nikunj Patel, Senior Vice President, Digital; Christina Ferrari ’97, Director, Mobile App Experience; and Michael Catani, Vice President of Global Web Experience — were throughout the class and how transformative that experience was to her and her classmates.

“Christina and Michael were present, attentive, and made us feel like we were going to make a difference,” says Lajeunesse.

“Professors can answer most questions but having Christina and Michael in front of us multiple times throughout the semester allowed our team to ask more detailed questions about apps, products, and Fidelity’s already existing services, advancing the success of our solution.”

really got us thinking about key areas of Fidelity’s business too,” says Patel, who spearheaded the partnership. “It’s a great program for all involved.”

Design Thinking 440 — an upper-level, interdisciplinary course — requires students to apply for admission, setting the stage early on for the seriousness of the course.

Students are put into teams — no

It was energizing to see how thoughtfully and creatively the students worked to really think through the problems we presented to them. Bryant students continue to impress us.

NIKUNJ PATEL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL, FIDELITY INVESTMENTS

changes allowed — and each team creates a covenant that binds them throughout the course. The groups then spend the next several months applying design-thinking principles,

The University, she says, has “evolved and changed.” It was still a college in her days and now even has a football team but, as she says, the foundation has remained. “The students are polished. They dress up in suits and they are good at presenting and speaking. I was very happy to see that hasn’t changed.”

Ferrari, who has been with Fidelity for many years, sees the partnership with Bryant as one that is mutually beneficial. “The students really wanted advisors, and it was rewarding to watch them take feedback from user testing and other approaches and apply it.” But the value of this partnership, she adds, works both ways. “The students’ presentations and findings challenged some of their own assumptions coming in. We went in assuming they used their phones a lot, and we were surprised to hear how often they are using platforms like TikTok.” She was also interested to learn that while this age group turned to their phones for most

Professors Butler and Coakley also saw the magic. They admit getting choked up at the end of the course after weeks of collaboration, sticky notes, markers on the boards and lots of practice before standing in front of the client. Design thinking, they emphasize, is not a typical “stuffy boardroom” process. They both agree that it is impressive to see the students present their ideas so powerfully at the end of it all and to see how much the ideas they start with grow and transform through the process. “We get to the final pitch time and start tearing up. It’s amazing to see how hard they worked for 15 weeks and how much they took and applied feedback,” says Coakley.

But all of that is not without some last-minute scrambling. The professors see this as the exciting part of the fun, collaborative and energizing process of design thinking. For Lajeunesse, she experienced the iterative process firsthand — and down to the last minute.

Although she was part of the first-place team, one week before the final presentation, her team was advised to make major adjustments, changing several aspects of their presentation. “Although the next week was one of the most stressful, my team was able to work together and make the changes needed to succeed.” And while she is proud of her first-place finish, she learned that creating a product that is both satisfying to the design team and that might have real-world impact is even more rewarding — a lesson from Design Thinking 440 she says she will take forward long into her professional future.

JOE ’80 AND KATHI (JUREWICZ) ’81

PUISHYS $250,000 CHALLENGE

The Bryant community stepped up in a big way making 544 gifts between March 15 and June 30, 2022 to unlock a challenge gift of $250,000 from Joe ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) ’81 Puishys, Bryant Fund Co-Chairs, and doubling the philanthropic impact by their participation.

Thank you to all of the challenge donors and especially to Joe and Kathi for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that gifts to the Bryant Fund make a difference in the life of Bryant students.

DAN RICE ’03 REUNION CHALLENGE: Thanks to the generosity of Dan Rice ’03 and his Reunion Challenge for Scholarship, gifts made by alumni celebrating reunion this year unlocked $150,000 for scholarships for deserving students. Classes competed in their reunion group to unlock gifts of $25,000 from Dan based on the highest level of participation from class members and the amount raised by a class. Gifts of $25,000 were made by Dan to scholarship funds in the name of the winning classes.

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

1980

Students in the Design Thinking 440 course make a presentation to members of the Fidelity team as part of their coursework.

PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION

View more pictures at facebook.com/bryantalumni/photos

June 26 | Newport, RI

Bryant alumni, parents and friends enjoyed sunset views of Newport Harbor overlooking Brenton Cove at a reception in support of the President’s Scholarship Fund. Pictured second from the left: David Olney ’82, President’s Cup Golf Tournament Chair with his wife, Denise Chakoian-Olney. Picture from left to right are David’s tournament players including Kyle Herren, Shane Fleniken, Malcolm McComb and Eric Calub.

President Ross Gittell talks with Christopher Dupuis ’24 and his guest, Julia Tripp. Christopher, a 2021-2022 President’s Scholarship recipient, delivered remarks on how earning a scholarship made it possible for him to attend Bryant.

Former Bryant President Emeritus, the Honorable Ronald K. Machtley and Kati Machtley with Dr. Jody Hoffer Gittell and Bryant President Ross Gittell, Ph.D.

Eileen Hayes ’07

Winning the stock market contest in the fifth grade, despite choosing Pfizer as her stock simply because of its wild spelling, was Eileen Hayes’ ’07 first introduction to a career in finance.

After winning the contest again in high school, she spent a day at the New York Stock Exchange and saw no women on the floor. It clicked that this was an opportunity to be part of the industry’s changing landscape.

Early on, Hayes, who graduated with a Series 7 license, quickly learned how ambiguous finance was and that the field wasn’t limited to Wall Street. Predicting this path was as uncertain as a weather forecast, so she focused on finding opportunities for continuous education and growth that shaped the winding road to where she is today.

“Being elected Student Senate President at Bryant was not only the greatest honor for me, but served as a catalyst to learn about myself that shaped who I became as a woman, both in my career and as a human being,” says Hayes.

Hayes serves as Vice President of Asset Manager Consulting at Envestnet in Boston. “I am so inspired by this company,” which, she says, empowers advisors to deliver better outcomes for their clients through an intelligent financial life. Previously, Hayes spent four years at U.S. Boston Capital Corp focusing on institutional distribution and held business development positions at

Contravisory Investment Management and Advisors Asset Management, where she was hired after a college internship facilitated by Steven Cowen ’69, who continues to be a mentor.

Making Bryant a priority while managing a demanding career is, in part, keeping a promise to Cowen “to never forget the power of the Bryant network” and to pay it forward every opportunity she could. Not coming from a family with connections in finance, Hayes says, the Bryant community has guided her career path. An Alumni Leadership Council member, she served as Chair of the Regional Alumni Network in New York and Massachusetts and continues to engage with students.

Another way she partners with Bryant is chairing the Women in Wealth Management board for Envestnet Institute on campus, which mentors and places the next generation of talent in the industry. “The person I am today is so greatly connected to those four years at Bryant,” Hayes says, “so I share my gratitude by staying closely connected to it as the school transforms, grows and continues to send the most intelligent, world-ready and polished students into their careers.”

For Samantha “Sam” Merwin ’12, CFA, Head of Markets Advocacy at BlackRock, taking chances is a way of life. “The greatest successes I’ve experienced so far have happened when I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone. There is no right or wrong career path as long as you are learning and growing.”

Merwin says that prioritizing transferable skills, which Bryant helped her to appreciate, allowed her to see a way to increase her value, benefiting her and her organization.

“You can learn content, but it’s harder to teach someone to be a team player or how to work well in a group,” she says. “Those skills are critical in today’s workplace, and they are incorporated into almost all of Bryant’s classes.”

When Merwin transferred to BlackRock’s New York office in 2015, she reached out to the alumni community to network. She joined the Wall Street Council to connect not only with other professionals in finance but also with faculty and current students.

Maintaining a connection to Bryant is something Merwin feels strongly about. She was recruited to work at

BlackRock by a Bryant alumnus.

“If he wasn’t still connected to Bryant, my career path would look quite different,” she says. “There are so many big and small ways to get or stay involved. Even something as simple as connecting with current students on LinkedIn who have questions about different careers or companies or offering to review resumes on Alumnifire can have a big impact on the University and its students.”

Merwin also joined the Dean’s Council in the College of Business at the behest of Dean Madan Annavarjula, Ph.D. — a newer initiative where members provide industry advice and leverage their own networks to open doors for Bryant students.

Named a “Rising Star” by Women’s Bond Club in 2020 and a “Rising Star of Wall Street” in 2021 by Business Insider, Merwin is honored to be named an “Emerging Leader” by Bryant. “So much of what I learned at Bryant set the foundation for me to grow and become a leader in my career, so it feels like it’s all coming full circle.”

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD Frank Hauck ’81, P’08

When Frank Hauck ’81, P’08 walked through the Archway as a new college graduate, he had no way of knowing that one of his most challenging career decisions was going to be whether or not to retire. “I had submitted my retirement papers in 2018 after a very satisfying 28 years at Dell EMC when I got the call from a former colleague asking ‘Do you want to play a key role in transforming a 134-year-old company?’,” he says. “How could I say ‘no’ to that?”

Now President and GM of NCR, Banking Division, Hauck is continuing his decades-long work as a changemaker.

“NCR once had a single purpose — manufacturing cash registers for places of business,” he says. “It’s now the world’s technology leader for restaurants, retailers and banks as well as a global payment provider for retail and hospitality and a provider of multi-vendor ATM software.”

One core competency Hauck champions is focusing on the customer experience. “At Dell EMC, part of the culture was assessing, reassessing and adapting to our customers’ changing needs,” he says. “NCR shares that customer-first ethic, and it’s part of

the reason I was tempted to delay my retirement.”

Like many esteemed leaders, Hauck believes the best part of what he does is develop others.

“I’ve been in successful, profitable organizations but what I’m most proud of is the legacy of leaders I’ve coached and mentored over the years. Investing in people is true success.”

Bryant, he says, taught him how to learn and provided him with the skills and confidence to get out of his comfort zone. “I’ve found myself in challenging situations where things don’t go as planned. You have to understand it as part of the journey. You make the best of it and figure out how to make the right adjustments.”

As an alum, and as the husband and father of alumnae, Hauck remains involved and invested in his alma mater. “I am incredibly impressed with the stewardship of the University and how it’s grown. It’s a well-run organization with a focus on the whole student experience — exactly as it should be.”

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD –GRADUATE SCHOOL Gary S. Gillheeney, Sr. ’83MBA

David Pogorelc ’85

If you ask David Pogorelc ’85, CEO/ Founder of Boston real estate development and investment company Core Investments, Inc., the reason for his success, he’ll tell you it’s because he has faith. “I pray about all my decisions,” he says. “I listen to that still small voice within.”

With a multi-million dollar firm under his guidance for 31 years, Pogorelc has a proven track record of success. “I always knew I wanted my own business,” he says. “In college I got involved in real estate and obtained my real estate license. That led to my creating a real estate internship at Bryant with one of my professors. I ended up learning a lot about researching properties and zoning and plot plans — fundamentals that served me well when setting out on my own.”

More than a job, Pogorelc considers what he does a quest. “I look for undervalued assets,” he explains. “I call it treasure hunting. But I also have a vision for what they can be. I want to add value to the entire community when I undertake a project — to transform it,

to create something better. Doing it well means understanding momentum and trends, and I hire the right people and create an excellent team.”

Pogorelc believes in giving back and paying it forward. “I’ve been involved with the Elevator Pitch Competition as a judge at Bryant for many years,” he says. “I’ve also taught as a guest lecturer a couple of times in a real estate finance class. It’s always important to be involved in some way. Sharing a unique gift or some time can be more valuable than you imagine.”

When it comes to finding motivation, Pogorelc spends time looking inward. “Meditating and thinking about how to live life honorably, about my decisions, and praying about them guide me,” he says. “But I also enjoy time with family and friends. I’m grateful for my abilities, success and the gifts that I’ve been given — and I’m incredibly humbled and honored to be named a Distinguished Alumnus of Bryant.”

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD –GRADUATE SCHOOL

O

n September 6, 2019, Gary S. Gillheeney, Sr. ’83MBA rang the Nasdaq closing bell to celebrate taking Organogenesis Inc. public. Flashing through his mind were the many challenges and years of hard work by a talented team dedicated to leading the field through innovation. It was “a bucket-list moment.”

Gillheeney, the company President and CEO, proudly says “saving limbs and savings lives” inspires the work at his leading regenerative medicine company offering products for the advanced wound care and surgical biologics markets. It’s work he shares as a guest speaker with students in Bryant’s Physician Assistant Program. He believes it’s important for students to have knowledge of state-of-the-art products they don’t always see, such as Apligraf®, the company’s patented bioengineered skin substitute.

Gillheeney has led Organogenesis’s growth and development for more than 15 years. He served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer from 2003 to 2014, when he became President and CEO. In 2009, he was recognized as one of Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year.” Avista Capital Partners, the private equity firm that helped take Organogenesis public, recognized Gillheeney as “CEO of the Year” in 2021.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from American

International College in Springfield, MA, Gillheeney enrolled in Bryant’s Graduate School of Business, intending to earn a master’s degree in Accounting. He vividly recalls a strategic planning class that ignited a passion for building successful organizations and creating value that led him to pursue an MBA. As he became involved in mergers and acquisitions, he developed the skills to understand the legal, organizational and cultural issues that allowed him to advance from chief financial officer to chief executive officer.

During a career in executive management, operations and finance that spanned more than 25 years, Gillheeney held executive positions at Innovative Clinical Solutions, Ltd. including as its Chief Operating Officer. He previously served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary at Providence Energy Corporation. A member of the Board of Trustees of American International College, Gillheeney also serves on the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) Board of Directors, a select group of life sciences leaders committed to growing Massachusetts’ life sciences industry, adding value to the healthcare system and improving patient lives.

A sense of curiosity and an entrepreneurial spirit have always driven Jason Macari ’90MBA, President and CEO of Baby Delight, Inc., a baby product design and development company, and Macari Properties, Inc., a commercial real estate firm.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he knew he needed a business education to fulfill his ultimate goal of running his own company.

“Bryant was the best fit for me,” he says, since 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 because finding and designing mixed-use buildings for Summer Infant appealed to his problem-solving nature.

In 2016, he acquired Baby Delight, a company focused on safe baby products that are also beautiful and functional.

Macari credits family and faith for giving him the strength and character to run businesses and manage other people.

“It’s a humbling experience.

On one hand you have to lead, but you also must take your direction from others. The key is having others’ best interests at heart, not just your own.”

It’s why his relationship with Bryant is focused on giving back where he can. For nearly a decade, he and his wife have funded the Jason P. ’90MBA and Martha Anne Macari Partners in Scholarship Fund.

“I grew up quite modestly,” he explains. “I don’t know if I would have been able to get an advanced degree if it hadn’t been for the help I got at the time.”

He has spoken to MBA classes, offered internships to Bryant students and employed Bryant grads. “I appreciate being able to offer support and hope I’ve helped even one more person be able to contribute at a higher level in life.”

This award recognizes and alumnus or alumna for growth and early success in their profession and for their service to Bryant University.

EMERGING LEADERS AWARD Samantha Merwin ’12

On June 24, members of the Bryant community gathered to celebrate ten of the University’s most accomplished and dedicated alumni with awards for Distinguished Alumni from the undergraduate and graduate schools; Emerging Leaders; the Nelson Gulski Award for alumni service; and a Key to the University.

This award recognizes an alumnus/a of Bryant University’s Undergraduate or Graduate School of Business who has a demonstrated record of outstanding professional achievement or community service.

Jason Macari ’90MBA

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD

Karl ’58, ’91H

Ericson P’84

Before they met, Jackie Ruest and Karl Ericson recognized the value of a college education. Jackie took a year off after high school to earn tuition money for Bryant’s Executive Secretarial program. While Karl’s G.I. Bill benefits from four years in the Navy helped with expenses, he took any job he could get, working at a supermarket meat counter and washing cars at a car dealership.

Jackie remembers the fellow who called out, “Hi, Jackie!” after class one day looked like a nice guy. By her second spring at Bryant, the woman from Plainville, MA was engaged to the commuter from Putnam, CT.

After graduation, Karl worked as an accountant in New York City and at Glass, Dittleman & Co. in Providence before joining KPMG Peat Marwick. Named a KPMG partner in 1970, he made the couple’s first gift to Bryant after a visit from President Harry Evarts. Karl credited Bryant “100 percent for his success,” Jackie recalls. “He wanted to give back. We wouldn’t have had anywhere near the life we had — if not for Bryant.”

Bryant Leadership Council of Donors charter members, the Ericsons established a memorial scholarship for an accounting student that evolved into the Ericson Family Endowed Scholarship Fund. The couple loved meeting scholarship recipients they recognized as “great kids who will contribute to making a better world!’”

Karl was a Bryant trustee from 1980 to 1988, when he became an honorary

trustee, a position he held until his passing on August 28, 2020. The first alumnus to serve as Chairman of the Board, the couple were thrilled by Bryant’s growth under Presidents Evarts, William O’Hara, William Trueheart, and Ronald Machtley. In 1988, Karl was touched to receive the Nelson Gulski Alumni Service Award and was proud to receive an honorary degree in 1991, with his children, older brother and his mother in attendance.

Throughout Karl’s career and service to Bryant, he was supported by Jackie. During their early years in New York City, her associate’s degree from Bryant’s Executive Secretarial program earned her a higher salary than Karl’s as a junior accountant. She later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University, “Setting a good example for my children, that as an adult, I was eager to continue to learn.” The =value of education is a lesson she now shares with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Knowing several Key to the University award recipients, Jackie says Karl would be honored — and humbled — that the University so appreciates his commitment to add their names to the list of esteemed recipients. “For Karl, I could not be more thankful. I feel the same way he did: Bryant was the best thing I ever did. Bryant was the best thing we ever did.”

Jeffrey ’91 and Kimberly (Roy) ’92 Fryer P’19, P’22

When Jeff Fryer stepped up to help clean a dorm window his junior year, he was surprised to see someone looking back. Kim Roy was just as surprised by the young man’s head that popped up in front of her window. The two quickly learned they had much in common, including their accounting majors.

Married a year after Jeff earned his Master of Science in Taxation from the University of Hartford and Kim graduated from Bryant in 1992, they set out to establish careers. Kim worked for nearly two decades in the mortgage industry while Jeff, a licensed CPA, started his career in public accounting with Coopers & Lybrand. He held leadership roles at Lydall, Chemtura Corporation, and Alexion Pharmaceuticals, where he rose to Vice President & Chief Tax Officer, retiring in 2017.

In 2018, Jeff became a co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of Rallybio, a biotechnology company dedicated to identifying and accelerating the development of life-transforming therapies for patients with severe and rare disorders.

In addition to managing successful careers, raising sons Ryan ’19 and Chris ’22 who thrived at Bryant, and volunteering in their community,

Jeff and Kim have been among Bryant’s most active and engaged alumni. Their generosity runs deep. They served as inaugural Co-Chairs of the Bryant Parents Council, reaching out and answering questions to ensure parents are confident their students are well cared for.

Jeff has also lectured in numerous Bryant classes and participated as an alumni mentor and judge for the University’s annual three-day design-thinking immersion for firstyear students. He shares his experience and expertise with students as a mentor, through the Alumni Job Shadow Program, as well as during visits to classes. Jeff serves as chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Business.

The couple was recognized with the 2016 Champions of Philanthropy Outstanding Parents Award. Their generous and continued support for Bryant runs deep, including naming a classroom in the Quinlan/Brown Academic Innovation Center in honor of Accounting Professor Michael Lynch, the mentor Jeff credits for his success, as well as study rooms in honor of family.

Humbled to receive the Gulski Award, the Fryers note that they make the University a priority because they are grateful for their Bryant experience.

WORLD

July 8 | London, England

President Ross Gittell was in London to visit with students in a special 2022 summer program in partnership with Herford College at Oxford University. Students were taught by professors from both Oxford and Bryant with sessions focused on communication, leadership and innovation.

After his visit, President Gittell and several London area alumni were hosted by Dominik Wellmann ’98 at the East India Club for dinner. Seated clockwise from the top right: Jude Addo ’11, Richard Aduhene ’16, President Ross Gittell, Dominik Wellmann ’98, Peter Clark ’87, Emine Clark, Gabrielle Ritzer ’21, Juan Gonzalez ’20, Jacqueline Calamari ’17, Dawn (Generous) Kelly ’93 and Finance Professor Asli Ascioglu.

A letter to Bryant donors

By Kayla Batalha ’22

Since May, when I officially crossed the threshold between student and alumna, I have had the opportunity to reflect upon my time at Bryant.

The gratitude I feel looking back on my undergraduate experience is difficult to express, but I’ll share a few of my highlights.

During my sophomore year, I was able to spend two weeks in Spain and Germany. It was the best trip of my life — it melded my passion for learning about new cultures with my love of traveling. During my junior year, I began conducting research for my Honors thesis project, which would ultimately shape my career path. The result of my research was an interactive art installation that sought to raise awareness of racial and gender bias within the Bryant community in order to build a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion. The piece invited approximately 500 members of

the community to participate with an open mind and listen with an open heart. The successes and setbacks, the memories and mentors and everything in between — it was all possible because of the generosity of donors who make contributions to scholarship funds. Donors made it possible for me to attend Bryant. During my time as an undergraduate, I took advantage of every opportunity to push the bounds of my intellectual curiosity as an academic, my creativity as an artist, and my empathy as a human and I am excited for the next chapter in my life as I pursue a Ph.D. The lessons I have learned will stay with me in my head and my heart for the rest of my life, and I owe my gratitude to Bryant’s scholarship donors for everything they have done for me.

On behalf of myself, the students who have come before me and all future recipients of Bryant scholarships, thank you for your continued support.

More than $307,000 raised for President’s Scholarship Fund

On June 27, Newport Country Club hosted Bryant’s 18th Annual President’s Cup Golf Tournament, which raised $307,599 for the President’s Scholarship Fund. The sold-out tournament drew 128 golfers including alumni, friends from the corporate community, administrators and others who have committed to supporting student scholarships.

“Access to a Bryant education for deserving students is one of our top priorities,” said David Wegrzyn ’86, P’23, vice president of advancement at Bryant. President’s Cup Golf Tournament Committee Chair David Olney ’82 added, “Students who receive the President’s Scholarship are among our University’s most academically capable students and they deserve an opportunity to acquire all that a Bryant education has to offer.”

The Tournament’s 14 corporate event sponsors included presenting sponsor Amica Mutual Insurance Company thanks to the support of Amica’s CFO, Jim Loring ’87. Corporate sponsors

helped increase the Tournament’s total proceeds to more than $2.1 million in 18 years.

In the 2021-2022 academic year, the average President’s Scholarship award was $27,749, or 59% of tuition.

Kayla Batalha ’22, recipient of a President’s Scholarship, joined the post-golf reception to share reflections

TRAVEL THE WORLD with Bryant Alumni

The Bryant Alumni Association has three trips on the books for 2023 — Israel and Jordan led by Rabbi Steven Jablow; The Azores (September 9–21); and early plans are underway for Egypt including a Nile River cruise (November 2023). Each of these trips are scaled for 12–20 travelers.

ALSO HAVE A FEW SPACES

LEFT FOR THE NOVEMBER 2022 TRIP TO ITALY.

Information on each alumni travel experience is at alumni.bryant.edu/travel or email Robin Warde, Executive Director of Parent and Alumni Engagement, at rwarde@bryant.edu for more

on her Bryant experience. “The lessons I have learned will stay with me in my head and my heart for the rest of my life,” said Batalha. “I owe my gratitude to Bryant’s scholarship donors for everything they have done for me.”

Cindy (Paul) Cody ’84, Monika (Ambrose) LaMotte ’84, Patty (Jweid) Dorion ’84, Patty (Falcone) Raggi ’84, P’18, Beth (Menzie) Calder

Tricia (Carbone) Colgan

Gail (Harden) Huyge

and Deby (Carr) Albin

ALUMNI AND

Hanoi, Vietnam

Trustee Eric Handa

and reputation in SE Asia.

Pictured left to right are Eric Handa ’97, Jahanzeb Khan P’26 Raza Khan ’26, Alex Chace ’20, Nguyễn Hoàng Vũ, Phi Van Hoan P’17, ’23 and Aaron Mayo.

The Bryant Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Key to the University recognizes an alumnus, or alumna, who, through their dedicated service and generosity, has made possible the forward trajectory and success of Bryant University.

NELSON J. GULSKI AWARD

This award recognizes an alumnus or alumna with a record of exemplary and longstanding volunteer service to the University or the Alumni Association. Such service will have enhanced the name, prestige or educational excellence of the University or significantly furthered the outreach and professionalism of the Association. This award is named for Nelson J. Gulski ’26, ’72H, ’92H, whose association with Bryant as a student, teacher, administrator, and trustee spanned more than 70 years.

Kayla Batalha ’22

William (Bill) Pirolli ’79, CPA, partner at DiSanto, Priest & Co. and immediate past chairman of the AICPA, was the featured speaker at a student-run Accounting Association meeting in April. Pictured left to right are Owen McCoy ’24, Chi Phi ’23, Dylan MacKinnon ’22, Bill Piroli ’79, Jessica Gaskin ’25, and Eric Banville of DiSanto, Priest & Co.

More than 70 members of the Class of 2022 have legacy ties to Bryant including parents, grandparents, siblings or other relatives. We captured a few of the proud families on campus in May after the Commencement ceremony.

Jason ’92, Thomas ’22, and Laurie (Barron) ’92 Fromer Lisa, Clay ’22, and Bill ’84 Hoadley

Jim ’88, Elizabeth ’18, ’20MPAc, Sam ’22, and Meg (Mitchell) ’89 Magee

Suzanne, Kevin ’22 and Greg ’86 Stafstrom

SUPPORT BRYANT AND

Charitable gift annuity rates have increased

By Ed Magro, Executive Director of Development

A common concern when we retire is the fear that we won’t have sufficient income to carry us through the rest of our lives. That concern only increases with rising rates of inflation and the fluctuating nature of the stock market. For those 65 years or older and making a gift of $10,000 or more, a charitable gift annuity (CGA) is a way to both support Bryant while guaranteeing income for yourself and/or a loved one for life.

stock or mutual funds. When you use these types of assets to fund a CGA with Bryant, you may also reduce or defer the capital gains you would otherwise pay when you typically sell securities.

And best of all — effective July 1, 2022, the American Council on Gift Annuities has increased gift annuity rates making this an even better time to consider establishing a charitable gift annuity with Bryant.

BENEFITS OF A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY WITH BRYANT:

•Receive guaranteed fixed payments for your lifetime and if you choose, that of another individual (usually a spouse), and usually at rates much higher than other conservative investments.

•Take advantage of the newly increased annuity rates to pay you more — see chart at left.

CLASS NOTES

CRAIG T. BOGAR ‘76, Ed.D., was awarded the School of Health Sciences’ Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award from the American Public University System (APUS). Dr. Bogar is an Associate Professor in Sports Management for APUS, an online institution with over 90,000 students.

MICHAEL R. MCELROY, ESQ. ’87 received the Rhode Island Bar Association’s 2022 Ralph P. Semonoff Award for Professionalism. The award, given once every two years, recognizes an attorney who exemplifies professionalism in the law and advances the calling of professional practice through leadership, high standards of integrity, commitment and dedication. Michael has also been elected to serve his fourth consecutive term as President of the Rhode Island Bar Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Rhode Island Bar Association.

IN MEMORY

PROFESSOR OF HISTORY JUDY BARRETT-LITOFF was one of Bryant’s longest-serving faculty members. She joined the Bryant community in August 1972 in anticipation of Bryant College’s relocation from Providence to the Smithfield campus. During her tenure, Dr. Barrett-Litoff shared her love of history and Bryant’s own history with hundreds of students.

Professor Litoff was a prolific author and considered one of the world’s preeminent scholars on World War II correspondence. Her many publications include Miss You; Since You Went Away: World War II Letters from American Women on the Home Front; Dear Boys, We’re in This War

Too: World War II Letters from American Women in Uniform; American Women in a World at War; and Bryant College Goes to War. Her many awards include the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, a Research and Publication Award in 1997 and 2005, a Herstory Award in 1996 and a Bryant Faculty Federation Distinguished Faculty Member Award in 1988. In recognition of her dedication to academic excellence and teaching, she was awarded the Bryant University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 1989.

•Obtain tax-favored payments that you cannot outlive. Part of your annuity payments are income tax–free throughout your estimated life expectancy.

SARA K. OSINSKI ’17 joined the New York office of Blank Rome LLP in the Tax, Benefits and Private Client practice group. Sara received her J.D. from New York Law School, and her B.A. magna cum laude from Bryant University. Prior to joining Blank Rome, Sara worked at Holm & O’Hara LLP and interned at Goldman Sachs as an associate in the family office, where she assisted with counseling for ultra-high net worth individuals and families.

Professor Barrett-Litoff never lost her southern charm and could be counted on for wonderful peach cobbler and other dishes at the faculty tailgate each year at Homecoming. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will live on in the countless students, faculty and staff she encouraged and mentored.

Ed Magro Executive Director of Development

A CGA is a simple agreement between you and Bryant where you make a gift to Bryant and then Bryant pays a guaranteed, fixed annual income to you and/or a loved one for life — and usually at rates significantly higher than other conservative investments such as CD’s or money market accounts.

A CGA can also pay you a guaranteed income for life using assets that might not otherwise pay you income, such as

Charles “Chuck” L. Caranci, Jr. ’88 –This alumnus is “awash” in success

Self-described “numbers” guy Charles “Chuck” Caranci says his career adds up exactly as it should.

“My parents urged me to study business because it would play on my strengths in mathematics and it would open up a world of opportunities in accounting or finance,” he says.

“Though I was initially uncertain, I enthusiastically enrolled at Bryant, my uncle and godfather’s alma mater, because of its stellar reputation and proximity to home and friends.”

At Bryant, Caranci thrived, soaking up the wisdom and expertise of professors such as Chet Piascik, professor of Mathematics, who taught him that building blocks can only be effective when supported by sound foundations.

“These are principles easily applicable to everyday business situations,” says Caranci. “I also found it very cool that he actually wrote the books we used in class.” In fact, he still has those applied mathematics and statistics books stored somewhere.

VARIETY OF SKILLS

Like many Bryant alumni, Caranci can name several professors in a range of disciplines who made a lifelong impact on him. From the Management lecturer, Ted Gautschi, who stressed exceptional soft skills — interpersonal, work ethic, communication, time management, and networking/relationships — as more important for success than book smarts, to the inimitable English and Humanities

Professor Pat Keeley, who taught him refined writing and communication skills, to Accounting professors such as Dr. Kathy Simons, who made auditing fun and interesting. “I learned and

excelled at a surprising variety of skills at Bryant,” Caranci says.

Initially a Finance major, Caranci switched to Accounting in his junior year for what he felt were better immediate career opportunities. Upon graduation, he started out in one of the “Big Eight” accounting firms and earned his CPA, then transitioned to the construction and real estate development sectors in top executive capacities before deciding to spread his wings further and be his own boss.

“I’ve enjoyed building organizations throughout my career and taking companies to the next level,” Caranci says. “One of my first mentors, Jack Marshall, advised me to ‘always surround yourself with a strong team and never be afraid to hire people smarter than you’. I believe that have always built exceptional teams around me, thanks to his counsel.”

That philosophy in management, he contends, is key to his success. “I advise anyone who asks: Hire the smartest people, and don’t micro-manage them. Throw them in the deep end and see how they do, but always keep an eye on them and jump in when/if you need to. Setbacks often plant the seeds of opportunity.”

NOT YOUR GRANDPA’S CAR WASH

Now Chief Executive Officer/Owner of TE Ventures (Tommy’s Express Car Wash franchisee), Caranci currently owns and operates 11 franchises and has more than 30 other sites in development or construction slated for opening in the next 18 months. His focus is on the use of technology to improve the guest experience and ensuring that all his employees are flourishing. “Work shouldn’t be difficult or painful,” he

says. “I want our employees driving to work with a smile on their faces. That’s what keeps me going. It’s important to me to instill an entrepreneurial spirit in my team members.”

The car wash business has been good to Caranci, and he knows the foundation and networks he built at Bryant helped him achieve his goals.

“Since graduation, I have always contributed to Bryant’s annual fundraising campaigns. A while ago, I was contacted by Bryant’s University Advancement Office, and we assessed ways in which I could increase my level of commitment to the University.”

Caranci boosted his annual giving and started guest lecturing on campus about his career path, and experience at work as a leader and mentor.

DEEPENING BRYANT RELATIONSHIPS

When Dean Madan Annavarjula approached Caranci to be one of the founding members of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Business, he recognized the special opportunity and jumped at it. “This experience has been incredible,” he says. “Being able to engage with faculty, staff, students, other alumni and peers in business has been truly rewarding, and a great way to give back to the University.”

Caranci has worked with Brian Lachapelle of Bryant’s University Advancement Office to significantly increase his giving to the University in three ways: annual giving at the Bryant Leadership Council (BLC) level, through an endowed fund and a bequest.

First, his multi-year annual giving pledge to the College of Business Dean’s

•Receive an immediate income tax charitable deduction if you itemize, and reduce capital gains tax in most cases when using appreciated securities to fund your gift.

•Become a member of Bryant’s 1863 Society, a group of community members who have supported Bryant through planned gifts and have the satisfaction of supporting Bryant and future generations of our incredible students.

SOCIAL MEDIA

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Fund will advance innovation in the College of Business benefiting students, faculty, staff and programs. A multi-year commitment helps the University plan more precisely.

Next, he’s created the Charles L. Caranci, Jr. ’88 Entrepreneurship Endowed Fund, which will help recent graduates launch their new ventures. “We want students and alumni to be able to look to their alma mater for capital when launching their ventures,” he explains. As an entrepreneur, Caranci finds that establishing the Entrepreneurship Fund is a special and uniquely meaningful donation, and because it’s endowed, the Fund will help Bryant advance entrepreneurship in perpetuity.

Isil Yavuz, director of Bryant’s Entrepreneurship Program, says the endowment is invaluable. “A gift of this magnitude elevates our program and helps bring the sound business ideas and plans of our students and alumni to realization,” she says. “It’s a great extra marketing feature for prospective students along with the access that students have to Bryant’s network of successful alumni.”

In addition to this endowment, Caranci has named Bryant’s College of Business in his will. “My bequest to Bryant has been one of the easiest decisions I’ve made,” he says. “The University helped make this financial decision a win-win.” Caranci adds, “It’s comforting to know I will continue to make a difference at the University after I’m gone — in a manner the College of Business sees fit and needs the most — while receiving financial benefits now.”

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

from Bryant

alumni, faculty,

BryantAlumni

LINKEDIN Bryant University Alumni Association (Group)

Be

visit alumni.bryant.edu/classnotes

The information in this article is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.

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/byrantalumni

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 alumni.bryant.edu

Philanthropy Update

continued from page 1

bachelor’s degree programs in Healthcare Analytics and Exercise and Movement Science, Bryant will enable graduates to pursue a wider variety of in-demand career paths. Further strategic investments in student success, through programs including the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) and Amica Center for Career Education, will further propel our students to the peak of achievement in their chosen career paths. We will rely on many of you in the alumni and parent community for your engagement and support as we build these programs and double down on our commitment to our students.

We have much to look forward to in the action-packed months ahead, as President Gittell and staff from Alumni and Parent Engagement hit the road for a variety of regional events. Come see us at the event nearest you to reconnect with classmates, meet new colleagues, build your Bryant network and learn more about the dynamic Vision 2030 plan for our University. On-campus events, including Homecoming Weekend beginning October 14, bring Bryant’s new and old friends together to cheer on our athletes in Black and Gold and to celebrate the transformational impact of

our most devoted philanthropic partners. I encourage all of you to come back to campus this fall to see how far Bryant has come and share in our excitement for the future.

One event we eagerly anticipate is Bryant Giving Day, which will take place on October 26, 2022. Bryant Giving Day provides the perfect opportunity for you to step up and maximize your gift’s impact. With matching gift challenges for every academic area, co-curricular program, and facilities enhancement on campus, you will be able to multiply the impact of your gift. Stay tuned for further updates!

Efforts like Bryant Giving Day, which rally our entire community to achieve a common goal, are a microcosm of the energy that the Vision 2030 plan is bringing to our campus. Key philanthropic partnerships will be critical to reaching our lofty goals, and we are excited to partner with those of you who share our vision for success. These efforts succeed because each member of our community understands that they have an important role to play, and they step up in support and celebration of our students and faculty. Now it’s your turn — be the one to change a student’s life with your most generous gift.

EVENT CALENDAR

OCTOBER

Football: Bryant @ North Carolina A&T Saturday, October 1 Reception with President Ross Gittell 4–6 PM

Proximity Hotel 7 PM kickoff Greensboro, NC

Coach Jared Grasso Reception Thursday, October 6 5:30–8:30 PM Jay-Z 40/40 Club New York, NY

Football: Southern CT @ Bryant Saturday, October 8 1 PM kickoff Beirne Stadium

Champions of Philanthropy Celebration

By invitation only Friday, October 14 6-9 PM

Bryant Campus Homecoming Saturday, October 15

All Day

Bryant Campus For the full schedule visit: alumni.bryant.edu/ homecoming

Honors Students and Alumni Reception Thursday, October 20

Details to come Nashville, TN

Bryant Giving Day 2022 Wednesday, October 26 All day

Bryant Campus CEO Students and Alumni Reception Thursday, October 27

Details to come Chicago, IL

Football: Bryant @ Gardner-Webb Saturday, October 29 1:30 PM Boiling Springs, NC

NOVEMBER

Family and Friends Weekend November 4-6 Bryant Campus Wall Street Council Reception November 10 6–8 PM KKR & Co. Inc. New York, NY

Football: Bryant @ Holy Cross Saturday, November 12 12 PM kickoff Worcester, MA

Football: Bryant @ Robert Morris Saturday, November 19 12 PM kickoff Moon Township, PA

editors

Rachel Amador Kathleen Brown Carlin Carr Jessica Dang ’16 Stephen Kostrzewa Daniel Lamere Christina Senecal ’95

Jillian Walinski ’21

NEW EVENTS ARE ADDED FREQUENTLY Check alumni. bryant.edu/events for the most up-to-date calendar and to register for events.

Jessica (Beck) Weiner ’10 and her husband, Scott, welcomed their fourth child,

Noah,

alumni@bryant.edu

Apryl Silva ’09 and Dustin Huerta Cancun, Mexico | May 7, 2022

Arielle Landaeta ’16 and Nicholas Douglas ’15 North Haven, CT | June 25, 2022

Erika LaRose ’19 and Joel Schaefer ’18 Westerly, RI | May 15, 2022

Emily Gravel ’15 and Kevin Dozois ’15 Providence, RI | February 12, 2022

Samantha Merwin ’12 and Kendal Cehanowicz ’11 Sparta, NJ | March 26, 2022

Samantha Mattone ’14 and Brian Mahoney ’14 Plymouth, MA | March 11, 2021 Reception held on March 19, 2022

CORRECTION: In the April 2022 issue of Engage, we left Ghana off the list of countries represented by a panel of international alumni speakers. We apologize for this oversight.

David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23 Vice President for University Advancement