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Marketing Department adds Marketing Analytics and Sales as minors
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Alumni Travel Program heads to Australia, Cuba, and China
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Reunion event highlights
BRYANT Alumni Bulletin Vol. 16 | No. 4 | October 2013
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hen Bryant and Stratton’s National Business College opened a branch in the Lyceum Building on Westminster Street in Providence in 1863, it was one of 44 branches. The mission? Train Civil War veterans and others – including women – in business skills: mainly, bookkeeping, and penmanship. The second half of the 19th century created unprecedented job opportunities for business and office workers in the United States – especially in Rhode Island, the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Bryant thrived in Providence as its graduates found success in business and industry.
A tradition of connecting From the very beginning of the University’s history, Ezra Mason, part-owner of the college, made sure graduates remained connected by starting the “What Cheer Lyceum” club, through which graduates and current students met to hear lectures and discuss current events. Musical entertainment, dances, and picnics also brought students and graduates together. In the late 1800s, distinguished Bryant alumni, with the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that grew from recognizing the quality of their education, began to assemble annually to network and pay tribute to their Bryant experience. That tradition of alumni reconnecting with each other, the faculty, and the campus continues today.
years of reconnecting Evolving with Bryant Reunion at Bryant has come in many forms. An annual gathering on the South Lawn at Young Orchard Avenue was formal, yet collegial. “UnHomecoming” in the ’70s and ’80s brought students and alumni together to celebrate in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The ’80s and ’90s combined the annual Alumni Achievement Awards, which were first awarded in 1981, with the annual Reunion Weekend Dinner Dance held in June. Since 1998, the tradition has evolved to a fall Reunion @ Homecoming. We hope you will join your fellow alumni this year for a very special event celebrating Bryant’s landmark anniversary. You’ll receive a distinctive Bryant 150th gift with your Bulldog Pass, and enjoy live music and a lobster bake. View schedule and register at bryant.edu/reunion.
A special celebration We began celebrating Bryant’s Sesquicentennial in February. It culminates with the 37th annual Festival of Lights on December 11, 2013. As we reflect about the past 150 years, we pay tribute to our alumni, who continue to serve as the pillars upon which the University stands. Whether it’s a milestone year for you or not, consider coming back for this special reunion
that celebrates Bryant’s 150th anniversary. It’s a landmark achievement that less than four percent of accredited colleges and universities in the United States have succeeding in reaching. This anniversary presents a singular opportunity to recognize our distinguished history and support the Presidential Scholarship Fund. On Saturday evening, October 12, President and Mrs. Ronald K. Machtley will host a black-tie Sesquicentennial Gala at Rosecliff Mansion
in Newport, RI. This signature event will be held in lieu of our annual Champions for Philanthropy dinner, which has traditionally been held the Friday evening of Reunion @ Homecoming weekend. For more information regarding table sponsorships and the purchase of individual tickets, visit bryant.edu/150.
This is the year to come home, Bryant alumni.
Reunion @ Homecoming – a special time
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s Bryant continues its year-long celebration of its 150th anniversary, Reunion @ Homecoming 2013 is going to be our biggest ever! It features golf outings, tailgating, campus tours, alumni games, and a Bulldog Fun Zone that includes mini golf, bungee jumping, and a rock climbing wall. There also will be a Homecoming Parade, a
Bryant Bonfire and Fireworks, an Alumni Memorial Service, a high-octane show by comedian Gabriel Iglesias, and opportunities to cheer on the Bulldogs football, swimming, and volleyball teams. Alumni from all classes will join in this special reunion that celebrates Bryant’s continues on page 7
Alumni weddings Rediscover Bryant through social media Alumnus from Kentucky visits campus
Inside this issue: at Providence, RI
Bryant Alumni Bulletin Bryant University 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917-1284
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