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Bryant dedicates new Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
Supported by a generous gift from Trustee Kimberley (Sprague) ’22H and Frohman Anderson, Bryant University’s new Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking was dedicated on January 22 in honor of Anderson’s parents and Bryant alums Audrey F. (Perreault) Sprague ’56 and the late Robert E. “Bob” Sprague ’56. The center, one of the
“The Sprague Center exemplifies what makes Bryant special, creating this innovation ecosystem where students learn through hands-on experiences and cross-disciplinary collaborations.”
ROSS GITTELL, P h .D., BRYANT UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
flagship spaces in Bryant’s Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center, will serve as a regional hub for student and community startups.
“The Sprague Center stands as a testament to the Spragues’ commitment to entrepreneurship and Bryant University,” says Bryant President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “Their generosity and vision have opened doors for future successful entrepreneurs and business and community leaders. Bryant University is proud to dedicate
this state-of-the-art facility in recognition of their extraordinary legacy and lifelong dedication to creating opportunities for generations to come.”
The space also features the Charles A. Collis ’83H Entrepreneurship Classroom, honoring Frohman Anderson’s father, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who served as a Bryant trustee from 1984 to 1993.
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New names mark outstanding growth, outcomes for Bryant’s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Bryant University’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences has been elevated to the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, renamed accordingly to reflect its tremendous growth and powerful impact in bolstering the region’s health care system. In tandem, Bryant’s College of Arts and Sciences will be renamed the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to more clearly reflect its foundation in the liberal arts, its focus on understanding human experience and social structures, and its industry-focused curriculum enriched by signature experiential learning opportunities.
Trustees approved the changes on Friday, January 23, and they go into effect on July 1.
Philanthropist Barbara Papitto ’83, ’85MBA, ’97H named Businesswoman of the Year
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MBA Students Travel to Singapore, Hong Kong for Global Immersion Experience
5 Meet the FOUNDERS at the Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
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“The announcement regarding the two colleges reflects their significance and the exciting direction they have embraced,” says President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “The elevation of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences recognizes the exceptional work of our faculty and the high impact of its academic programs, and the updated name to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences strongly communicates its mission and strengths. Together, these changes reaffirm our strong commitment to these colleges’
academic excellence, innovation, and preparation of graduates for the career and broader opportunities and challenges of the future.”
Bryant Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., adds, “These changes recognize Bryant’s core strengths: a student-centered focus, breadth of academic programs, impactful interdisciplinary collaborations, and an exceptional education that prepares students to be purpose-driven leaders in their respective fields,” he says. “None of this progress would have been possible without the dedication and ongoing contributions of college leadership, faculty, and staff.
The Bryant University Board of continues on page 4
IDEA students dive into manufacturing during visit to Quonset plant “Every single person has a legacy and a story that deserves to be captured, told, and remembered in the way you want it.”
Philanthropy Update
Where ideas take shape
David C. Wegrzyn ’86, P’23, Vice President for University Advancement
Here’s a bit of trivia for you: In 1863, Bryant University was founded by Henry Bryant and John Stratton, two entrepreneurs that set out to design an institution that would prepare students for the growing post-war American economy. From the beginning, our students have pursued interdisciplinary fields of study that drive innovation, expand opportunity, and encourage them to turn ideas into ventures.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are in our DNA – a proud tradition that continues to shape our campus culture, academic programs, and the opportunities we provide students to learn by doing. That commitment was on full display on January 22 with the official opening celebration of the Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking (see page 1). Located on the ground floor of the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center, the center is outfitted with classrooms, meeting spaces, and a 7,800-foot Makerspace, cementing its status as the hub of entrepreneurship on our campus. Made possible by a generous gift from Trustee Kimberley (Sprague) ’22H and Frohman
Anderson, the center supports students as their ideas take shape through experimentation, iteration, mentorship, and launch support.
In the Fall of 2025, four students were selected as FOUNDERS (Fellowship for Office Use, Networking, Development, Entrepreneurship, Representation & Support), outstanding undergraduates who exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit at Bryant through their own businesses. Each was assigned a private office space along the Center’s main hallway. With direct access to mentors, peers, and resources, these students have grown their ventures in both recognition and revenue, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom in true experiential learning fashion (see page 5).
The same hands-on mindset extends across the curriculum, where design thinking and emerging technologies are increasingly being integrated into coursework. This winter, Bryant’s award-winning IDEA program celebrated its 14th year with its largest class to date. Over just 72 hours, more than 1,100 first-year students were able to harness
the power of design thinking — a key component of entrepreneurship — to solve real-world challenges.
Each year this program is bolstered by alumni and community partners that provide critical insight into their fields. More than 100 alumni and dozens of businesses helped make this year’s event possible. Teams partnered with organizations like yconic AI, AAA Northeast, Cardi’s Furniture, Hayward Industries, Inc., and Fidelity Investments to name a few. On page 6, you can read how one team visited a manufacturing plant for Hayward Industries, Inc. pool supply and met up with Noah Tellier ’21, ’22MBA, who helped them explore how to optimize manufacturing workflows with AI.
As the world continues to evolve, Bryant is preparing students to lead in environments shaped by data, automation, and artificial intelligence. Across disciplines, faculty are intentionally incorporating AI tools and
BRYANT
concepts into coursework, grounding them in creative problem solving, ethical judgment, and strategic thinking. Students are learning how to work with emerging technologies in practical ways, strengthening their ability to identify opportunities, test ideas, and bring thoughtful solutions to market.
That momentum is amplified by the continued engagement of Bryant alumni who believe deeply in the power of entrepreneurship. Thanks to the generosity of John O’Connor ’91, the newly established John O’Connor ’91 Entrepreneurship Fellowship will provide annual support to a student entrepreneur as they build and scale their venture. It is an investment in talent, curiosity, and the confidence to take informed risks, values that have long defined a Bryant education.
Taken together, the growth of programs like IDEA, the impact of the Sprague Center, the integration of AI into the curriculum, and the generosity of our alumni support tell a clear story: Bryant is not standing still. We are building on our entrepreneurial roots with focus and ambition, and students are meeting that moment with energy, creativity, and purpose as they shape what comes next.
TO HONOR BARBARA PAPITTO ’83, ’85MBA, ’97H AS KATI C. MACHTLEY WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Barbara Papitto ’83, ’85MBA, ’97H, a Rhode Island philanthropist and nonprofit leader, will be honored as the Kati C. Machtley Businesswoman of the Year at the 29th annual Women’s Summit® on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
The award — which honors leaders who build enterprises, cultivate people, and improve communities — recognizes Papitto’s decades-long commitment to expanding opportunity and advancing equity through education and community investment.
Papitto is the founder and a trustee of the Papitto Opportunity Connection, a private nonprofit foundation established in 2020 to support organizations serving communities most in need across Rhode Island. Through strategic investments in education, job skills training, housing, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, the foundation works collaboratively with nonprofit partners to help individuals build pathways to long-term success.
Her philanthropic work builds on a legacy she shared with her late husband, Ralph Papitto ’47, ’87H. In 2008, the couple launched Read to Succeed, a literacy initiative designed to address summer learning loss among underserved Providence students. The program combines reading support
with a powerful incentive: a $1,000 college scholarship awarded annually for six years. To date, Read to Succeed has provided more than $2.2 million in scholarships.
A former member of the Bryant University Board of Trustees, Papitto has devoted her time and leadership to many civic and educational organizations for more than 40 years. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of Salve Regina University and ReFocus, Inc., and is a supporter of St. Mary Academy-Bay View. She has also been active with St. Gabriel’s Call and served as president of the former Nickerson Community Center in Providence.
Now in its 29th year, the Women’s Summit® brings together business leaders, professionals, and community members for a day of inspiration, connection, and insight. This year’s theme, “Illuminating Values, Inspiring Action” invites attendees to reflect on the principles that guide their lives, and to take bold, meaningful steps toward positive change.
Registration is open to the public and conference fees apply.
Please visit wsummit.bryant.edu for more information and to register.
Bryant MBA students take Singapore, Hong Kong during annual Global Immersion Experience
Nearly100 Bryant University One-Year and Two-Year MBA students traded freezing temps in Smithfield for sunny days in Singapore and Hong Kong during the 2026 Global Immersion Experience (GIE). From January 4-15, the students, along with their faculty and staff facilitators, traveled to southeast Asia for a dynamic blend of academics, local business site visits, alumni engagement, and cultural exploration.
Organizers chose Singapore and Hong Kong for this year’s trip to give students a holistic experience of business in Asia.
“This year, we wanted the experience to feel more like a true academic and cultural immersion, not a single-city snapshot,” says Alex Cole, Ed.D., Executive Director of Graduate and Professional Education. “Singapore and Hong Kong complement each other well, with different cultures, different economies, different business environments, and the combination helped students make comparisons in real time.”
Their journey began in Singapore, where students attended morning classes at the National University of Singapore (NUS) — the No. 1 ranked university in Asia in QS World University Rankings 2026 and academic cornerstone of the trip. After recovering
from nearly 30 hours of travel, the group met at NUS for a welcome reception with Bryant alumni.
In the classroom, NUS faculty and guest lecturers examined Singapore’s rise as a global business center, U.S.-China relations, women’s advancement in technology, and global supply chains in an era shaped by deglobalization and artificial intelligence.
“I definitely learned a lot more about the nuances of the geopolitical stage that Southeast Asia was in, but also about how Singapore fits into that,” says Paxton Hughes ’24, ’26MBA. “It was really cool to see how the area as a whole was just growing and expanding.”
Classroom learning was reinforced through site visits to some of Singapore’s most innovative enterprises. At Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm, students saw sustainable infrastructure at scale. Changi Airport offered insight into global operations and customer experience strategy, while F&N Foods provided a firsthand look at supply chain execution.
Students also explored Singapore’s cultural landscape, visiting Little India, Chinatown, historic districts, and Hawker Centers. A walking tour through the Civic District led to Marina Bay and concluded at the illuminated SuperTree Grove in Gardens by the Bay.
“You get to see the evolution in
technology and nature just combined,” says Hannah McEntee ’25, ’26MBA.
“It was surreal.”
In Hong Kong, the focus shifted toward global finance and independent exploration. The cohort attended an alumni reception at the Hong Kong Country Club hosted by Alexander Ng ’20, and toured the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, gaining perspective on regulatory frameworks and monetary policy. A walking tour through the financial district included the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and historic commercial corridors.
visiting both places and learning about business practices and their cultures, students gained understanding about cross-border differences and learn that success in one country for a business does not guarantee success in other countries.”
Students agreed that the alumni networking experiences in both countries were among the most valuable parts of the trip.
“It was definitely motivating for me to hear from people who were in our shoes not so long ago,” says Josh Dodd ’26MBA. “Hearing successful people talk is never a waste of time.”
“The business world is global in nature,” says Todd Alessandri, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Business. “By
Learning together in honor of Nader Alexander Salem ’16
When Pasqualina “Patsy” Nicolazzo P’16 thinks about her son, Nader Alexander Salem ’16, she remembers that he always wanted to help people and find his community.
“Nader was such a gift. I always saw him as my shining star,” she says.
From a young age, Nader’s intelligence was unmistakable, with excellent grades and an incredible memory. However, he didn’t test well and faced challenges with deadlines. It was difficult for some to reconcile how such an articulate and insightful learner could also feel overwhelmed or fall behind in traditional academic structures.
“He would get frustrated and feel misunderstood,” she says. “But I would always tell him, ‘your brain works differently.’”
Nader was neurodivergent, diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum with ADHD, which caused him to navigate anxiety, executive functioning, and connecting with his peers in different ways.
Bryant University, however, gave him an opportunity to discover a community for which he was searching. He met with an admissions counselor who made him feel he could belong.
“He felt that many people at Bryant were part of his extended family,” Patsy says. “They took Nader in his totality,
and I’m so glad that he went here because it enriched his life.”
Nader thrived socially in many ways, forming close friendships with peers he considered brothers and embracing the international student community through his Italian and Egyptian heritage. He joined Phi Kappa Tau, connected deeply with some of his professors, and felt immense pride crossing the stage at graduation, eager to celebrate with friends after walking under the Archway.
Tragically, Nader passed away unexpectedly at the age of 29 in 2023. Patsy and her husband, Hisham, established the Nader Alexander Salem ’16 Annual Forum, a keynote speaker series featuring a guided discussion, to celebrate and honor their son’s memory. Now in its second year, the forum’s goal is to broaden the community’s understanding of neurodivergence, enhance inclusion and belonging, and explore available resources on campus.
This year’s forum will be held on March 25, 2026, and features an address from Sarah Silverman, Ph.D., an educator and speaker specializing
in accessibility and neurodiversity. The theme, Towards Mutual Understanding: Communicating Across Neurodiversity, exemplifies Patsy’s goal in establishing the series.
“This is a way for me to honor Nader because he wanted to be understood,” she says. He wanted the neurotypical community to understand that neurodiversity comes in different ways, she added. Bryant gave him the opportunity to demonstrate that, but it wasn’t without certain challenges.
While Nader immensely enjoyed his time in Smithfield, social anxiety lingered and aspects of group living could be overwhelming. Balancing his coursework while navigating college life made it harder for him to engage with formal support through the Office
Reflecting on the trip, Anthony Perez ’25, ’26MBA, says the GIE was the trip of a lifetime. As he prepares to take on a role with PwC after graduation in August, he knows the trip will provide important context to the work he does in his career.
“It really enhanced my ability to think of different perspectives,” Perez says, noting that learning a little bit about so many areas in business from supply chain to data analytics helps bring critical context to any role. “I look at it as like a game of chess. You want to have the full picture.”
of Accessibility Services.
Still, Nader persisted. He was curious, forward-thinking, and driven by fairness. Patsy says Nader’s thinking was ahead of his time. During class projects, he enthusiastically proposed ideas, like early applications of 3D printing in manufacturing, that were initially overlooked but later mirrored by real-world innovation. He wanted to help, fervently asked questions, and believed business could be ethical, inclusive, and global in perspective.
Looking ahead, Patsy says the forum is her way of keeping Nader’s spirit alive on campus. By creating space for the community that Nader sought, she hopes that his legacy can help attendees better understand the neurodiverse people in their own lives.
“You can hold hope and grief in the same place,” Patsy says. “I hope through the forum we can help the world grow broader, not narrower.”
The Nader Alexander Salem ’16 Annual Forum is open to the public and will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Heidi and Walter Stepan Grand Hall in the George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology. For more information, registration details, or to learn about how you can support the forum, please visit alumni.bryant.edu/salemforum2026 or scan the QR code.
Alumni Spotlight: Emily Cisek ’11
Emily Cisek ’11 thinks you should have an estate plan. As the founder and CEO of Paige, a digital will and estate planning service, Emily knows that the process of organizing, compiling, and filing estate documents from scratch can be a painful scavenger hunt.
After graduating from Bryant in 2011, Emily moved to Houston on a whim, where she thrived in the fast-paced world of energy, technology, and startup marketing. Everything changed though, when she unexpectedly lost two grandmothers and a young family member within a six-week period and had to shift her focus to support her family.
Navigating these overlapping experiences showed her firsthand how emotionally and logistically overwhelming loss can be — and how dramatically different it feels when families are prepared.
“One of my grandmothers had everything buttoned up, so we could really celebrate her life and process that loss,” she says. Planning for her other grandmother and young nephew, however, required digging for documents and tough decisions made in chaos. In that difficult period, she began to form an idea for an easy-to-use digital resource to make
SPRAGUE CENTER
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“The Sprague Center exemplifies what makes Bryant special, creating this innovation ecosystem where students learn through hands-on experiences and cross-disciplinary collaborations,” says Anderson. “The Sprague Center and Collis Classroom are reminders of our families’ lifelong dedication to providing opportunities for the next generation. I can’t wait to see the life-changing ideas that will emerge from here.”
The center includes a 7,800-squarefoot Makerspace with a range of high-tech tools, as well as an incubator and co-working spaces to inspire collaboration. Nine out of 10 office spaces are designated for Bryant student entrepreneurs, including the inaugural FOUNDERS (Fellowship for Office Use, Networking, Development, Entrepreneurship, Representation & Support): four student entrepreneurs with successful businesses, from a coffee startup to a designer footwear company. The remaining office space is designated for Entrepreneurs-inResidence, subject matter experts, and ecosystem partners.
“At Bryant, you have people you can vent to, professors to give you advice, and access to capital,” says Vincent Emery ’26, a FOUNDERS member whose Lil’ Rhody Coffee Company products are sold across the region and served on the Bryant campus. “The center brings all those assets and support systems into one space.”
The center builds upon Bryant’s longstanding tradition of entrepreneurship and design thinking, from the renowned Entrepreneurship program to Bryant’s
planning easier, a concept that would eventually become Paige.
“After a loved one dies, the whole process of organizing their affairs takes about three months, sometimes longer if the proper documents aren’t in place,” she says. “I knew if I could just make the process 20 percent better for families to plan and get organized today, it would save them so much emotional heartache in the future. This is the last thing you want to do when you’re grieving.”
Paige guides families through the entire estate-planning process, explaining each step clearly and helping users to collect all the necessary documents. In addition, the service allows users to store and share artifacts
Innovation and Design Experience for All (IDEA), a three-day design thinking bootcamp for first-year students held every January. Student clubs, including Bryant Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) and Bryant DECA, reinforce entrepreneurial skills outside of the classroom.
“Bryant’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and design thinking equips students with the knowledge, skills, and strong academic foundation to succeed and is complemented by experiential learning, mentorship, and real-world opportunities,” says Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., Bryant’s provost and chief academic officer. “In the Sprague Center, our students will be empowered to boldly innovate, take risks, and achieve what they once thought was impossible.”
Kristie DeJesus, director of the Sprague Center, added that the facility offers a range of community programs including mentorship opportunities, workshops, and networking events to build strong connections with local businesses and industry leaders.
“This isn’t just a space; it’s a launchpad,” says DeJesus. “The Sprague Center is a vibrant hub for creativity and collaboration, providing students and community partners a supportive environment to transform ideas into viable ventures with real-world impact while inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers.”
and memories from their lives, like videos, photos, voice notes, and even letters that loved ones can access after the user’s passing. Users can also set up messages to be delivered in the future, which can be useful, for example, for parents who have terminal illnesses but still want to share messages on their children’s life milestones.
“To me, the memories are what’s most important,” says Emily. “It’s also about who you’re protecting, what stories, and what other things you want to carry on into the future.”
Emily remembers considering her own legacy during her time at Bryant. During her junior year, she was interviewing for internships at accounting firms when it dawned on her that this wasn’t the path she was supposed to be on.
“I thought, ‘What am I doing? I am not meant to do this’,” she says. During her senior year, she changed her major from Accounting to Marketing — potentially setting back her graduation date — and that risk helped set her on the trajectory that eventually led her to start her own business. It taught her how important it is to trust her gut, a lesson that served her well throughout
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Their commitment to teaching, scholarship, and student success continues to strengthen Bryant University’s academic mission and elevate our institutional distinction.”
The elevation of the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences to a college recognizes its remarkable momentum and growing impact within the university since its inception in 2022. In recent years, the unit has experienced sustained growth across academic programs, enrollment, and research activity, reflecting strong demand for Bryant’s distinctive approach to health and behavioral sciences education. This transition affirms the college’s evolution into a robust academic hub, offering an expanding portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs designed to meet the rapidly evolving needs of today’s healthcare, life sciences, wellness, and behavioral science sectors.
“The elevation of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences marks an important moment for Bryant and for the communities we serve,” says Kirsten Hokeness, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. “It reflects the strength of our academic vision and the growing impact of programs that prepare students to be agile problem-solvers who are able to transform data into insight and insight into action across the healthcare industry.”
The renaming of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which was established at Bryant in 2004, reflects a more strategic alignment between the college’s
“Every single person has a legacy and a story that deserves to be captured, told, and remembered in the way you want it.”
EMILY CISEK ’11
her life, including in founding Paige.
As Paige expands and adds new features, like a timeline to record and organize important memories, she hopes that Paige’s members will take an active role in preserving and passing along their legacies and life stories to their loved ones.
Emily says it’s a misconception that people with a lower amount of assets don’t need an estate plan. “Regardless of how much money you make, how many assets you have, or what your background is, every single person has a legacy and a story that deserves to be captured, told, and remembered in the way you want it,” Emily says. “This platform is for you to make your legacy what you want it to be, and make that process of understanding it easier for your family. it’s really up to you to write that next page.”
For more information about Paige, please visit go-paige.com/bryantu-ri.
identity and its academic disciplines that examine human meaning-making, institutions, culture, communication, and social systems. The new name signals a career-relevant liberal arts education grounded in communication and data literacy, focused on critical and creative thinking, and providing essential skills in AI and experiential education that prepare students to address real-world challenges with insight, adaptability, and professional expertise.
“This is an exciting opportunity to showcase our sought-after programs in communication, sports industries, the arts, law, and economics — fields that foster creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking — while also highlighting the strength of our general education curriculum, which supports holistic, purpose-driven learning and prepares students for meaningful academic and professional success,” says Terri Hasseler, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “Bryant’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences is offering transformative learning experiences that allow our graduates to excel as ethically engaged and critically informed leaders.”
Together, these developments reinforce Bryant’s distinctive academic model: one that intentionally integrates every major with a strong foundation in business education and a growing emphasis on applied artificial intelligence across disciplines. This integrated, outcomes-focused approach is a defining strength of a Bryant education and a key driver of the university’s top 1 percent national outcomes for career placement and earnings.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT BRYANT
Meet the FOUNDERS at the Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
Four undergraduate students with their own businesses have exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit at Bryant University as FOUNDERS (Fellowship for Office Use, Networking, Development, Entrepreneurship, Representation & Support) in the Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking.
In the fall of 2025, Vincent Emery ’26, Chase Whitman ’27, Sam Lower ’26, and Sean Nelson ’27 were appointed as FOUNDERS by the office of the Provost. With this title, the four were given office spaces in the entryway to the Sprague Center,
About the business: Lil’ Rhody Coffee Co. is a sustainability-driven coffee company focused on accelerating the industry’s adoption of clean energy through advanced manufacturing, streamlined supply chain processes, and innovative technologies. Its vision is to make sustainable coffee the new normal by blending coffee tradition with smarter production and distribution practices, proving that exceptional taste and environmental responsibility are inseparable.
How it started: I launched the company during the summer between my freshman and sophomore year as a way to pay for college but also to build a general business skillset. I’ve always enjoyed coffee and I knew it was the right industry for me to grow in.
How it’s going: It was definitely a struggle managing both school and the business, but there’s also just some amount of hustle that’s required when starting up really any kind of business, and I think I really hustled. Being a FOUNDER deepened not only our commitment, but our connection to Bryant and all of the people who consume our products each day in the dining halls and quick service locations.
What’s your favorite part of being a FOUNDER? The collaboration with other student businesses, faculty, and staff. Since joining, I’ve been able to partner with another student-run enterprise, and share ideas and solve problems with the other FOUNDERS. I love having an office space, it’s almost like building your own institution.
Sam Lower ’26 | THE PAW’S POST
About the business: The Paw’s Post exists to create jewelry that carries meaning. Each piece is a reminder of strength, a symbol of hope, and a tribute to the companions who walk beside us. By wearing a hand-crafted piece, you join a movement that spreads awareness, shares stories, and keeps the spirit of healing alive through the connection between humans and animals.
How it started: In 2019, I had a life-changing experience with a therapy dog named Baxter at a wilderness therapeutic program that inspired The Paw’s Post. I wanted to find a way to honor that connection. I knew I always had a passion for jewelry, and through the restless nights of brainstorming, hundreds of 3D prototypes and several calls with international manufacturers, I was able to find the exact products I wanted to create.
allowing them access to resources, networking, and the space they need to help their businesses thrive. Read on to learn more about each of the FOUNDERS and about how their businesses have grown throughout their time in the Sprague Center.
About the business: Chip’s Seeds are made with just a few real ingredients. No artificial flavors. No preservatives. Just bold flavor and high-quality seeds you can trust. Whether you’re in the dugout, on a road trip, or hanging with friends, our seeds are the perfect clean, go-to snack.
How it started: The business began as a high school class project. My friend and I were both baseball players, and we thought of combining our love of sunflower seeds and my family’s maple syrup to make the first maple sunflower seed. During my freshman year at Bryant, we started putting more time and money into Chip’s Seeds. We started doing pitch competitions and actually established the business, and in 2024 we launched our first product, and eventually got into seven different stores across New England.
How it’s going: Before becoming a FOUNDER, I was kind of isolated as an entrepreneur because I wasn’t really sharing my ideas with anyone. My office space and the Sprague Center facilitate collaboration where I can grow, fail, and learn from those mistakes with other people. This experience has been essential to the growth of the business because of that community aspect.
What’s your favorite part of being a FOUNDER? It’s great to collaborate with other people who have that similar drive that I do. Being in the space has let me connect with other entrepreneurs that I might not have met otherwise. This year I worked with Vincent and Lil’ Rhody Coffee Co. to develop a maple-coffee sunflower seed, and we wouldn’t have had that opportunity without this experience.
How it’s going: Since becoming a FOUNDER, The Paw’s Post has become a more established brand. Overall, productivity has increased and the rate at which products are made has nearly doubled, if not tripled. In the Sprague Center, I am able to get input on new product designs and collaborate with other entrepreneurs. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals fuels my passion even further.
What’s your favorite part of being a FOUNDER? Inspiring others to pursue their passions. I’ve been able to connect and vouch for those who have similar ambitions. When I was operating out of my dorm room in freshman and sophomore year, I struggled with staying focused. With my personal office, I have my own space that is dedicated to The Paw’s Post.
About the business: The Sole Provider is a full-service apparel and promotional products company that designs, produces, and distributes custom merchandise for organizations, institutions, and businesses. The company offers end-to-end solutions including graphic design, screen printing, embroidery, personalization, and fulfillment, delivering high-quality products at competitive prices.
How it started: The Sole Provider started as a sneaker resale business. I invested $125 and have been flipping that investment ever since. After a few years of selling sneakers, I expanded the business to promotionals, and that’s been the main source of my revenue.
How it’s going: My first week of school I moved into the FOUNDERS space, and I had about 10 meetings set up with clients and vendors. My client base increased by about 30% within the first month of being in the office. It was amazing — my profit from sales in the first semester has just over doubled what I ever did in my first three years of sneaker reselling. To be able to double that in a fraction of the time through sales in the office has been really cool. What’s your favorite part of being a FOUNDER? I love meeting new people, and I’m always learning something from them. Being here has helped me get even more involved than I already am, and It’s really expanded my grasp on the school and the entrepreneurial side of Bryant.
Vincent Emery ’26 | LIL’ RHODY COFFEE CO.
Chase Whitman ’27 | CHIP’S SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Sean Nelson ’27 | SOLE PROVIDER
IDEA students dive into manufacturing during visit to Quonset plant
Welding circuit boards. Assembling and adhering PVC parts. Wiring fixtures. Humans, robots, and machines collaborating on assembly lines: Students taking part in Bryant’s Innovation and Design Experience for All (IDEA) program took a dip in the deep end of the manufacturing process during a visit to a Hayward pool supply company plant that makes lighting, electronic controllers, and other products that make a backyard swim a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
The site visit to the facility in North Kingstown’s Quonset Point industrial park helped inform the IDEA cohort’s development of recommendations for improving Hayward’s manufacturing workflow with AI.
“We have a 78,000 square foot facility, and it’s densely packed, but we’ve got a strong team,” said Plant Manager Peter Macedo in welcoming
Bryant students and advisors. “The question that you are going to try and help answer is how manufacturing companies might harness AI to effectively monitor workflows, support employees, and anticipate safety, quality, and efficiency issues on the production floor. This is going to mean a lot more to you after you see the production floor.”
Slipping on safety glasses and led by Hayward employees like Noah Tellier ’21, ’22MBA, the facility’s Continuous Improvement Manager, the members of IDEA Cohort 8 got an up-close look at multiple production lines during a 40-minute tour. Tellier explained the function of the various products being manufactured, the equipment being used in the process, and the roles of the employees that visitors encountered during their 10-hour shifts at work. As Tellier discussed the need for safe operations, for example, the point was emphasized by the beeping warning of a forklift backing up nearby.
“It’s definitely helpful actually being able to see what needs improvement as opposed to just guessing what they need,” said cohort member and Business major Myles Nolan ’29 as the tour concluded. “Noah gave a lot of good information about things
that need to be sped up or need to be changed; I took a lot of notes about quality control, because if you can speed that up and check everything then it’s 100 percent certain that the product going out is a good product.”
Cooper Mallar ’29, an Accounting major, added, “This site visit gave us some ideas on what we might try to brainstorm, so that’s very helpful for us getting started with the work that we’re doing.”
Macedo said the site visit is a valuable way to give students hands-on exposure to manufacturing. “A lot of kids go to school for business thinking it will be in an office, sitting at a computer,” he said. “They’re not necessarily seeing what the real-world application is. So, I think that the value of this visit is kind of opening their eyes.
“Will there be something that comes out of this that we could apply here?” he added. “I hope so. That would be cool.”
The IDEA project directly relates to Tellier’s job, which involves finding ways to continuously improve operations at the plant. “Even if everything is humming along efficiently, high quality, great safety rating on that line, there’s still opportunities to improve,” explained Macedo.
A North Kingstown resident whose
Bryant University of Cape Town partner to expand global academic collaboration
Bryant University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Cape Town — the top-ranked higher education institution in Africa, according to U.S. News and World Report — formalizing a strategic partnership designed to expand global academic collaboration, experiential learning opportunities, and research engagement for students, faculty, and staff at both institutions.
The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation that supports Bryant’s growing global reach and its commitment to preparing students to thrive through immersive, high-impact international experiences.
“It’s important to have engagements that are cooperative, that cross continents and cultures, and that bring individuals and institutions together. It reflects our view here, at Bryant University, that education can be advanced through global partnerships, collaborative learning, and shared experiences,” said President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “This is a very exciting day for us, and I look forward to what this cooperative agreement brings with great interest and great optimism.”
The partnership was facilitated by business leader and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa P’17, co-chair of Bryant University’s Global Advisory Council, who played a key role in convening institutional leadership and advancing the collaboration.
“I just know that this is a match as close to being made in heaven as possible between these two institutions,” said Masiyiwa, who, along with his wife, philanthropist Tsitsi Masiyiwa P’17, ’24H, was joined on the call by his daughter, Vimbai Masiyiwa ’17. Masiyiwa also shared news of his company Cassava Technologies’ partnership with Nvidia to bring the first artificial intelligence factory to Cape Town next month, a bold step that aligns with Bryant’s commitment to AI integration across the curriculum.
Under the memorandum, Bryant and UCT will collaborate across multiple areas of mutual interest, including:
• Semester student exchanges for undergraduate and graduate students
• Short-term experiential academic programs
• Exchange of faculty, staff, and research scholars
• Sharing of academic materials, publications, and scholarly information
• Joint research initiatives, conferences, seminars, and lectures
The memorandum was signed on January 29 by Gittell and Mosa Moshabela, M.D., Ph.D., Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Cape Town who also serves as chair of the
undergraduate degree was in International Business, Tellier says Hayward has been engaged in Bryant’s supply chain capstone and has hosted several Bryant interns, as well.
“We’re looking for more for this year, so if you guys do like what you see or are interested in what’s happening here, as you continue and progress through your college careers, by all means, keep us in mind,” Macedo told students.
Tellier recalled visiting a Best Buy store on a site visit during his own IDEA experience. “Maybe I’m biased in saying this, but I feel like our visit is the best one,” he said. “You get into the real world, and you see the value that IDEA can bring.
“It’s actually really good timing with our group’s AI-driven question, because one of our [goals at Hayward] this year is to create an AI implementation roadmap,” he added. “So, mining any resource that we can in order to help us build that roadmap, like the Bryant students, is great — we could take those suggestions, tweak them a bit, and get them into the roadmap.”
International Alliance of Research Universities. Professor Moshabela commented on the two institutions’ strong alignment in priorities, which was on display when a Bryant delegation visited Cape Town last summer.
“We were very much struck by the depth of common ground and a shared commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, experiential and applied learning, and leadership development, and that it was important that we ensure real impact, not just on our campuses, but also in our communities and society at large,” said Moshabela.
Through this partnership, Bryant continues to grow its international footprint. Building upon the institution’s existing experiential programming and its dedicated alumni community across the globe, this partnership will expand opportunities for students to engage across cultures, apply learning in global contexts, and gain perspectives essential for leadership in today’s global economy.
Bryant University was selected for inclusion in FIFA World Cup 26™ Base Camp brochure. At an event held on Oct. 31, President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., General Treasurer James Diossa, and Governor Daniel McKee jointly announced that Bryant University is the first site in New England to be selected for inclusion in the expanded FIFA World Cup 26™ Base Camp brochure of potential sites that can be selected as a Team Base Camp in 2027.
New England Patriots star quarterback Drake Maye addressed students as a guest of Bryant’s Student Programming Board. More than 2,000 students, alumni, and friends of the University attended a sold-out Q&A session on Nov. 4, where the star player answered student-submitted questions including what it has been like holding down the same job as legendary Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and where he finds support and motivation to succeed at a high level.
Cherrystone Angel Group hosted their General Meeting at Bryant on November 19. The meeting was held in the new Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking and culminated in a reception in the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center.
Photo courtesy of University of Cape Town
IN MEMORIAM
BETTY ANN CALISE, PORTSMOUTH, RI
Betty A. (Coray) Calise died on October 19, 2025, at the age of 82. She was a 1964 graduate of Bryant University where she met her husband, Peter. Betty was a devoted and passionate educator serving as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in Somerset, Norwood, Bridgewater-Raynham, MA and Barrington, RI.
JAYLIN RAINFORD ’27, RANDOLPH, MA
CHIEMELIE DAVID OKONKWO ’27
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA
Jaylin Rainford and David Okonkwo died tragically in a car accident on January 25, 2026. Both students were incredible members of the Bryant community and were cherished on campus. Jaylin was on the track team and served as an RA. David was deeply involved with the PwC Center and student organizations, having served as Director of Black Enterprises for the Multicultural Student Union (MSU) and as President of Shades of Strength.
LAWRENCE HERSHOFF ’98MBA
SUNSET BEACH, NC
Lawrence “Larry” Hershoff died on January 30, 2026 after a long battle with terminal cancer. Both a student and professor at Bryant, Larry was a beloved member of the Bryant community.
We regret that we don’t have space in Engage to celebrate the lives of all alumni who have passed away. Please visit alumni.bryant.edu/inmemoriam for complete lists by class year.
PARTNERSHIPS
Notices received through November 2026
OCTOBER 11, 2025 | FLORENCE, ITALY
Waugh ’12 and Kyle Johnson
ALC CORNER
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: our alumni community is one of my favorite parts of being a Bryant graduate (shoutout Class of 1993!). I love reconnecting with former classmates and seeing how their careers and lives have taken shape since our time on campus. It’s genuinely exciting to watch one of our own succeed — whether that’s a new career move, a meaningful volunteer experience, a bold new venture, or a major life milestone. It’s always great to watch a fellow Bryant alum win.
That sense of shared pride is what makes the Bryant community so special. Our network is tight-knit, supportive, and deeply connected by a common starting point: our walk through the Archway on commencement. It all started here, and that shared origin story is what makes each success feel so personal. Over the years, it’s been incredible to see just how far our education has taken us, and how many different directions that path can lead.
That’s why I’m especially excited for Bryant to debut an annual 40 Under 40 list this spring. Some of you may have already seen the announcement or submitted a nomination earlier this year. For those who haven’t, the 40 Under 40 list is designed to celebrate and recognize exemplary Bryant graduates that have made exceptional strides in their careers or their communities through innovation, leadership, service, or advocacy before they turn 40.
While the nominations have now officially closed, the enthusiasm surrounding this inaugural year has been extraordinary. In a little over a month, Bryant received more than 200 nominations, and the accomplishments of our graduates are outstanding. Nominees span numerous industries and disciplines, from business, healthcare, law, and finance to cybersecurity, real estate, insurance, media, sports, and the global supply chain. Their achievements include rapid advancement into leadership roles, founding and scaling successful organizations, and driving measurable economic impact, just to name a few.
Just as importantly, their professional excellence is often paired with service. Nominees are mentoring students, leading nonprofit boards, shaping policy, serving on civic committees, and building organizations that support vulnerable communities. They are already shaping policy, building institutions, and expanding opportunities well beyond their job titles.
The Bryant community is bolstered by an exceptionally impressive group of graduates — to say the least.
As we look ahead to spring and the official unveiling of the 40 Under 40 during the Alumni Achievement Awards on Friday, April 17, I hope this initiative encourages us all to reconnect as we celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our classmates — with Bryant, with one another, and with shared pride in our alma mater. As we look to warmer weather and more opportunities to connect with one another, I hope you’ll reach out to old classmates, attend events, and stay engaged.
When one Bulldog succeeds, it strengthens us all – and this community is at its best when we continue building, celebrating, and lifting each other up together.
SAM BROOMER ’93, P’25
PRESIDENT, ALUMNI LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
MENTORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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Daniel
AUGUST 16, 2025 | PLYMOUTH, MA
Jaclyn (Corcoran) Cooke ’18 and Michael Cooke ’18
SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 | TOPSFIELD, MA
Nicole (Labonte) Denniston ’16 and Blake Denniston
SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 | CONCORD, NH
Emma Stewart ’19 and Brendan Smyth ’19
OCTOBER 11, 2025 | HOLYOKE, MA
Briana (Marcosson) Kearney ’20 and Ryan Kearney ’20
EVENTS AND CONTACTS
October 23, 2025 | AUSTIN, TX
HONORS PROGRAM ALUMNI RECEPTION
Alumni in the Lone Star State met with current students in the Honors program as part of their trip to visit different businesses in Austin.
November 2, 2025 | SMITHFIELD, RI
BISHOP OF PROVIDENCE RECEPTION AND MASS Bryant University welcomed Bruce A. Lewandowski, the Bishop of Providence, to campus to meet with students, alumni, staff, and friends. Following the reception, the Bishop presided over a celebration of Mass at the Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center.
December 5, 2025 | SMITHFIELD, RI FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Students, faculty, staff, and friends gathered to ring in the holiday season for the 49th Annual Festival of Lights in the Rotunda. Alumni gathered on the newly renovated Salmanson Dining Hall Mezzanine for festive bites and drinks before the ceremony.
January 8, 2026 | NEW YORK CITY ARTS IN THE CITY PANEL DISCUSSION AND NETWORKING RECEPTION
It was great to see so many alumni networking with current students and industry leaders in New York City! The panel discussion was a part of Arts in the City, a five-day trip to New York City for undergraduates to learn about creative industries and the intersection of arts and business.
January 13, 2026 |
January 14, 2026
SMITHFIELD, RI
BRYANT IDEA 2026
Thank you to the Bryant community for supporting IDEA 2026, a three-day design thinking workshop for first year students. Alumni volunteered as empathy interviewees and judges for the program, all while networking and connecting with fellow alumni and current students.
It was great to see so many alumni and friends in Atlanta, Hartford, and Valparaiso ready to cheer on the Men’s Basketball team!
November 7, 2025 | ATLANTA, GA
BRYANT VS. GEORGIA TECH PRE-GAME RECEPTION
November 16, 2025 | VALPARAISO, IN
BRYANT VS. VALPARAISO PRE-GAME RECEPTION
November 23, 2025 | HARTFORD, CT
BRYANT VS. UCONN PRE-GAME RECEPTION
STAY IN TOUCH
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