URI QuadAngles Fall 2013

QUADANGLES

FALL 2013

King of Quonset Steven King ’88 drives Rhode Island’s economic future

INVENT NEW THERAPIES.

uri.edu

Kinesiology Professor Emily Clapham’s big idea is to invent new therapy programs for children with disabilities. Like surf ocean therapy, which she found helps enhance balance and sense of well-being for children with Down syndrome, autism and attention deficit disorder. Professor Clapham runs the adapted physical education program at URI, inspiring future physical education teachers to make gym class something loved by students of all abilities.

QUADANGLES

FALL 2013 | VOLUME 21, NO. 1

Departments

Features

2 FEEDBACK

12 King of Quonset Steve King is in the driver’s seat

4 PRESIDENT’SVIEW

6 NEWS&VIEWS

at Rhode Island’s most promising economic development engine

16

10 PRESSBOX 30 ALUMNICHAPTERS 32 CLASSACTS

News from your classmates

40 BACKPAGE

Rams-Huskies rivalry creates an unusual tradition

More Online

12

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16 Great Public Schools: Everyone’s Right?

Everyone’s Responsibility?

Annual honors colloquium focuses on one of the most pressing national issues of our time—and URI-educated teachers are on the front lines

20 A Walk on the Wild Side Jennifer Broome ’95 lives her

URI Big Band Swings in Newport

Formula for a Cool Camp

South County Honey

22 Portal to a URI Partnership

dream in Connecticut’s quiet corner—and builds the ultimate mecca for dogs

The University sends a message: We are open for business!

24 Screen Gems Alumni take charge behind the

PHOTO AT LEFT: MICHAEL SALERNO. CONTENTS: COURTESY TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.; JENNIFER BROOME; JOSHUA ARAUJO; ISTOCKPHOTOS.COM

scenes in the world of film

20

FEEDBACK Joseph Matose ’86 Artist, poet, and Newport gallery owner Matose is a loyal URI alumnus who has made provisions in his estate plans to bequeath a generous gift to the University’s art department.

Matose says that all the professors with whom he came into contact during his years at URI were extremely supportive, kind, and compassionate toward students.

This was especially true of the professors teaching evening classes, who showed great sensitivity to the needs of their students, almost all of whom held day jobs.

Matose draws every day in order to perfect his craft, working in ink and acrylic media. His inspiration comes from impulse and from the people and scenes he sees every day. The drawing you see here was created from an aerial photo of URI’s campus.

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QUADANGLES A quarterly publication of the University of Rhode Island Alumni Association, 73 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881. p: 401.874.2242 e: quadangles@uri.edu

Executive Editor Michele A. Nota ’87, M.S. ’06, Executive Director, URI Alumni Relations; Secretary, Alumni Association Executive Board

Guest Editor

Melanie Coon

Art Director

Kim Robertson

Contributing Editors | Writers

Barbara Caron Shane Donaldson ’99 Dave LaVallee ’79, M.P.A. ’87 Cindy Sabato

Contributing Designers

Johnson Ma Bo Pickard Verna Thurber

Photographer

Nora Lewis

Editorial Board Kerrie Bennett M.B.A. ’06, Interim Executive Director, URI Communications and Community Relations

Linda A. Acciardo ’77, Director, URI Communications and Marketing Tracey A. Manni, Director of Communications, URI Foundation

URI Alumni Relations Staff Chris DiSano, Specialist Robert Ferrell ’07, Specialist Kathleen Gianquitti ’71, M.S. ’82, Assistant Director Shana Greene ’95, M.S.’97, Assistant Director Lisa Harrison ’89, Executive Assistant Sarah Lobdell ’96, Associate Director Mary Ann Mazzone, Office Assistant Kate Serafini ’08, Specialist Gina Simonelli ’01, M.S.’03, Assistant Director

Alumni Association

Executive Board

Louise H. Thorson M.B.A.’85, President Joseph M. Confessore ’96, Past President Susan R. Johnson ’82, Vice President Kathleen P. O’Donnell ’90, Vice President Benjamin W. Tuthill ’04, Treasurer

Alumni Association

Councilors-at-Large

Laurel L. Bowerman ’77, M.B.A. ’84 William M. Dolan III ’81 Matthew T. Finan ’11 Colleen Gouveia M.B.A.’98 Tyrene A. Jones ’10 Brina R. Masi ’01 Edwin R. Pacheco ’05 Gregory S. Perry ’88 Darran A. Simon ’98 Christos S. Xenophontos ’84, M.S.’85

Alumni Association Representatives

Arts & Sciences Catherine Gagnon ’98, M.M.’03

Business Administration Jordan D. Kanter ’99, M.S.’00 Feinstein Continuing Education Edward Bozzi Jr. ’68 Engineering Daniel G. Lowney ’75 Environment and Life Sciences Catherine Weaver ’82, B.L.A.’96

Human Science & Services Christine S. Pelton ’84

Nursing Denise A. Coppa ’72, Ph.D.’02

Pharmacy Henrique “Henry” Pedro ’76 Graduate School of Oceanography Veronica M. Berounsky Ph.D. ’91

Faculty Senate Andrea L. Yates ’94, Ph.D.’06

Student Senate Matthew Kilduff, Class of ’15

Student Alumni Association Stephen Petrarca, Class of ’14

URI Foundation Thomas J. Silvia ’83 The URI Alumni Association informs and engages current and future alumni as committed partners of the University, its mission and traditions.

PHOTOS: COURTESY URI FOUNDATION; © BOUSQUET AERIALS

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 3

“We have been pursuing the potential of locating a joint nursing facility in Providence, which will not only provide state-of-the-art facilities to educate the advanced nursing workforce of the 21st century, but also has the potential to catalyze further development in the area.”

— David M. Dooley

Nursing student, Kelsey Davis ’14, who’s planning a career in pediatric nursing.

4 QUADANGLES SPRING 2013

PRESIDENT’SVIEW Thinking Big pays off in more ways than one.

By the time you receive this issue of QuadAngles, the fall semester will be well underway and we will have launched several new initiatives at URI. Welcoming an incoming class of undergraduates is always a momentous occasion. The class of 2017 (!) arrived on August 31. At 3,100 freshmen this is our largest entering class ever; the applicant pool of 20,875 was also the largest in URI’s history. About 45% are from Rhode Island. Other leading states are Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Twenty two percent identify as students of color; consistent with trends nationwide, 56 percent are women and 44 percent are men. With these newest students, we are now a community of more than 13,000 undergraduates and more than 3,000 part- and full-time graduate students from 49 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 58 countries. As the world becomes smaller, URI is more international and more diverse than ever.

Inaugurating a new program, too, is momentous in its own right. Our new Business Engagement Center is the latest step in URI’s strategy to enhance economic growth in Rhode Island. Two years ago, in my fall 2011 QuadAngles letter, I pointed out that URI had a strong responsibility to take on a leadership role in overcoming challenges faced by our home state of Rhode Island. At that time, I advocated for this great university to provide more of our expertise to Rhode Island’s businesses, communities, and organizations. The Business Engagement Center will do just that, as you can read about in these pages. I am delighted that Katharine Flynn, director of corporate and foundation relations, will also head up this venture, designed to put

out the welcome mat for businesses in Rhode Island, the surrounding region, and beyond, to solidify URI’s relationships with industry and forge new connections that will benefit our students and faculty even as they give a much needed boost to the local economy.

Boosting the economy is a theme that runs through this issue of QuadAngles, as you will see when you read the cover story about Steve King ’88, a URI graduate, decorated U.S. Army veteran, and today, managing director of the Quonset Development Corporation, one of the most promising economic development engines in Rhode Island. Steve’s engineering degree from URI is serving him well at the QDC, and we are proud that several other URI alumni are working with Steve and partners throughout the state to develop the business park to its full potential as a job generator.

Partnerships, collaborations, and strong connections are increasingly critical to the success of most enterprises, particularly universities. A perfect example of what can be accomplished collaboratively is the proposed new joint home for the URI and Rhode Island College nursing schools, Dynamo House, the former South Street Power Station in Providence. This is an enormous undertaking, also slated to house Brown University administrative offices and space for start-ups and other small technologybased companies. The project also includes: a new, apartment-style residence building for graduate, medical, and upper-level nursing students; ground-floor restaurant and retail space; a new parking structure with 600 parking spaces; and improvements to the public space along the Providence River and connection to the new public park, a space made available through the relocation of Interstate 195.

The project is expected to create more than 1,500 construction-related jobs, a total of $248 million in economic output, and more than $90 million in employee com-

President Dooley speaking at the Business Engagement Center press event.

pensation. Once completed and fully operational, the project is intended to offer opportunities for the residents of Providence and Rhode Island, enhance nursing education, and create jobs in a range of sectors from commercial start-ups to retail and service sectors.

We have been pursuing the potential of locating a joint nursing facility in Providence for several years in order to take better advantage of the critical adjacencies offered in Providence and the Jewelry District. This project will not only provide state-of-the-art facilities to educate the advanced nursing workforce of the 21st century, but also has the potential to catalyze further development in the area. While we have a lot of work to do in the coming months, I am optimistic that given the support of the state, the city, and the community, we will be able to deliver an innovative, costeffective project that will have an extremely positive outcome for the residents of our state and region. In addition to our higher education partners, Brown and RIC, we could not have gotten to this point without the strong support of Governor Chafee, Speaker Fox, Senate President Paiva-Weed, and Finance Chairmen Melo and DaPonte.

As we start a new academic year and launch several exciting new initiatives, we recognize that working together we can accomplish more than we ever dreamed possible. Thinking big is paying off.

— David M. Dooley UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 5

NEWS&VIEWS URI STACS up

Remote control not included The field of robotics is growing exponentially, if the numerous national and international competitions held every year among college students is any indication. And based on the results of recent contests, University of Rhode Island students are cornering the market on the design and construction of robotic cars and boats. In URI’s first-ever intelligent car competition entry last spring, a team of three computer engineering students took second place in a national competition to build an intelligent model car that can rapidly follow a circuitous route without any humans manning the controls.

Rhode Islanders Jillian Burgess and Ben Ricci, and Steve Norris of Massachusetts, all of whom graduated in May, entered the Freescale Cup as an alternative to traditional lab experiments and exams in their computer organization class. Provided with a model car kit, standard components, and a Freescale computer to drive the car, they engineered the vehicle and wrote computer programs and algorithms to enable the model to autonomously follow a black line on a track to the finish line. Their vehicle finished first in a timed race against teams from 16 other universities in the eastern United States, and then took second in a head-to-head competition against the winner of the western regional, the University of California at Berkeley. “We arrived, pushed go, and our car ran the whole course without a problem,” said Ricci, who aims for a career in robotics or embedded software. “I expected we would do well, but winning wasn’t even on my radar.”

6 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

The robotic vehicles the students raced in the Freescale Cup used a camera and sensors to “see” the black line on the track, then processed that data to make decisions about proper steering and speed. Once the students pushed a button to start the vehicle, they provided no additional input. “Most of it was a programming exercise, but our steering control algorithm was also really well written,” said Norris, who’s returning to URI for graduate school this fall. “We detected and reacted to turns better than the other teams. The other teams would constantly over-steer.”

The students’ success in the intelligent car competition came just two years after another team of URI students took first place in the International RoboBoat Competition, a contest to design a robotic boat that can race through an aquatic obstacle course without any human controls.

They beat teams from the top engineering schools in the country, as well as some from as far away as Taiwan and Indonesia.

URI teams have also placed among the top five every year in the International Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition, which challenges students to design and race a robotic submarine. In fact, URI won this competition in its very first try in 2000.

The skills and technologies the students are learning and using in these competitions have given them a big boost in the job market. In fact, several students have even received job offers in the midst of the competitions from company representatives attending the events!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE NORRIS; ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; JOE GIBLIN

In June, the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) announced the recipients of its 2013 Research Alliance Collaborative Research Grants totaling $810,541.

We’re proud to announce that University of Rhode Island scientists are collaborators on all six funded projects.

The awards will fund studies aimed at understanding and predicting how marine life and marine ecosystems will respond to climate variability. Eighteen scientists from five research institutions in Rhode Island, including 10 from URI, are among the awardees. The grants are the seventh round of awards aimed at facilitating collaborative research in Rhode Island and supporting STAC’s partnership with the National Science Foundation’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). To date, STAC has invested $8.5 million in projects that have returned $36 million back to the state in the form of grants for continued research, new federal programs, infrastructure improvements, commercialization of new products and venture funding for new companies.

The projects awarded during this grant cycle are studies of invasive algal marine bio-invaders for improved coastal management, aquaculture diseases wiping out starfish from New Jersey to the Gulf of Maine, marine communities’ response to ocean acidification, fisheries management, species adaption to warming local waters, and electromicrobiology.

Jazz band hits the main stage Move over Miles Davis, and make room for the University of Rhode Island Big Band. Selected in a blind audition, the band performed this summer at the Newport Jazz Festival, one of the most prestigious music events in the country. Before the performance, band Co-director Jared Sims said the honor of an invitation to play at the festival is a testament to the success of the jazz studies program, launched about a decade ago. “We’re actually going to be on the main stage, which is a really, really big deal. These kids are going to sit in the same spot where some of the legends of jazz music, like Duke Ellington, have been.

To be part of that tradition is great,’’ he said.

The Big Band musicians include URI alumni and current students. The group’s 45-minute set includes Count Basie’s “Corner Pocket,’’ Thad Jones’ “Groove Merchant,’’ and Sammy Nestico’s “Basie-Straight Ahead’’ among other mainstream favorites. The festival draws thousands of jazz fans during the three-day event. Tenor sax player Charlie Larson ’13 was pumped to play in front of such a large audience. “For the first time, playing in that big of a context, is just really exciting.’’ Charlie picked up his first sax when he was nine years old and by the time he was in high school he knew he wanted to devote his life to music. He chose URI for its music program, which did not disappoint. “The past four years have opened up my ability to play. It’s been a great experience all around,’’ he said. Charlie heads to the Boston Conservatory this fall for a master’s degree.

For senior jazz studies major Ben Marcoux, an alto and tenor sax player, the festival offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on a national stage. “This is the most amazing thing that has happened to me musically. What made me really nervous is that the guys who inspired me have been booked at the same festival.’’

Like Charlie, Ben was impressed with the music department at URI—and its teachers. “The jazz professors are world-class players and teachers,’’ he says. “A lot of musicians are good at playing, but they don’t know how to teach. At URI, they’re fantastic players but they put a lot of emphasis on being good teachers, too. They can do both.’’

Sims is a saxophonist who’s toured on four continents, played live with big names and big named orchestras, and appeared on more than 35 different recordings. Co-director John Monllos was a member of the U.S. Navy Band for more than 20 years, has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and plays regularly with his trio, Los Gatos.

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 7

Re-opening of the Heber Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden

The new College of Pharmacy Courtyard and the Heber Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden, a fixture for more than 50 years at the University of Rhode Island, were opened and rededicated late spring outside the new pharmacy building, between Woodward and Tyler halls. Once virtually hidden from the larger community in its previous location outside Fogarty Hall, the garden offers a serene place for research and respite with its 200 medicinal plants, 500 ornamental plants, 9 birch trees, sodded areas, walkways, benches shaped in the form of birch leaves and a translucent sculptural frieze.

A stunning example of public space that draws on nature, science and art, the site is a central piece of the health and life sciences facilities in the north district of the Kingston Campus. The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts funded a portion of the project and joined the University for the opening of the courtyard and garden, which are named after the College of Pharmacy’s

8 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

founding dean. Volunteers from the Friends of the Heber Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden did much of the planting under the direction of Peter Morgan, senior gardener for the College of Pharmacy. Navindra Seeram, assistant professor of pharmacy and head of the Bioactive Botanical Research Laboratory at URI, oversees the garden.

“This garden takes the University and the College back to their roots as leaders in medicinal plant research around the world,” said Seeram, who is renowned internationally for his discoveries related to blueberries, pomegranates and pure maple syrup. “The rededication of this garden emphasizes the importance of plant-based remedies over the centuries and their important role in contemporary medicine.

We are delighted that even the casual visitor will now be able to learn about medicinal plants and the work we do at URI to make society healthier.”

National Science Foundation recognizes URI climate change efforts With a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) will serve as the hub for the nation’s Climate Change Education Partnership Alliance.

The NSF, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration are collaborating and combining the respective climate change education programs into a tri-agency initiative. NSF’s six regional climate change partnerships around the country involved universities, science centers, regional agencies and communications programs. The URI-GSO hub will serve to link these agencies and efforts together, initiate cross-region activities, and leverage additional funding. The grant will allow URI to build a network of climate change scientists, educators, communication professionals, and government and private-sector stakeholders to educate the lay public about the science of climate change and its implications.

“We’re going to act as the catalyzing agent for the activities that would not take place if there wasn’t an established hub,” said Alliance Director Gail Scowcroft, a former climate scientist who has led marine science and climate changed education programs at URI-GSO since the 1990s.

“We’re going to help the regional partnerships share resources and best practices in climate change education among themselves and with other groups across the country.”

PHOTOS: MICHAEL SALERNO; ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

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Public safety first Following a national search, the University of Rhode Island welcomes Stephen N. Baker, a former chief of police in Westerly, R.I., and URI’s first police major, to the position of director of public safety. He held the position on an interim basis for the past year, and now takes on the permanent appointment overseeing police and security operations, parking services, fire and life safety, environmental health and safety, and emergency management, communications and technology at URI. Baker is a favorite son of Westerly, having served in that city’s police department from 1978 through 2004, the last two years as chief. In 2005, he was named URI Police Department’s first major and has since played a big role in further professionalizing the department. He added supervisory positions to night patrols, adopted policies and procedures conforming to national accreditation standards, began working

through the Municipal Police Training Academy to diversify the URI police force, and launched community policing initiatives such as “Blues and Cues,” a night of billiards and pizza for students and police, “Skate Night” at the Boss Arena, and a student internship program with URI Talent Development.

“We’ve gotten the best of the best by hiring Steve Baker,” said Robert A. Weygand, former URI vice president for administration and finance. “We’ve had an absolutely flawless transition since the retirement of Bob Drapeau (as public safety director). We are thrilled to have a person of Steve’s ability and experience become our director of public safety.”

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 9

PRESSBOX

Roy, Furney latest to sign pro deals

Capistran named a Rowing All-American After helping Rhode Island earn its first bid to the NCAA Rowing Championship, sophomore Kate Capistran was one of 42 rowers nationally to earn a spot on the 2013 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Pocock All-American squad.

Capistran­—who rowed in the second seat on Rhode Island’s Varsity 8+ boat—earned Second-Team All-American honors and was one of 13 rowers named to the CRCA Division I New England All-Region First Team.

Her teammates—junior Chelsea Paulin and sophomore Hannah Milam­—were named to the 2013 Atlantic 10 Rowing All-Academic Team.

Paulin (Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey) was the cox for the Second Varsity 8 that helped Rhode Island win its second straight A-10 title this spring. She is a wildlife and conservation Kate Capistran biology major with a cumulative 3.85 grade-point average. Milam (Woolwich, Maine) rowed the bow seat for the 2013 A-10 champion Varsity 4+ boat. The victory by the Varsity 4+ boat clinched the 2013 A-10 team title for Rhode Island, as well as a spot in the NCAA Championship.

Chernykh garners All-Atlantic 10 honor Rhode Island freshman Galina Chernykh (Tomsk, Russia) earned an Atlantic 10 Women’s Tennis All-Conference First Team selection. The Rams have now had at least one All-Conference pick in each of the last seven seasons.

Chernykh becomes the first freshman in the history of the Rhody tennis program to earn first team all-conference honors, and just the second ever Ram to land a spot on the A-10 First Team (Lara Maurer ’07 was the first). The honor follows an outstanding freshman season where she posted a 15-4 dual match record at No. 1 singles and went 18-6 overall.

Galina Chernykh

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Rhode Island junior outfielder Jeff Roy was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 18th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft, and senior pitcher Sean Furney signed a free agent contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Sean Furney Roy, a Cranston, Rhode Island native, was the 539th overall pick, becoming URI’s 12th baseball player drafted since 2003. A 2013 Preseason All-American, Roy was a perfect 30-30 in stolen base attempts this season, making him the only NCAA Division I player to attempt 30-plus steals without being thrown out. Roy was assigned to the Class A Short Season Jamestown Jammers, where he was batting .314 with 20 runs scored and 16 stolen bases through his first 34 professional games.

Furney, who earned Second Team All-Northeast Region honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association, signed a free agent contract with Arizona following the draft. The Warwick, Rhode Island native was Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year and earned National Pitcher of the Week honors in early April when he combined to post a 0.75 ERA and a .167 opposing average (7H/1R) over 12.0 innings pitched at No. 9 Florida State and No. 8 Ole Miss.

Furney was assigned to Arizona’s team in the Rookie Arizona League, where he is working as a relief pitcher. He is the second Ram to sign with the D’backs in recent years, as Arizona selected right hander Eric Smith in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft. Smith is currently pitching for the Mobile BayBears, a AA team.

Jeff Roy

Six track athletes earn USTFCCCA All-Academic status

Kelly Coker

Coker earns Senior CLASS All-American honor Rhode Island senior women’s softball player Kelly Coker was named a Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School) Second-Team All-American by Premier Sports in May. One of 10 national finalists for the individual Senior CLASS Award for softball, Coker is the first Ram ever to earn a spot on the team. Four-time All-Southeastern Conference selection Kayla Braud of Alabama was chosen as the Senior CLASS Award receipient.

Players were chosen via a nationwide vote of Division I softball coaches, national softball media and fans. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence—classroom, community, character and competition.

“It feels great to be able to represent my school and my team in such a positive way,” Coker said. “Throughout this whole process I got to see firsthand how incredible and supportive our Rhody family is, and it feels great to have been a part of it.”

Coker, a recent graduate of URI’s prestigious nursing program, finished her career as one of the most decorated players in program history. She ranks in Rhode Island’s all-time top 10 in hits, home runs, runs batted in, walks, stolen bases, sacrifice hits and runs scored. A two-time Atlantic 10 Academic All-Conference selection, Coker was one of 11 players named to the Capital One COSIDA Academic All-District Team for District I, which covers Division I schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

PHOTOS: COURTESY URI ATHLETICS

Five members of the Rhode Island men’s Track & Field team and one member of the women’s team earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic honors in July.

Seniors William Janes, Thaddeus Kusiak, Andrew Piscitelli, and Andrew Reigstad as well as sophomore Tyler Oliveira were among 448 athletes from 149 institutions nationally to earn the distinction. For the second consecutive season Brigham Young topped the list with 16 honorees. On the women’s side, Kalyn Sheehan (Waterford, Ireland) was one of 710 women nationally to earn the distinction. It was the second straight William Janes season she has achieved the honor.

Janes (Newport, Rhode Island) earned the honor for the third year in a row by posting a 3.67 GPA in kinesiology. He competed in the NCAA East Preliminaries in the hammer throw, placing 18th out of 48 competitors. Like Janes, Kusiak competed in the NCAA East Preliminaries in the hammer throw in the spring, placing 31st in the field of 48.

The Jericho, Vermont native had a 3.27 GPA in psychology.

Piscitelli (Millbury, Massachusetts) posted a 3.33 GPA while studying mechanical engineering. He qualified for the NCAA East Preliminaries in the discus, finishing 28th out of 46 with a throw of 50.59 meters. Oliveira (Portsmouth, Rhode Island) reached the NCAA East Preliminaries in the 200 meter dash. His time of 21.63 seconds placed him 39th out of 47 runners. Undeclared, Oliveira has a 3.54 GPA. A Greenville, Rhode Island native, Reigstad made the list for the second time, also achieving the honor in 2011. He ranked 34th nationally in the heptathlon during the indoor season. In the classroom, Reigstad had a 3.39 GPA in accounting.

During the indoor season, Sheehan ranked 75th nationally in the pentathlon with 3,682 points, achieved at the Atlantic 10 Indoor Track & Field Championship. She also had a 3.41 grade point average while working toward her master’s degree in business administration.

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and have met either of the following athletic standards: Indoor Season—a student-athlete must have finished the regular season ranked in the national top 96 in an individual event or ranked in the national top 48 (collective listing) in a relay event on the official NCAA POP list provided by TFRRS.org Outdoor Season—a student-athlete must have participated in any round of the NCAA Division I Championships (including preliminary rounds).

Kalyn Sheehan

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 11

King of Quonset

Steven King ’88 drives public private partnerships for future economic growth

Quonset is an engine of economic growth and job creation in Rhode Island.

Anyone who says Rhode Island isn’t a businessfriendly state hasn’t been to the Quonset Business Park. Located in North Kingstown, with more than 9,100 employees and more than 175 companies, the park is a booming, bustling bright spot in Rhode Island’s economic landscape. A significant investment of both private and public resources has transformed the Park’s Port of Davisville into North America’s seventh largest auto-importer. Honda has just been added to the list of manufacturers and will begin shipping autos here in 2014.

So what draws businesses to Quonset? It is the Quonset Development Corporation’s recognition that building world-class infrastructure and delivering on the promise of a consistent, predictable development can help the Park, and its tenants, grow. A key contributor to Quonset’s recent success is Steven J. King ’88, PE, managing director of the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC).

PHOTO: COURTESY OF TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 13

King, who has his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, was also ROTC at URI. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 1992 and is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. During his service he was awarded numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the SW Asia Service Medal, and the Saudi Arabian Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait.

“We have taken down more than two million square feet of abandoned Navy buildings, laid down thousands of feet of new railroads, and resurfaced miles and miles of new roadways throughout the Park.”

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Prior to joining the QDC, King gained experience working in several different engineering firms, and holds a professional engineering license in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. In February 2013, King was honored by the Providence Engineering Society (the oldest professional engineering society in the United States) with its annual Freeman Award for his outstanding contributions to the civil engineering profession in Rhode Island.

As managing director of the QDC, King oversees the planning, development and administration of all aspects of the Quonset Business Park.

He is responsible for the leasing and management of all new developments in the Park and administers the planning, engineering, design, and construction of all infrastructure improvements undergone by the QDC. Following his military and private sector experience, King arrived at Quonset in 1998. He was named chief operating officer of the Park in 2005, and then managing director of the QDC in 2008.

Since 2005, the Park has benefited from more than $300 million in private investment. In addition, more than $660 million in federal and state funds has been invested in the Park in the last few decades.

“We have taken down more than two million square feet of abandoned Navy buildings, laid down thousands of feet of new railroads, and resurfaced miles and miles of new roadways throughout the Park,” King told President David Dooley on the president’s recent visit to Quonset.

Today, Quonset is an engine of economic growth and job creation in Rhode Island. In a recent Bryant University study, it was estimated that in 2011 alone, the Quonset Business Park created $956.5 million in income for Rhode Island households and another $25.5 million in income tax revenues for the state. The tax revenue estimate does not include corporate taxes accrued to the state, or nearly $6 million in property taxes or payments-in-lieu-of-taxes made to North Kingstown. Quonset’s actual impact is closer to $1 billion. And since 2005, Quonset has seen an unprecedented growth of jobs—adding approximately 3,000 in that brief period of time.

“We believe that Quonset Business Park has the capacity for approximately 15,000 workers on site,” King noted during a recent interview.

“That will mean some challenges for parking and transportation hurdles to get them all here— but I suppose it’s a good problem for us and for Rhode Island to have.”

The QDC determined that in order to make economic strides in the state, Quonset had to become a business-friendly environment. Central to the QDC’s business-friendly mission is its innovative “Site-Readiness” program. King believes that business owners aren’t impressed by just hearing about a good game. “They want to see one,” he said.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF QUONSET DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION; ISTOCKPHOTOS.COM

“To succeed in the current economic landscape, businesses need practical tools that can save them time and money. We want to help them grow their companies, not slow them down,” he emphasized.

That is why the QDC teamed up with various state agencies to create the “Site-Readiness” program at Quonset, which establishes a streamlined and expedited permitting process. Teaming with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) the QDC has prepermitted and pre-engineered the remaining 39 parcels at the Park with the help of DiPrete Engineering. This removes uncertainty from the development process and allows shovels to be put into the ground within 90 days of a lease signing.

“This program is a proactive effort to capitalize on the public and private investments that have been made at Quonset in recent years,” King noted. “But it’s also a valuable lesson about how private and public partnerships can be forged to help the business community grow jobs.”

The “Site-Readiness” program follows several other initiatives that have fueled the growth of business at Quonset, including the creation of a “Quonset Zone.” This designated area is a single zoning district assigned to the Quonset Business Park as part of an agreement for uniform development regulations between the Town of North Kingstown and the QDC. This allows Quonset businesses to complete any zoning requirements directly through the QDC. Developers, sensitive to red-tape and regulatory hurdles, are finding the Quonset Business Park to be a very business-friendly place. Another example of Quonset’s businessfriendly approach: in Rhode Island, the CRMC requires businesses located on waterfront property on Narragansett Bay to provide public access points to the water for public use. That meant tenants of Quonset Business Park located along the waterfront—including those in the defense and automobile industries—would be required to provide access to the water.

The QDC recognized this as a hurdle to these businesses—a hurdle the organization was determined to help clear. In 2005, the QDC came up with a public access plan in cooperation with the CRMC that would help meet those state requirements

while relieving individual Quonset tenants from the burden of having to create their own public access points on land they own or lease from the QDC. The shoreline access element of the Quonset master plan is then updated every five years in accordance with CRMC requirements.

The public access plan includes more than 180 acres of conservation space,

The public access plan developed by the QDC includes numerous avenues for public access within the Park. It includes more than 180 acres of conservation space, a 2.3 mile bike path, the creation of a large-scale retail plaza, five historical and cultural venues (including the Seabee Memorial Park, Quonset Air Museum, and the Allen Madison House), as well as the creation of four new beaches at the Business Park, which provide access to the Bay. The CRMC thoroughly endorsed this vision.

King believes that the public access plan today serves as an example of how creativity and flexibility can stimulate the climate for economic development, while bolstering the greater public good.

“Not many Rhode Islanders recognize that Quonset has some of the most breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay in the state. Our solution not only helped our companies meet the local environmental requirements, but also allowed us to highlight our unique location and provided four attractive beaches open to the public.”

Quonset has redefined the way business is done in Rhode Island. The “Quonset Zone” was recently recognized by Grow Smart Rhode Island for an “Outstanding Policies & Plans Award.”

The pre-permitting “Site-Readiness” program was also chosen as the key model for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation’s “Rhode Island-Ready” initiative.

Steven King knows that the QDC has momentum because it is “committed to working with tenant companies to overcome obstacles, and achieve success. Through open communication, careful planning, and committed investment to our infrastructure, Quonset Business Park has been able to make a significant contribution to helping grow Rhode Island’s economy.”

a 2.3 mile bike path, the creation of a large-scale retail plaza, five historical and cultural venues, as well as the creation of four new beaches at the Business Park, which provide access to the Bay.

And that is good news in these challenging times.

–Ted Kresse MORE ONLINE | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 15

Education shapes the nation’s future.

But have we lost sight of the public, common good?

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GREAT

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Everyone’s Right? Everyone’s Responsibility?

Diane Kern knew she had to do something about the conversations, controversies and frustrations relating to public education she experienced during and after her 14 years as a public school teacher.

Teacher morale has been sinking for several years; high stakes testing of students and corresponding evaluations of teachers without appropriate curriculum development and support have taken a heavy toll, according to the University of Rhode Island alumna and associate professor of education. Battles over what works and what doesn’t are playing out across the country. From heavily financed efforts to expand charter schools to vouchers to a groundswell of support for eliminating comprehensive four-year teacher education programs from the nation’s universities and colleges, public education is quite simply in turmoil.

“I was and still am very upset about what is going on,” said Kern, ’84, ’93 MA, and ’03 Ph.D. “When I saw the call for proposals for the next URI Honors Colloquium, I spent a whole weekend developing a draft.”

She then met with David Byrd, director of URI’s School of Education, who fully endorsed a series of discussions on this topic for the University’s 51st annual fall honors colloquium.

The result is “Great Public Schools, Everyone’s Right? Everyone’s Responsibility?” the newest edition of the popular URI lecture series, which will run Tuesdays this fall at 7:30 p.m. (the series began on ­September 10 and runs through December 10). All programs are free and open to

the public and held in Edwards Hall.

The October 15 lecture starts at 6:30 p.m., and there is one lecture on Wednesday, ­November 20. For a complete listing of all events and sponsors, please visit www.uri.edu/hc.

“Everyone has an opinion about public education, from those on the late-night news shows to those on the sidelines at youth sports,” said Kern, who added that URI’s School of Education and Honors Program are pleased to be offering a dynamic speaking program sure to spark interesting discussion. “I believe it is every child’s right to have access to a great public education, but I think to a great degree, many people feel that as long as their children are educated well, that’s acceptable. In so many ways, we have lost sight of the public, common good in this country.”

Even the graphic developed for the program’s printed and web material depicts a schoolhouse with an eraser rubbing out its very existence.

“We have a broad spectrum of speakers, perspectives and issues that are shaping education, and in the long run, the quality of people’s lives,” Byrd said. “The citizens of Rhode Island are interested in education and how important it is to the state and nation.”

As part of the colloquium, URI honors students will attend all of the lectures and be enrolled in a class entitled “Zombie Ideas in Education,” during which students will discuss key issues and develop solutions based on their research. In addition, several of the colloquium speakers will address the class directly. On November 26

at 2 p.m. Henry Giroux will speak to the class via Skype about his book, Education and the Crisis of Public Values: Challenging the Assault on Teachers, Students, & Public ­Education.

The colloquium kicked off on Tuesday, September 10 with “Grading Education: Getting Accountability Right,” the keynote lecture and title of the most recent book by Richard Rothstein, research associate of the Economic Policy Institute and senior fellow of the Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. Rothstein is also the author of Class and Schools: Using Social, Economic, and Educational Reform to Close the Black-White Achievement Gap; The Way We Were?

Myths and Realities of America’s Student Achievement; The Charter School Dust-Up: Examining the Evidence on Enrollment and Achievement; and All Else Equal: Are Public and Private Schools Different?

September featured “The State of Education in Rhode Island,” a conversation with state public education leaders Deborah Gist, Raymond Di Pasquale, and Eva-Marie Mancuso, and Scott MacKay, political analyst for Rhode Island Public Radio, cosponsored by the radio station and moderated by education reporter Elisabeth Harrison; and “The Search for Knowledge,” a talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks, who discussed her book, Caleb’s Crossing, URI’s common reading selection for the fall, which brings to life the 1665 graduation of the first Native American, Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk, from Harvard College.

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 17

A labor of love: URI alumni teaching success stories John Holmes ’12 John Holmes’ first year teaching—just last year—was “without qualification the hardest thing I’ve done in my life,” and it was “also the thing of which I’m most proud.

When I think of some of the gains I’ve seen in my students, and that I played some part in helping those students achieve those gains, it feels incredible.”

Holmes always saw himself as a person who pushes others to succeed, and for him, that translated into teaching as a profession. The Smithfield, Rhode Island native triple-majored in secondary education, English and French at URI, and is now teaching English and French at Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama. Though he followed the path of traditional educator training, Holmes leaped into his teaching career as part of the Teach For America (TFA) corps and is entering the second of his two-year commitment to Lee.

Holmes’s affinity for TFA was born of his attraction to teaching in general. “Education is a pathway to social justice. It’s a sad fact that the quality of a child’s education is statistically determined by his zip code, and that there is an obvious and unacceptable

18 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

achievement gap between students from lower-income families and their more affluent peers. I chose Teach For America because the organization’s goals strongly resonated with my own values and it seemed like a perfect fit,” he said.

Holmes believes that no matter how a teacher comes to be certified, either traditionally or through programs such as TFA, no preparation really readies an educator for most situations they’ll encounter in the classroom. “My education at URI certainly helped demystify the teaching profession. I learned how to write solid lesson plans, handle basic classroom management situations, and plan comprehensive units. But I was less prepared for the full scope of actually being a teacher—communication with parents, documentation and paperwork, extreme management issues, and politics.”

In Alabama, as in most other parts of the country, all eyes are on teacher and administrative accountability as a means to improved student performance. Holmes believes that ongoing feedback and collaboration is the most important thing to maintaining good practice in the classroom—a combination of collaboration on lesson plans and peer observation and feedback.

“What I’ve appreciated about Teach For America is that it has offered support throughout the school year in the form of professional development, coaching opportunities, and networking with other teachers in the same content area,” he said.

“I know I’ve had a strong impact on the lives of many students, so the teaching experience thus far has somewhat matched my expectations. But I will say that the job is much more difficult and challenging than I had originally imagined,” Holmes emphasized. Education programs at URI and other institutions would do well to encourage college students to observe as many different types of classrooms in as many different areas as possible, and to take on as much responsibility as possible during practicums and student teaching internships, Holmes observed. And he

advises new teachers, “You’re going to make a lot of mistakes. Focus on the ­positive and take failures as opportunities to reflect and improve.”

Holmes sees a long career ahead of him, not only in teaching, but also with TFA. “I can’t think of anything more rewarding than a career working directly with students and helping them to reach their goals. I’m inspired by the task of challenging my students to consider new ideas and envision futures for themselves beyond what may be dictated by their surroundings.”

In fact, Holmes’ big idea is a world where every child has access to an excellent education so that all children have the opportunity to live their dreams.

Mike Lobdell ’96, M.A. ’10 For Mike Lobdell, teaching was a thoughtful destination that followed a deliberate journey through several career fields. Years of exploring project management, sales, finance, and data management left him unfulfilled. His mind was set on making a difference in people’s lives rather than on accumulation of wealth. “I’d always thought teaching might be a good career option, but it took me several years of soul-searching to finally give it a try,” Lobdell said. And his road to becoming an award-winning teacher was anything but traditional.

In 2001, five years after he’d earned his zoology degree at the University of Rhode Island, a colleague’s invitation led to three seasons of coaching middle school basketball, an experience he says helped him see his potential as an educator. “I realized I have a tremendous amount of patience, that when people are giving me trouble it’s because they are having trouble. And above all, thinking about how people learn has always been very interesting to me,” he said. He also ventured into adult education, giving a course in Internet instruction in North Kingstown, and found himself inspired by the growth he saw in his students. “It was a very real class experience in terms of students having different needs and wanting to learn different things.”

So in early 2004, Lobdell set out on a course toward earning his teaching certification. Without an undergraduate degree in education, he chose to enter the profession through the state’s transcript analysis program.

While a traditional education degree program pairs a student teacher with an experienced teacher in a classroom for a semester-long student-teacher experience, Lobdell thrust himself into a full-time teaching role without the back-up of another teacher in the classroom. He earned his classroom hours first as a daily substitute, and then as a long-term substitute in a self-contained special education classroom at South Kingstown High School for the 2004–05 school year.

“That was very challenging for anyone, let alone a first year teacher,” Lobdell said.

“I had to adjust and learn quickly. I was lesson planning and doing the work of a fulltime teacher, and things didn’t always go as planned. I had to bring all the resources at my disposal with me—other teachers, parents, students, administrators.” When asked if he regrets not going the more traditional route, he says, “I learned a lot about my potential and about teaching in that position. Sure, I may have taken away

some other things from student-teaching versus subbing, but to complete that process, come out at the end of the year and be able to say I put everything into it, and see the growth in those students and some of them graduate, was very rewarding,” he said.

The next year, with certification in hand, Lobdell became a full-time science teacher in the Warwick School District. He came out of the gate running, teaching biology, AP biology, and physical science, co-launching an anti-bullying program that now runs in schools throughout Rhode Island, taking advantage of professional development opportunities at URI and other local schools, and taking on any leadership role to which he felt he had something to offer.

In 2011, seven years after launching his teaching career, Lobdell received the prestigious Milken Educator of the Year award, which recognizes early-career teachers for impressive achievements as a teacher and for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.

For Lobdell, compared to his previous career paths, “teaching is the most difficult job I’ve ever attempted to master. Working with young people brings a different set of challenges from working with adults. The performance of others is linked directly to my performance. And every year brings another set of students that may or may not show the same growth as the previous year, which can be quite jolting to my sense of success as a teacher.”

But like teacher evaluation systems, the challenges of teaching are always changing, and Lobdell says he could never become bored or tired of the profession. “The most important thing is making sure students grow academically, socially and morally. As long as I can show I am facilitating growth in my students’ education, I will continue as a teacher in some way. And as long as teachers are still serving their students, then all these changes and politics will not get in the way.”

—Dave Lavallee and Cindy Sabato

Fall 2013 Honors Colloquium Sept. 10–Dec. 10 Unless otherwise noted, all upcoming events are held on Tuesday evenings, 7:30 p.m., Edwards Auditorium URI Kingston Campus Oct. 8 Creating a New Culture for Teaching and Learning International leader in education technology Alan November, cofounder of the Stanford Institute for Educational Leadership and one of Technology and Learning magazine’s 15 most influential thinkers of the decade.

Oct. 15 (6:30 p.m.) The Reign of Error An interactive conversation with Diane Ravitch, research professor of education at New York University and a historian of education, with special guests from the Providence Student Union.

Oct. 22 The Future of Public Higher Education David Bergeron, vice president for postsecondary education, Center for American Progress, and former acting assistant secretary, U.S. Department of Education.

Oct. 29 Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Discussion with Sheryl WuDunn, author, business executive, entrepreneur, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Annual Gender and Women’s Studies Carlson Lecture.

Nov. 5 What are the Common Core State Standards Expectations? Questions and answers with CCSS writers Susan Pimentel (English language arts) and Doug Sovde (mathematics).

Nov. 12 The State of Our Rhode Island Students Panel discussion moderated by Maureen Moakley, URI professor of political science and political commentator for Rhode Island PBS and Rhode Island NPR, with leaders from the Economic Progress Institute, Rhode Island Kids Count, Council for Exceptional Children, and the URI Veterans Affairs Program.

Nov. 20 (Wed.) Elevating All Students Address by Freeman Hrabowski, president, University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Nov. 26 Pathway to Freedom: The University of Rhode Island Talent Development Experience Panel moderated by Edward Givens, assistant director of Talent Development and Earl N. Smith III, adjunct professor of Africana Studies and assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Additional Event Nov. 26, 2 p.m. Henry Giroux will speak via Skype with Honors Colloquium students about his book, Education and the Crisis in Public Values: Challenging the Assault on Teachers, Students, & Public Education.

Dec. 3 The Beauty Salon: Aesthetics and Education Radio show with Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.

Dec. 10 Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland? Distinguished International Visiting Scholar address by Pasi Sahlberg, director general of the Centre for International Mobility and Cooperation, Helsinki, Finland.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation, please call 401.874.2303 at least three business days in advance.

For TTY assistance, please call the R.I. Relay Service at 711.

Coordinators: David Byrd, director, URI School of Education Diane Kern, associate professor, URI School of Education

Learn more | uri.edu/hc

PHOTOS BY NORA LEWIS AND COURTESY OF JOHN HOLMES

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 19

AWalk on the W

Wild Side

Above: Jennifer Broome pictured with her lab, Quinebaug’s Sweet Scent of Sassafras SH, aka Sassy.

Right: Broome’s 100-acre farm and dog training facility, Quinebaug Kennels, in Connecticut.

VIDEO | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES

20 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

PHOTOS BY LYNN M. STONE , JENNIFER BROOME

hen Jennifer Broome ’95 was growing up in Tom’s River, New Jersey, and along the eastern shore of Maryland, she spent most of her time outdoors. From the age of eight, she was a waterfowl and bird-hunting enthusiast, learning from her father, who also instilled in Broome an appreciation for the importance of land preservation and conservation. Add to this mix her interest in sailing and a strong competitive spirit, and it becomes clear why URI was an excellent choice for Broome’s college experience.

“The ingredients were all there for me,” says Broome. “I was drawn to the New ­England landscape. I wanted the unique wildlife and biology management program URI offered. And I was excited to join the sailing team as I had been a competitive sailor and instructor on the Barnegat Bay for most of my childhood and teenage years.”

The connections Broome made in the classroom; as a member of the equestrian club; in the field as an intern for Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management; working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Charlestown; and on the water as part of the World Cup Collegiate competition in 1992 in Paris (URI’s team came in 2nd) have served her well in her personal and professional life.

She was emboldened by her overall URI experience, using it as a catalyst to launch her dream career. “As a kid, I had a dogwalking business,” Broome muses. I was always very responsible and I was always a

go-getter. Putting together my passion for hunting, the outdoors, and dogs led me to want to start training hunting dogs.”

Today, Broome and husband Jason Smith, a Warwick, Rhode Island native, own a 100-acre farm and dog training facility, Quinebaug Kennels, in Canterbury’s “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut. Smith, a builder by trade, serves as Quinebaug’s operations manager. “If it breaks, bleeds, or blows up, Jason fixes it,” Broome says, adding, “We’re a great team.”

Broome calls Quinebaug “the ultimate mecca for dogs,” and she proudly shares that business is booming, expected to expand threefold within the next year. “It’s an aesthetically beautiful facility, and we take care of it impeccably.” With a staff of 16 people and growing, Quinebaug also provides a great career for those who love the dog industry. Broome points out that she offers mentoring and apprentice programs.

“URI students should definitely contact me,” Broome states. “Our programs could be a great part of their ongoing education.”

One of only three dog training sites in the country to be sponsored by Cabela’s, a huge retailer of outdoor gear for hunting, fishing, and camping enthusiasts, Quinebaug is the premiere facility for an elite group of canines. In fact, a full one-third of Quinebaug’s clientele are New York City dwellers. “We run a shuttle door to door,” explains Broome, “making it easy for hunting dogs living in the City during the week to be trained for weekends at their country homes.” A number of New York clients are also current and future championship dogs

preparing at Quinebaug for various competitive trials and shows. Broome and her staff offer these urban dwellers “a fantastic opportunity to run around and play with packs of well trained dogs. Whether we are just boarding, doing fitness training, obedience or gun dog training, we make sure we send our client dogs home groomed, happy, healthy, well trained and well exercised!”

Broome enthuses.

Classes at Quinebaug range from basic puppy obedience and socialization to problem behaviors, for all breeds of dogs and puppies. Advanced hunting techniques are also offered. The dogs and owners are eager participants. Quinebaug’s website and Facebook pages are filled with glowing testimonials. “I love what I do every day.

Connecting with dogs is a defining moment for us, for the dogs, and for their owners, who become our friends.”

Quinebaug enjoys an excellent reputation both regionally and nationally. Ducks Unlimited, a leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, is another prominent supporter. Broome in turn offers Ducks Unlimited free dog training, lessons, and demonstrations to assist with fundraising.

Broome spends winters in Madison, Florida, near the Georgia border, an area best known for its quail hunting. “It’s like a sabbatical for me,” says Broome, adding, “I spend six to eight hours a day there training with the best trainers in the country, challenging our dogs’ athleticism and intelligence, honing my skills as a professional, and continuing to learn.”

Broome and Smith own six dogs—five Labrador Retrievers and a German Shorthaired Pointer—as well as an ­Arabian and a Nokota horse. They are AKC breeders of merit for these two breeds and have shown at the Westminster Kennel Club show in Madison Square Garden with their GSP CH Abbe Lane’s Sweet Little Elsie MH JHR CGC. Broome describes the animals as “working, competing, and hunting dogs, and of course, our pets!” These “furry kids” cuddle up with Broome and Smith to sleep at night. “First we train, then we spoil with love and affection,” Broome adds, laughing.

Recently, Broome and Smith were approved to clear land for the New England cottontail rabbit. They have benefited from tax credits for wildlife management.

Broome states, “Rhode Island provided me with a land and landscape I loved. URI gave me the opportunity to learn not only about forest management—which has been a huge asset in managing our farm—but also about our state park system. I have a great appreciation for state parks, where I ride my horses, hunt, and hike on a regular basis.” Broome is published in Field and Stream and Gun Dogs Online, and has produced a number of instructional videos, expanding her professional reach.

Broome’s latest venture involves working with dogs to assist autistic children. She is excited to explore this new horizon. “It’s a great next step for Quinebaug,” Broome reflects, “Seeing kids reach and exceed their potential with the help and love of well trained dogs—it doesn’t get more rewarding than that.”

—Melanie Coon

PORTAL TO A URI PARTNERSHIP

A

s increasing numbers of local and regional businesses turn to the state’s flagship institution for consulting expertise, for interns, for skilled workers in fields that demand a rigorous education, and for cutting-edge research in areas ranging from bio-engineering to robotics to aquaculture and more, the message is clear: URI is the right place, at the right time, to launch a center of business engagement.

And that is exactly what the University did on September 5. The choice of GTECH, one of Rhode Island’s most visible business success stories, to officially kick off the Business Engagement Center, was deliberate. “GTECH has already engaged our computer science department and MBA program,” points out Center Executive Director Katharine Hazard Flynn, who also wears the hat of director of corporate and foundation relations at the URI Foundation. In a bit of a surprise twist, GTECH recently sought student interns from the University’s writing and rhetoric program to assist with proposal writing, a growing area of the lottery giant’s business. Additionally, GTECH has worked with URI’s MBA program on three sponsored projects, two in new product development and one in workplace internal process development.

At the launch of the Business Engagement Center on September 5, 2013, clockwise from top, David Dooley with Scott Van Winter and Rick Schloesser of Toray Plastics America; Governor Chafee, Bob Vincent of GTECH, Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed, and House Majority Leader Nicholas A. Mattiello; Katharine Hazard Flynn, BEC Executive Director; Provost Don DeHayes with Janet Raymond of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Ann Gooding of the City of Providence.

00 QUADANGLES FALL 22 MONTH 2013 YEAR

“GTECH is a great example of a company coming in the door thinking they need one thing, like interns, and realizing quickly that we have a great deal more to offer,” says Flynn, adding, “in these cases, one plus one really does add up to three.”

Robert Vincent, GTECH’s senior vice president for corporate communications noted, “The creation of the Business Engagement Center at URI is a major step forward in aligning the University’s resources and mission with the needs of the business community. URI is a large and complex institution with many highly regarded areas of research and academic concentration. Having a Business Engagement Center to assist businesses, particularly small businesses, to better understand and

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT CENTER: noun, a central portal through which businesses can connect with all facets of Rhode Island’s flagship public university to enhance industry competitiveness, create jobs, conduct important, mutually beneficial research, create a highly trained workforce, and increase philanthropy. A focal point for faculty and students to interact with industry in meaningful and innovative ways.

easily access URI people and information is exactly the kind of thing that a public university should be undertaking to improve competitiveness and help grow our local economy.”

So what, exactly, will the Business Engagement Center do that is not already happening in other programs at URI? President Dooley explains it this way. “The new Center is URI’s front door for business.

It’s a one-stop shopping model, responding to companies’ needs and operating in real time, at the speed of business.” President Dooley has been impressed with the success of the University of Michigan’s Business Engagement Center and believes that its model will easily translate to URI. “Michigan is the gold standard for this type of initiative,” the president said.

Flynn agrees. “Seven years ago, the University of Michigan started a business engagement center in its engineering school. Today, the University has scaled up its original program to encompass several other state universities. At URI, we can ramp up much more quickly, given our size, our prime location, and the agility of our faculty, students, and staff.” Flynn notes that Michigan has seen the number of companies engaged on campus triple in the past seven years; additionally, industrially funded research support has grown by 36 percent, and corporate philanthropy by 12 percent.

Flynn envisions businesses making a phone call or an email inquiry to the Center and having all their needs easily met, thanks to “relationship managers” on staff, and a robust and user-friendly web portal that will contain complete and updated information regarding URI, research, career events, and more. Critical to a

positive experience for businesses will be the prompt responsiveness of these BEC relationship managers, who will efficiently navigate through URI’s varied resources and connect the business customer to the appropriate University departments or individuals. This will apply not only to inquiries about internships and research collaborations, but also to requests for use of University facilities and equipment.

“The BEC will be a full-service center,” Flynn emphasizes.

URI will not only serve as a resource to local and regional companies, but the reverse will also be true, as natural partnerships evolve and lead to increased hiring of the University’s undergraduate and graduate students in a diverse range of fields.

Students will gain the advantage of an expanded network of connections in the business community. Further, URI faculty in disciplines as varied as nursing and oceanography are likely to gain new visibility within the corporate sphere as sponsored research projects shine a light on their expertise and value outside the halls of academia.

URI alumna Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, was on hand to help announce the new Center. “The holistic approach is very appealing, and very practical,” said White.

“This is the right direction for Rhode Island— more collaboration among the sectors that have the potential to grow our economy, with sustainable jobs that give our bright young graduates a reason to stay.”

Workforce development is a key area of the Center’s focus. No one in the Rhode Island business community is more lauded for his efforts in workforce development

Learn more: uri.edu/bec University-of-Rhode-Island twitter.com/@URI_BEC linkedin.com

than Taco CEO John Hazen White, renowned for his commitment to employee training and education. Not surprisingly, Taco, a third generation family-owned residential and commercial HVAC company with headquarters in Cranston and manufacturing facilities in Cranston and Fall River, Mass., will start an onsite MBA program this fall through the URI College of Business.

Beyond economic benefits to the state and region, the Business Engagement Center is also designed to inspire philanthropy and attract new research dollars to the University. “Supporting URI is another way for businesses to become active in URI’s success and it can also be a great way to boost a company’s visibility on campus,” says Flynn.

“URI is taking a great step with the Business Engagement Center,” notes Robert A. DiMuccio, chairman, president and CEO of Amica Mutual Insurance, a company that has a long history of working with URI. In support of the goals of the new Center, the company, based in Lincoln, R.I., has made a contribution to the President’s 21st Century Fund for Excellence. “It’s a positive, proactive move for the state of Rhode Island,” says DiMuccio.

The Center will be funded through the University of Rhode Island Foundation, the President’s 21st Century Fund, and the Office of the Provost.

Flynn is excited at the prospect of the Center’s potential in the years to come.

“We have all the ingredients here,” she says, “Highly talented faculty, world class education and research, and a student population of critical thinkers with a great range of interests and passions. A thriving state and regional economy is within our grasp, and URI is committed to leading the way.”

— Melanie Coon

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 23

ScreenGems The people behind the cameras might not have the same star power as the faces on screen, but they are often magicians, creating art and culture. Meet a handful of alumni who’ve branched out from their URI roots to create cinematic history.

— By

Bethany Vaccaro ’06

Cherry Arnold ’87 MEDIA PRODUCER/FILMMAKER Cherry Arnold credits her undergraduate classes at URI with impressing on her the power of story in everyday life. Today, she uses that awareness as a media producer and filmmaker at the helm of her own production company, Big Orange Films.

A native of East Providence, Arnold spent the years after graduation working as a marketing director for big names like Barnes & Noble. When she returned to her home state in 2002, she wanted to make a film about Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, the controversial former mayor of Providence. The documentary that resulted, BUDDY, The Rise and Fall of America’s Most Notorious Mayor, opened to critical acclaim and garnered a New England Emmy for Best Documentary.

Currently, Arnold is in post-production with the forthcoming documentary One in 88, focusing on the growing phenomenon of autism. A project that touches her personally, she calls the information she learned while making the film “the key she never had” to understanding a close family member. She says, “The heart of this film is to help all of us better understand and support a friend, family member, or co-worker living with autism.”

One in 88 was due to begin screening during the summer.

• onein88.bigorangefilms.com

VIDEO AND MORE | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES

See more Screen Gems online: Jason Allard ’12, filmmaker Scott Beer ’08, filmmaker Evangelos Giovanis ’02, filmmaker Michael Shawver ’06, film writer, editor, and director.

24 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

PHOTOS BY: PETER GOLDBERG; MATTHEW JACOBS; JONATHAN CASERTA

Alex Caserta ’74 FILM PRODUCER What better way to arrest the passage of time than by recording it? Alex Caserta is able to do this with the films he produces.

“The documentaries I have worked on during the past 19 years all have to do with bringing a story to the public on objects and people working in areas that are of historical significance and a way of life that could be in danger of becoming extinct.”

In May 2013, a preview of Caserta’s latest project, the documentary Vanishing Orchards: Apple Growing in Rhode Island, was screened at the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport. The film focuses on the fragile yet tenacious life of the state’s apple growers. The film follows the growers during a ten-year-period as they learn to balance their traditional techniques with the concessions they must make to the changing economic and technological climate. The full version was set to premiere as this issue went to press.

In addition to producing films, Caserta was an art instructor for 33 years and frequently exhibits his paintings and photographs, some of which have been added to the permanent collection of the Library of Congress. • vanishingorchards.com

“A production designer is the visual storyteller of a feature film or television show.”

— MATTHEW JACOBS ’77

Matthew Jacobs ’77 PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ART DIRECTOR It was just a typical day at work for Matthew Jacobs when 17 shipping containers and 40 dump trucks full of dirt came together to simulate “Fort Reno, Afghanistan” on a football field-sized set for the hit show Army Wives. As the production designer and/or art director for the show, Jacobs was in charge of everything revealed on screen except the people themselves.

“A production designer is the visual storyteller of a feature film or television show,” he explains. It’s a big job and one for which the Michigan native gained considerable experience while earning a theater degree at his alma mater. “URI gave me some very good training designing sets and interpreting plays and scripts.”

In the fall following his graduation, Jacobs went to work for Eugene Lee, the Tony award-winning set designer and production designer of Saturday Night Live, who also has a studio in Rhode Island, where he serves as the resident set designer at Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence. For Jacobs, designing movies, plays, and operas soon gave way to working on music videos, and then to production designing for General Hospital.

Currently, Jacobs is art directing the drama Under the Dome for DreamWorks/CBS. • mcjart.com

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 25

Kyle King ’12 FILMMAKER

Clockwise from top: King at an Ecuadorian orphanage at the start of his two-year stint in the Peace Corps; King filming Fatigued on Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan; King enjoying a moment at Colt State Park in Bristol, R.I.

26 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

Not many people would be motivated to film a documentary between 12-hour shifts in the hot sun of Afghanistan. But that’s exactly what recent film studies graduate Kyle King ’12 did while he was stationed there for the third time as a member of the U.S. Air Force. The result, the documentary Fatigued, provides a rare glimpse for civilians of what it is like to be deployed at the biggest airbase in Afghanistan. “The film shows a realistic and lighter side of the war for the troops deployed serving in non-combat roles,” says King.

Fatigued premiered at the Columbus Theatre in Providence in May 2013. A month later, King left for Ecuador on a two-year commitment to the Peace Corps. He is posted in the city of Atacames, on the northwest coast an hour and a half from the border of Colombia. And no surprise, he is already filming his next documentary.

“The greatest films leave viewers feeling that they have gone through new experiences,” King remarks. “My intention is to achieve the same with my audiences. Film may be the closest we can come to living more than once.” • kylekingfilms.com PHOTOS: HANNAH MOORE; GENE ROSARTI; NATHAN FRANEY

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 27

“The beauty of our career is that we are paid to chase the coolest, most fleeting moments.”

— DAN RIORDAN ’03

Dan Riordan ’03 VIDEO PRODUCER Dan Riordan, owner of Gnarly Bay Productions in Westerly, Rhode Island, loves the variety that being a “video gnerd” brings. “We do a lot of branded content for social media, as well as traditional broadcast TV and other forms of promotional video,” he explains.

This means that for a recent job creating a commercial for a luxury cruise yacht line in the Galapagos, he was able to spend 10 days on site working, as well as enjoying all of the amazing things the islands have to offer. “The beauty of our career,” he says, “is that we are paid to chase the coolest, most fleeting moments.”

Although he came to URI with the intention of being pre-med, Riordan was quickly beguiled by his film classes and realized that video was a direction worth pursuing so he and his thenroommate/childhood friend, Dana Saint, decided to start a video company. A pivotal moment came when he was allowed to assist with a professor’s documentary shoot. “It made me realize that by pursuing film as a career, you could gather the skills necessary to tell any story that you felt passionate about.”

Riordan and his crew recently filmed Mumford & Sons and Elvis Costello performing together as part of a social-activism campaign surrounding the G8 Summit. • gnarlybay.com

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PHOTO: KATERI WEST; CAROLYN VANDALL

Rachel Smith ’06 SCREENWRITER Rachel Smith’s hard work has been paying off, rewarding the dedication it takes to rise early and write five mornings a week before heading off to a day job.

After graduating with an English/film studies degree, Smith began working on her first screenplay. My Own Private Myocardial Infarction tells the story of a man who wrote his heart off as broken after his mother’s death. It was well received at several film festivals, winning the local prize at the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) in 2008. “I am drawn to stories about people who feel disconnected from life and those around them, people in need of love and care,” Smith notes.

Smith moved to London and earned a master’s degree in screenwriting in 2011 at the London Film School. There, she developed her second screenplay, Fix You Up, the story of a workaholic transplant surgeon whose life is transformed after suffering her own physical injury. Fix You Up was named winner of RIIFF’s 2013 “Spotlight on RI” contest, which welcomes scripts set in Rhode Island. Fix You Up was selected from 77 entries from all over the world, a fitting victory for the Hope, Rhode Island native.

Currently, Smith is looking for a female director to bring Fix You Up to the screen. And she’s hard at work on her next feature-length screenplay, tentatively titled The Godmother.

Pete Vandall, ’03 PRODUCER As the creator and co-executive producer of the History Channel show Chasing Tail, Pete Vandall didn’t have to look far for his material, which focuses on his own extended family members, working-class cousins who hunt deer in the wealthy suburbs of Connecticut, where deer abound and the hunting season extends for five months.

While staying with his grandparents, Vandall came home one evening to find seven dead deer hanging from an apple tree near the house. His bow-hunting cousins had descended and when he realized that their hobby was not only intriguing but hilarious, it seemed made for TV. Vandall spent seven days a week for six months tagging along with the hunters to get the footage he needed for Chasing Tail, which was originally developed as a thesis film for his graduate work at the School for Visual Arts. They were up at 4 a.m., climbing trees, waiting for deer, and looking for new locations, which on occasion required his cousins in full camouflage to knock on the door of an ornate mansion to ask permission to hunt on private land. “They are just blue-collar guys, doing what they love in a white-collar world,” says Vandall. • petevandall.com

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 29

ALUMNICHAPTERS

Join the fun!

Chapters are a great way to stay connected with URI, see old classmates, and meet new friends.

Chapter events are open to all alumni, family, and friends of the University.

Northern CA Alumni Chapter July 13, 2013 in Oakland, Cal. A group of 25 gathered to watch the Red Sox play the Oakland A’s at the Coliseum. They also attended a pre-game tailgate hosted by the Alumni Association.

The URI Alumni Association has more than 50 chapters, organized by location or affinity interest. To see a list of all the chapters, find out what they're planning, and get their contact information, visit advance.uri.edu/alumni/chapters.

LET US HEAR FROM YOU! If you are interested in starting a regional or affinity chapter, or if you have ideas for upcoming events, please contact Shana Greene at scgreene@uri.edu or 401.874.2218.

UPCOMING

Theta Chi Chapter at Arturo Joe’s in Narragansett on June 4, 2013.

Front Row: Howie Nesbitt ’66, Mike Grilli ’62, Fred Sculco ’66, Carl Napolitano ’63, Jim Sullivan ’61, Ron Smith ’59, Angelo DeStefano ’63, Mike DeCubellis ’65, John Pliakas (guest), and Dick Hagopian ’62.

Second Row: John Eastman ’62, Tony DiOrio (guest), Bob Piacitelli ’86, Dave Cunha ’98, Gary Henry (guest), Jim Moriarty ’62, Dick Testa ’64, Denis Thibeault (guest), Karl Steimle ’62, Tony Pensa ’65, Al Reed ’56, Mike Testa ’63, and Gus Buonaiuto ’53.

October 25 – The Sigma Pi Fraternity will host a Roast honoring George Gray ’63 at the Sigma Pi chapter house. A social reception will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and Roast Presentation at 8 p.m. To register, please contact Joe D’Ambra at jvd6228@aol.com October 27 – Save the date for the SWFL Alumni Chapter’s event at the Oktoberfest in Cape Coral, FL beginning at 12:30 p.m. To register, please contact Doris and Bob Ferry ’70 at fferryboat@aol.com or Sarah Lobdell at 401.874.2438.

November 16 – Save the date for the biannual ROTC Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The event will be held in the Ballroom of the URI Memorial Union.

The cost of the event is $15 and includes the ceremony and breakfast buffet. To register, please contact William MacKinlay ‘69 at president@urirotcalumni.org.

URI Alumni Leader Weekend, July 26-28, 2013, Kingston, RI

December 7 – Save the date for the SWFL Alumni Chapter’s Holiday Luncheon at the Pelican Pointe Country Club in Venice, Florida. To register, please contact Sarah Lobdell at 401.874.2438 or slobdell@uri.edu.

The 2013 Alumni Leaders Conference provided current alumni leaders with opportunities to learn more about new alumni initiatives, meet and network with fellow alumni leaders and university staff, and experience new campus developments. Visit us online to see more photos at advance.uri.edu/alumni/chapters/default.htm.

February 15 – Save the date for the SWFL Alumni Chapter’s Theater Event. Enjoy a production of South Pacific at the Broadway Palm Theatre in Ft. Myers, Florida. To register, please contact Sarah Lobdell at 401.874.2438 or slobdell@uri.edu.

30 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

REGIONAL CHAPTERS Arizona Rhode Runners Philip Ricci ‘80 Chandler, Arizona p: (h) 480-285-6557 e: Phil.ricci@agile-now.com

Massachusetts Nicholas G. Chigas '03 Waltham, MA p: 978-505-7161 (h), 781-672-5170 (w) e: Nicholas.G.Chigas@mssb.com

Texas: Dallas-Fort Worth Cortney '01 and David Nicolato '98 Dallas, TX p: 401-255-5127 (cell) e: RhodyGrad@gmail.com

Lucia Vescera '96 Lincoln, RI e: lvescera@hotmail.com Lambda Chi Alpha Jeffrey Hill '00 Shippensburg, PA p: 717-530-0188 e: firemarshal70@hotmail.com

Rhode Island Blood Center Jennifer Whelihan ’05 p: 401-480-7891 e: JWhelihan@ribc.org

Courtney Entwistle '06 p: 401-413-9368 Texas Rhode Horns e: courtney.entwistle@ribc.org Jeffrey A. Ross ’75 California: LA Rams Houston, TX Michigan RIDOT/Transportation Brett Freitas ‘99 p: 713-668-3746 (h); 713-791-9521 (w) Lambda Delta Phi Santa Monica, CA David Diana '84 Christos Xenophontos '84 e: jross67785@aol.com p: 323-833-8011(h) Warren, MI Exeter, RI Linda F. Desmond ’68 e: brettfreitas@gmail.com p: 586-268-0048 (cell) e: xenophon@dot.ri.com Washington, D.C./Baltimore North Andover, MA e: dianad@flash.net p: 978-687-7443 Hank Nardone '90 California: Northern Charles St. Martin '92, Coventry, RI (h); 978-794-3896 (w) Laytonsville, MD e: cstm@cox.net; cstmartin@dot.ri.com Minnesota Josh Feinberg ‘08 e: lfdesmond@comcast.net p: 301-803-2910; (w) 301-482-1062 (h) Berkeley, CA John ’92 & Kristen Turcotte ’95, ROTC e: henryjn@us.ibm.com Martha Smith Patnoad ’68Wyoming, RI p: 973-945-0971(h); 510-563-2205 (w) Saint Louis Park. MN William MacKinlay '69 p: 401-539-2180 (h) e: feinberg973@gmail.com Brina Masi ‘01 p: 952-285-1148 p: 781-608-7335 e: mpatnoad@uri.edu Baltimore, MD e: jfturcotte@mindspring.com Greg Passant '80 e: WMacKinlay@TaskForcePro.com p: 401-261-5416 keturcotte@mindspring.com LGBT+ Alumni and Friends Chapter Pleasanton, CA e: Brimasi16@gmail.com Military Instructor Group p: 925-227-1878 New Hampshire Gregory Waugh ‘07 Kingston, RI North Kingstown, RI White Mountain Rams California: Southern INTERNATIONAL e: urirotcalumni@cox.net p: (h): 401-787-3980 Clarissa M. Uttley BS ’04 MS ’06 Ph.D ’08 CHAPTERS Jeff Bolognese Web: URI ROTC Alumni e: Gregory.waugh@gmail.com Rumney, NH Oceanside, CA Germany p: 603-786-5035 (h) Schmidt Labor Research Center Mathew DeLaire ’11 ‘12 p: 760-945-4560 Braunschweiger Rams 603-535-2915 (w) Providence, RI J. Richard Rose M.S. '06 e: jeffbolognese@gmail.com Robert John Ellwood ‘06 e: cmuttley@plymouth.edu e: mathewdelaire@gmail.com p: 401-461-2277 (h) Braunschweig, Germany Colorado Mile High Rams e: rrose@mail.uri.edu New Jersey p: 0176-7631-1971 Music Department Christy L. Gallese '03 e: ellwood@mail.uri.edu Lauri Pietruszka ’84 Sigma Chi Allison Lacasse '07 Denver, CO West Paterson, NJ Boston, MA Mark Trovato '89 p: 717-856-8525 AFFINITY CHAPTERS p: 973-890-1623 (h) p: 508-971-3527 (h); 978-251-5177 (w) Wakefield, RI e: christygallese@gmail.com e: lauriann_p@yahoo.com e: allisonlacasse@gmail.com Alpha Chi Omega Gamma Sigma p: 401-782-0064 (h) Connecticut e: mtrovato@riag.state.ri.us Shanon Whitt Horridge '86 Erica Stuppler '09 Nicholas Zammarelli Jr. '97 Tara Blumenstock '96 Web: www.rhodysig.com Cranston, RI Basking Ridge, NJ Coventry, RI Wallingford, CT p: 401-383-4657 p: 908-456-2737 p: 401-828-5823 (h) Sigma Pi p: 203-294-0246 e: SHANNYH40@aol.com e: estuppler@gmail.com e: nzamm1@verizon.net George B. Smith ‘66 e : tarabarbara@hotmail.com Chi Phi New York: Albany Venice, FL Phi Gamma Delta Janet Sisson '87 p: 941-408-9786 (h) Douglas C. Bennet '77 Cindy Ladd Anderson '80 Richard Kingsley ‘71 Middletown, CT e: drgeorgebsmith@verizon.net Providence, RI Clifton Park, NY Jamestown, RI p: 860-214-7998 p: 401-351-3522 p: 518-373-9440 (h) 518-527-4195 (c) p: 401-874-6693 (w) Stand Up Against Lyme e: sissonj@independentdayschool.org e:dbennet@aol.com el:rhodymom3@gmail.com e: kingsley@gso.uri.edu David J. Wallace ’76 ‘92Exeter, RI Florida:Southeast College Student Personnel New York: Metro e: dave@teegreensod.com Phi Kappa Psi Bob Tingley '66 Jess Raffaele '04, MS '09 John Campanario ‘93 Joe Hart ’85 Student Alumni Association Boca Raton, FL Warwick, RI New York, NY Kingston, RI p: 561-961-9492 Lindsay Redfern Lazzeri ‘04 p: 914-588-2181 e: john.campanario@gmail.com p: 401-783-4852 e: rtingley111@att.net Boynton Beach, FL e: Jessraffaele@gmail.com e: jphart@cox.net Pacific Northwest Chapter p: 561-735-7811(h); 401-474-6580 (cell) Florida:Southwest Gators Web:: RI Beta Danielle Wyck MS ‘06 e: lindsayredfern@gmail.com Scott Adams ’96, George B. Smith ‘66 p: 201-819-3041(h) Phi Mu Delta Seattle, WA Theta Chi Venice, FL e: daniellewyck@live.com p: 206-913-9931 Jim DeNuccio '75 p: 941-408-9786 (h) John Eastman ’62 e: s.v.adams@gmail.com East Greenwich, RI Community Planning e: drgeorgebsmith@verizon.net N. Kingstown, RI p: 401-884-2993 (w) Mike DeLuca ’80, M.C.P. ’88 North Carolina p: 401-295-1956 (h) Florida: The Villages Fax: 401-885-2228 (w) Narragansett, RI e: jeastman33@gmail.com Ed Doughty ’93 Paul Hagerty '68 p: 401-789-6888 (h); 401-461-1000, Phi Sigma Kappa Charlotte, NC Mike Testa '63 The Villages, FL p: 704-995-9300 (h); 704-331-2219 (w) ext. 3137 (w) Kenneth Gambone '88 Jamestown, RI p: 315-430-0911 e: eddoughty@gmail.com New York, NY Continuing Education p: 401-423-8918 e: paulandann@thevillages.com p: 917-701-4631 e: jtown@cox.net Joyce Dolbec ’95, Slatersville, RI Ohio Illinois: Chicago e: kenneth.gambone@barclayscapital.com P: 401-766-2209 (h) Tom Noyes ’67 Theta Delta Chi Jimmy De La Zerda '04 Physical Therapy Program Alumni Eric Lalime '95 Wooster, OH John Flaherty ‘87, Slatersville, RI Orland Park, Ill p: 330-345-6516 (h); 330-264-8722 (w) p: 766-4981 (h), 273-5711 x 5 (w) John McLinden ‘93 p: 347-739-7345 (cell) e: jimmydlz401@gmail.com e: noyes.1@osu.edu e: john.flaherty@cox.net Wakefield, RI e: eric_lalime@ml.com Louisiana/Mississippi p: 401-783-7179 (h); 401-874-5001 (w) Bill '74 and Betty '74 Sepe Delta Zeta URI Difference Equations Phyllis DelFiore ’68 e: Elvis1122@aol.com Hudson, OH Association No Current Chapter Leader Slidell, LA p:330-650-6715 Political Science Michael A. Radin '01 p: 985-643-1609 (h) e: OHRhody@hotmail.com Graduate School of Library Al Killilea Rochester, NY e: feliciadf@hotmail.com and Information Studies Kingston, RI Rhode Island p:585-461-4002 (h) 585-475-7681 (w) Dee Canada ’62 Katherine Boden ‘13 p: 401-874-2183 (w) e: michael.radin@rit.edu Allison E. Field '95 Slidell, LA p: 401-269-9829 Providence, RI Public Relations Society Writers Affinity Group p: 985-643-8801 (h) e: KatherineLBoden@gmail.com p: 401-808-9463 e: delinac@charter.net DeAnna Lynn Englezos ’08 Jan Wenzel '87 e: allison@condori.com Stefanie Metko ‘13 Brooklyn, NY Tiverton, RI Maine p: 401-212-9342 Jeanene Sawyer '95 p : 212-237-0048 (w) p: 401-714-6595 (cell); 401-874-5190 (w) Andrew Dodge '86 e: stefmetko@gmail.com Kingston, RI e: dlenglezos@gmail.com e: wenzel@ds.uri.edu Freeport, ME p: 401-430-0445 (h); 401-392-8290 (w) Italian Kate Scozzaro ‘10 e: Andrewdodge5@gmail.com Jnine2011@gmail.com Fairfield, NJ Alfred Crudale ’91 p : 973-809-5044 (h) West Kingston, RI e: kate.scozzaro@gmail.com p: 401-783-3081 UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 31 e: acwvmhs@rinet35.org MA Chapter Planning Committee: Katie Knowlton ’02, and Maggie Taylor ‘08

CLASSACTS

URI Night with the PawSox Friday, August 16, 2013 McCoy Stadium More than 350 alumni, family, and friends of the University celebrated our 15th annual URI Night with the PawSox on Friday, August 16, 2013.

A festive pre-game barbecue was followed by a great game as the PawSox battled the Louisville Bats to a 7-6 victory, completing a sweep. From the start it was Rhody Pride all the way as Alumni Association President Louise Thorson M.B.A. ’85 threw out the ceremonial first pitch and alumna Carolina Natale ’95 sang the national anthem. Once again, this popular summer tradition sponsored by the Alumni Association was a terrific success. See more photos at advance.uri.edu/alumni/rhodynight

PHOTOS: NORA LEWIS

32 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

`39

`66

`74

`79

John Lawrence Sullivan, ENG, of Marietta, Ga., writes: “I play bridge twice a week. Quit playing percussion in New Horizons Band, which I had been doing for eight years. Still active with the Boy Scouts for 78 years.

I celebrated my 95th birthday last week and I’m married for 10 years to my second wife.”

Gail Elizabeth Logan, A&S, of Macon, Ga., has won the first place gold medal award in World Poetry Movement’s Best Poets and Poems for 2012 contest for her poem“The Mourning Dove.”

Alexander J. Caserta, A&S, of Cranston, R.I., writes: I have recently produced a docementary film on orchard growers in the state of Rhode Island. The film was sponsored by a grant from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and was produced over the past two years. The actual photo documentary began 10 years ago and the exhibition was displayed at the University. I have been making documentaries in Rhode Island for the past 18 years.

This particular documentary was created at the request of a staff member at URI who works in the department of cooperative extension. Heather Faubert of the College of Environment and Life Sciences has provided assistance with this project from the beginning stages.” (see page 25)

Karen E. Conti, CBA, of Wyoming, R.I., joined Raytheon in Portsmouth, Rhode Island as a director of business development for maritime systems.

`49 Kay Shute McDowell, HSS, of Mesa, Ariz., writes: “I spent my 86th birthday ziplining above Fremont Street in Las Vegas, thanks to my daughter Cheryl, who is responsible for two of my four wonderful grandkids.”

`55 Frances D. Ugiss, A&S, of Brush Prairie, Wash., writes: “I still live out here southwest of Mt. St. Helen’s. I’ve seen it erupt several times. I have a ranch, two horses, and lots of cedar fir trees on my 10 acres. I still think about the good times I had at URI and look forward to another reunion.”

`62

`68 Geoffrey D. Greene, CBA, of Saunderstown, R.I., writes: “Still working as director of the Robbins Funeral Home in North Providence. Daughter Jennifer Fagan ‘98 is with me in the business. Grandchildren (three) are here, finally, and my wife Lynne is enjoying her retirement with her grandchildren.”

Howard Martin Holstein, CBA, of Potomac, Md., writes: “I have recently retired as a partner at Hogan Lovells law firm. My wife Rita Gladstone Holstein ‘70 and I have bought a home in Naples, Florida and will divide our time between Florida and Maryland.

We continue to love to travel and will enjoy spending more time with our five grandchildren who are now foureight. Staying busy!”

Russell Paul Carlson, ENG, of Dunwoody, Ga., writes: “I am a fee based registered investment advisor for American Wealth Management in Atlanta. Terry and I have three children and fourteen grandchildren.

Please call me, and plan to have lunch with us if you pass through Atlanta.”

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`63

Stephen L. Priest, ENG, of Bedford, N.H., writes: “I am announcing my latest book. Outdoor Play: Fun 4 4 Seasons enthusiastically portrays a daily commitment to the outdoors for health and fitness. This book is full of short story adventures that give the reader an overview of multiple outdoor things to do. The message is to get outdoors and do something.

The only competition you have is the task at hand. Do not worry about reaching the top of the mountain— just concern yourself with staying on the path. “Places to Play in Northern New England” tells readers where to discover outdoor treasures. New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont are emphasized for their unique outdoor offerings. The Great North Woods, Maine Island Trail, Appalachian Trail, and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail have references galore. Tips to cook an egg in an onion in a campfire, paddling on exceptional waters, smart phone apps, giant pumpkin regattas, winter sleigh rides, triathlon clubs, indoor bike training, island camping, indoor winter bicycle training, and advice on preparing for the outdoors are amongst diverse stories shared.

Videos and action pictures proclaim the physical fitness and mental health impact of the outdoors.”

Julien P. Ayotte, CBA, of Cumberland, R.I., author of Flower of Heaven, the international thriller, was recently honored by the New York Book Festival at its 2013 award ceremonies held on June 21st at the Grolier Club in Manhattan. Julien’s debut novel received honorable mention (third place) in the general fiction category in a field of more than 800 entrants in that genre.

`64 Richard H. Barron, A&S, of Berkshire, N.Y., writes: “My wife, Lil and I continue to enjoy our retirement.

Our daughter Beth and her family live just 9/10 of a mile away. We get her eight year old twins on the school bus every weekday. I am secretary of the Binghamton (N.Y.) Lions Club and an active member of The Southern Tier Bicycle Club, biking every Tuesday and Thursday approximately 35 miles each day. We are both active members of First Baptist Church of Ithaca, N.Y. (a “welcoming & affirming” Baptist Church).”

Sandra Conti Presti, A&S, of Concord, N.H., writes: “I just retired after 27 years as a registered nurse at Concord Hospital, Concord, N.H. - planning on doing some relaxing and traveling.”

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`75 Elaine G. Caldwell, CBA, of Palmetto, Fla., joined Raymond James Financial as the designated trust specialist. Elaine, formerly at GenSpring and SunTrust, brings more than 30 years of trust, banking and wealth management expertise to Raymond James.

`76 John J. Palumbo, A&S, of North Providence, R.I., publisher/owner of Rhode Island Monthly Communications, Inc., and a 1976 journalism graduate, has been re-elected to the board of directors at the City & Regional Magazine Association.

John previously served on the board and was the CRMA president in 2003. The City & Regional Magazine Association represents more than 70 titles throughout North America.

Rhode Island Monthly Communications is an integrated multi-platform publisher of lifestyle information in Rhode Island and nearby Southern New England.

Stephen F. Piccolo, ENG, of Aiken, S.C., is the executive chairman of the board of directors at Kurion, Inc., an innovator in nuclear, mixed and hazardous waste management.

`77 Nancy Gold Baker, A&S, of Falls Church, Va., was hired by Cultural Care Au Pair as a local childcare consultant and specializes in placing au pairs from around the world with adoptive families interested in inhome childcare. She can be reached at nmmrb.mail@verizon.net

`78 Sheryl J. Rothman, A&S, of New Haven, Conn., writes: “I married Stephen Clark `79 in 1982. We have four children, Danielle, Michael, Dayna and Mara. Danielle married on January 29, 2012 to Aryeh Carr.

We will become grandparents in May ‘13.”

’80 Michael Jalbert, A&S, of Providence, has been named managing director at New Directions, a nationally recognized New England career firm that serves high ranking executives and professionals in the U.S. and worldwide, headquartered in Boston.

Jalbert was previously president of Management Recruiters International, vice chairman of ERA Europe, and an executive at Pepsico, Allied Signal, and Cendant Corporation.

`82 Gordon B. Arnold, A&S, of Westborough, Mass., writes: “I wanted to share with you news of the recent publication of my third book about film and American society, Projecting the End of the American Dream: Hollywood’s Visions of U.S. Decline (Praeger 2013). The book combines film, political, and social history, and as described by the publisher, 'reveals how Hollywood films reflect our deepest fears and anxieties as a country, often recording our political beliefs and cultural conditions while underscoring the darker side of the American way of life.'” More information about the book is available at the publisher’s web site: abc-clio.com

`83 Martha Sheridan, A&S, of Wakefield, RI, has been elected chair of the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) board of directors.

DMAI is the global trade association for official destination marketing organizations, and is dedicated to protect and advance the success of destination marketing worldwide.

Sheridan has been president and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau since 2006 and previously was vice president for sales at the Newport Convention and Visitors Bureau. She has been active with DMAI for nearly two decades, serving on the organization’s education committee and chairing the technology committee. Sheridan also has held leadership positions with the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association Education Foundation, Meeting Professionals International New England Chapter, and the New England Society of Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 33

Susan S. Skawinski, HSS, of East Greenwich, R.I., was recently named the recipient of the 2012-2013 Joseph R. Accinno Teaching Award at Providence College. She is an associate professor of education in the College’s department of elementary/ special education. The award is the College’s highest teaching honor and is named in honor of the deceased brother of the late John J. Accino, C.P.A. ‘46 and ‘93 Hon., a former College trustee and benefactor, who died in January 2012.

`84 Brian L. Baker, ENG, of Charlestown, Mass., serves as director, office of regulatory science within the office of regulatory affairs (ORA) - the lead office for all field activities at the FDA. Regulating more than 135,000 business establishments that annually produce, warehouse, import and transport $1 trillion worth of consumer goods, ORA protects consumers by maximizing compliance of FDA regulated products and minimizing risk associated with those products. More than 4,400 ORA personnel in more than 200 locations work every day to maximize compliance of regulated products and to minimize public health risks. As science director, Baker manages ORA’s field scientific resources including 13 field laboratories and 950 personnel.

`87 Robert M. Leach, CBA, of Barrington, R.I., was named senior relationship manager in commercial banking in Providence, R.I. at TD Bank. He is responsible for developing commercial business and managing relationships of new and existing clients throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

Leach has more than 20 years of banking experience in the region.

Prior to joining TD Bank, he served as a senior relationship manager at Webster Bank in Providence, and in similar roles at First Trade Union Bank in Warwick, and Sovereign Bank in Providence.

`89 Timothy J. Gray, A&S, of Kingston, R.I., is chairman of the 501 ©3 World War II Foundation.The Indie Fest International Film festival has recognized the Rhode Island based World War II Foundation with two awards in its most recent international film competition.

`90 Dean E. Lombardo, A&S, of Round Hill, Va., writes: “I am pleased to announce the publication of my second novel, Space Games, a science fiction pulp thriller from Kristell Ink in the United Kingdom.”

34 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

`91

`98

Michael J. Malone, A&S, of Hawthorne, N.Y., has published his first novel, a darkly funny coming-ofage tale set in New York City in 1999, entitled No Never No More (Well Lit Books). It is available in select bookstores and on Amazon: amazon.com/No-Never-More-novel/ dp/0985632828/.

Sennen G. Conte, A&S, of Barrington, R.I., writes: “On February 28, 2013, my wife (Elizabeth) and I welcomed our second son, Maximus Cavanagh Conte. Max joins our three year old son Nicolas. My brother Galen Conte ‘92 and I own and operate Gerbs Gourmet Seeds out of Johnston, R.I. We specialize in all-natural, allergen friendly, vegan & Kosher lines of seeds, trail mixes, salad toppers, dried fruits and granolas. This spring we re-designed our packaging and launched seven new flavors, like our Crunchy Monkey Snack Mix and our Banana & Dark Chocolate Granola.

These fine products can be found in independent grocery accounts across Rhode Island and New England.”

John P. Merritt, CBA, MBA is living in Shanghai and working as a private consultant to the medical device industry, as well as serving as international business director at Shanghai Institute of Minimally Invasive Therapy at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology.

John recently entered the doctoral program in business at Nyenrode Universiteit in the Netherlands where Melinda M. Goglia, CBA, of Portland, his research is focused on business Conn., is a CPA with Mahoney Sabol & Company, LLP, and is a newly strategies for emerging markets. appointed officer on the board of `92 directors for Community Health Terese Kelly, A&S, of Hoboken, Charities of New England, whose NJ, has been named vice president mission is to unite donors in the workof media relations at Rosica Com- place with trusted health charities. munications, located in Paramus, NJ. Kelly was most recently senior `01 vice president of media relations Dawn E. Winalski, CELS, of Barrow, at Havas PR in New York, where Alaska, graduated from the University she worked with healthcare and of Oregon School of Law in 2009, consumer departments on behalf of Order of the Coif. She recently began clients including Sanofi U.S. and Ford working as an assistant borough Warriors in Pink. At Rosica, Kelly will attorney for the North Slope Borough be responsible for creating, directing, in Barrow, focusing on environmental and assisting in implementing media law. initiatives for the firm’s consumer marketing and business-to-business `06 accounts. During her previous tenure Sean T. Cottrell, CBA, of North Proviat Rosica in the late 1990s, Kelly dence, R.I., was appointed to vice received a Public Relations Society president at Starkweather & Shepley of American Award for non-profit Insurance Brokerage Inc. Cottrell will public relations. continue to act as managing director of social services/not-for-profit Michael I. Miga, ENG, M.S. ‘94 of practice group. He is also involved Nashville, Tenn., was promoted to in the operation of the firm’s newly professor of biomedical engineering acquired office in Sturbridge, Mass., at Vanderbilt University in the spring which specializes in the managing of of 2013. He is a co-founder of the risks for the not-for-profit market.

Vanderbilt Initiative in Surgery and Engineering (VISE) and of Pathfinder `09 Technologies, Inc. in Nashville. He is Samantha R. Slack, A&S, of Cranalso the director of the biomedical ston, R.I., received a Juris Doctor modeling laboratory at Vanderbilt. degree from the Roger Williams University School of Law during `96 Commencement ceremonies held Frank Tutalo, A&S, of Northern, on Friday, May 17, 2013. Slack was a Va., has been promoted to senior member of the Association for Public manager for social media at Cam- Interest Law as well as the Women’s bridge, Mass.-based Pegasystems, Law Society. She served as a Rule 9 a publicly traded software provider student attorney with Roger Williams that drives business transforma- University School of Law Criminal tion for many of the world’s largest Defense Clinic as well as with the organizations. Tutalo has been at Rhode Island Public Defender’s Pegasystems for almost four years, Office, both in Providence. and as part of his role, he manages strategy for the company’s corporate George C. Whaley, A&S, of Wakefield, social media sites, blogging pro- R.I., received a Juris Doctor degree gram, and influencer relations. He from the Roger Williams University also helps manage the company’s School of Law during Commencepublic relations program in the U.S. ment ceremonies held on Friday, A journalism major, he is a native of May 17, 2013. Whaley served as a Providence. linkd.in/12OunMy

member of the Association of Public Interest Law and the Honors Program. Whaley also served as a student attorney with the Rhode Island Attorney General, Washington County office, in Wakefield and interned with James V. Aukerman and Associates in South Kingstown.

`10 Jennifer M. LeBlanc, HSS, of North Kingstown, R.I., received a Juris Doctor degree from the Roger Williams University School of Law during Commencement ceremonies held on Friday, May 17, 2013. LeBlanc was a member of the Criminal Law and Family Societies as well as the Honors Program. She served as a student attorney with the Roger Williams University School of Law Immigration Clinic, in Providence, and completed a judicial externship with Judge Walter Stone of the Rhode Island Superior Court, Kent County Courthouse, in Warwick.

`12 Sandra C. Cano, A&S, of Pawtucket, R.I., has been a YWCA board member since 2009. She is employed by Navigant Credit Union as the business and community development officer, working with under-served populations. Cano participated in YWCA’s “30 Under 30” leadership training program, and in February 2012 was an intern and speaker with the World YWCA’s delegation to the 56th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The YWCA delegation included women from 18 countries who joined representatives of other non-governmental organizations at the annual CSW. Now World YWCA officials have invited Cano to serve as an interpreter at the International Training Institute in Thailand.

WEDDINGS Alison M. Costa ‘99 to Jeffey J. Valerie, on June 15, 2012.

David B. Kaletski ‘01 to Hannah Richard, on August 3, 2013.

Jamie Werchadlo ‘02 to Katherine Groff, on May 26, 2013.

Jared A. Turcotte ‘03 to Heidi A. Turcotte, on October 12, 2012.

Heather A. Rochat ‘05 to Liam Scott Burke, on September 15, 2012.

Brittany L. Haigh ‘08 to Patrick S Kelly ‘09, on July 28, 2012.

Brian M. Turchetta ‘09 to Erin Shea, on May 27, 2013.

Jennifer L. Belden ‘12 to Robert E. Overton, on March 17, 2013.

Our Alumni Career Advisors 401.874.9404

Karen Rubano krubano@uri.edu

Marie Geary mrgeary@uri.edu

URI Career Services and Employer Relations 228 Roosevelt Hall, 90 Lower College Road Kingston, RI 02881

career.uri.edu/alumni.shtml

Internal Job Opportunities Often we work with alumni who have decided it is time to move on from a current role, with the request, “Can you help me find something out there? I don’t know where to look.”

As we dissect the options, there is usually a pause when we ask what the alumnus/a is doing within his or her current organization as part of the search.

It is only natural to think externally when we conclude it is time to move on. Yet, part of the process is to ignore, for a moment, where we should go. The first order of business is to decide what you want to do!

Once you gain confidence in this assessment, and then begin to ask “where?” internal opportunities cannot be ignored.

Seeking a role internally is very similar to an external search, and there are many advantages. Inside the organization, a number of resources can help: • Trusted peers, who know you, your work ethic and have many internal contacts • Your manager, who expects that employees will move on, can be an exceptional promoter of your knowledge and transferable skills and can connect you to other managers for informal career discussions

• Human Resources business partners, who are people experts and serve employees in many ways, including assistance with career discussions • Recruiters, who can provide insight into the areas that are actively recruiting, the types of roles, and the competencies needed for those roles Access to these resources is not difficult and career or job changers need to proactively seek discussions.

Just as in an external search, internal informational interviews should be a primary activity so you can collect information to help with your next career decision.

One critical point: do not allow current internal postings to be a deterrent to internal discussions.

Do not think that timing is simply not right for an internal move.

Moving to a next role takes time. It is a process of determining what we want to do and then spending time talking to people. Discussions can lead to re-purposing a role or creating a new one. Organizations are in business to succeed and do not want to lose good internal resources.

If you are happy with the organization overall but feeling the itch to move on, the internal landscape may have a great deal to offer. Be as proactive internally as you are externally!

URI Alumni are invited to the following events: Graduate School Fair October 3, 2013 11a.m.-2p.m. Memorial Union Accounting Night October 3, 2013 5a.m.-8p.m. Memorial Union Engineering & Technology Job Fair October 23, 2013 11a.m.-3p.m. Ryan Center Pharmacy Interview Day October 24, 2013 9a.m.-4p.m. Pharmacy Building Fall Internship & Job Fair November 6, 2013 11a.m.-2p.m. Memorial Union Government Career Day November 7, 2013 Ryan Center Green Industry Day February 21, 2014 9a.m.-3p.m. Memorial Union Summer & Internship Job Fair March 5, 2014 11a.m.-2p.m. Memorial Union Spring Career & Job Fair April 2, 2014 11a.m.-3p.m. Ryan Center UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 35

BIRTHS Dr. Brian and Michelle Dybala Midkiff ‘98, a son, Benjamin David, on January 3, 2013.

Jessica A. Weber Ruhle ‘03 and Gregory Ruhle ‘02, a daughter, Jillian Frances Ruhle, on October 9, 2012.

Mr. Michael and Kristen Nuttall Swartz ‘04, a son, Charlie Warren, on May 25, 2013.

IN MEMORIAM Stephen Campanella ‘38 of Boca Raton, Fla., on December 18, 2012.

Enjoy exclusive invitations to member-only events.

Your alumni membership dues support many programs and provide much-needed scholarships for deserving URI students.

As a dues-paying member, you will receive an official membership card along with these benefits: EXCLUSIVE INVITATIONS to member-only

events, such as baseball games, sailing excursions, theater events, family events, and other networking opportunities. In addition, you can enroll in computerbased short courses to improve your skills.

DISCOUNTS at Alumni Association-sponsored events,

such as Big Chill Weekend, Annual Golf Tournament, and nationwide chapter events.

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS:

• The University Club • Ryan Center and Boss Arena • URI Bookstore (20% discount) You can also take advantage of discounts on hotels, theme parks, theaters, museums, movies, and much more!

Phyllis Mahler Chaput ‘38 of Mecosta, Mich., on May 10, 2013.

Geraldine Marcotte Lemieux ‘39 of Mansfield, Mass., on September 22, 2012.

Henry Potter ‘52 of Warwick, R.I., on May 4, 2013.

Michael Levcowich ‘53 of Westerly, R.I., on June 23, 2013.

Seymour Norman ‘53 of East Providence, R.I., on July 19, 2013.

Leighton Pratt ‘53 of Lancaster, N.H., on June 11, 2013.

Paul Stein ‘53 of San Jose, Calif., on December 9, 2012.

John Munro ‘54 of Hot Springs Village, Ark., on May 4, 2013.

Kathleen Bennett Larkin ‘40 of Manassas, Va., on April 20, 2013.

Bernard Pina ‘54 of North Providence, R.I., on July 20, 2013.

Barney Waterman ‘40 of Beachwood, Ohio, on February 1, 2013.

Nancy Zora Cooper ‘56 of Sarasota, Fla., on May 12, 2013.

Edwina Atteridge Zanes ‘40 of Madison, Conn., on April 30, 2013.

Lee Giusti ‘57 of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on June 12, 2013.

Barbara McBride Berberian ‘41 of Coventry, R.I., on October 13, 2012.

Lewis Packhem ‘57 of Warwick, R.I., on June 22, 2013.

Doris Argentieri Campanella ‘42 of Boca Raton, Fla., on January 24, 2013.

J Richard Silva ‘57 of Westerly, R.I., on July 10, 2013.

Louis Hampton ‘42 of Palm City, Fla., on May 25, 2013.

Thomas Masterson ‘42 of Norwich, Conn., on July 10, 2013.

Robert Argentieri ‘44 of Riverside, R.I., on June 24, 2013.

Ruth Lotz ‘44 of Sanford, Fla., on June 13, 2013.

Harriet Stene ‘44 of Stamford, Conn., on April 29, 2013.

Ruth Starrett ‘46 of Warwick, R.I., on May 9, 2013.

Marjorie Plade Cummings ‘49 of Cumberland, R.I., on May 19, 2013.

Richard Rutherford ‘49 of San Diego, Calif., on June 16, 2012.

James Young ‘49 of Ocala, Fla., on February 14, 2013.

36 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

Edward Raymond ‘51 of Auburn, Wash., on June 24, 2013.

James Murphy ‘54 of Elizabeth, N.J., on November 5, 2012.

Alden Stickney ‘48 of Rockland, Maine, on April 6, 2013.

advance.uri.edu/alumni

Charles Kernan ‘51 of Hope Valley, R.I., on January 1, 2013.

Barbara Perry Kenyon ‘40 of Coon Rapids, Minn., on April 25, 2013.

Attilio Topazio ‘47 of Brooklynn, Conn., on April 29, 2013.

Join now and enjoy the many benefits of your personal membership card.

Carolyn Salter Soderberg ‘50 of Wakefield, R.I., on May 16, 2013.

Beatrice Colucci ‘50 of Coventry, R.I., on January 21, 2013.

Charles Rozak ‘50 of Shrewsbury, Mass., on June 11, 2013.

Raymond Cadden ‘58 of Cranston, R.I., on May 28, 2013.

Margaret Egerton McDermott ‘58 of Benton City, Wash., on March 6, 2013.

George Nacci ‘58 of Royal Palm Beach, Fla., on May 8, 2013.

Frank Noyes ‘58 of Buffalo, N.Y., on May 16, 2013.

Lucius Eldredge ‘59 of Kailua, Hawaii, on May 1, 2013.

Walter Heisinger ‘59 of Greenville, N.Y., on May 27, 2012.

John Balshaw ‘60 of Petaluma, Calif., on May 8, 2013.

Sheldon Abrams ‘61 of Los Angeles, Calif., on July 15, 2013.

Andrew Boyle ‘61 of Nokomis, Fla., on July 17, 2013.

Eric Swider ‘63 of Cumberland, R.I., on June 3, 2013.

Barbara Demaria ‘64 of Larchmont, N.Y., on May 6, 2013.

Adrienne Waldman Enos ‘64 of Providence, R.I., on July 15, 2013.

Stephen Oster ‘65 of Greenwich, Conn., on June 7, 2013.

PHOTO BY NORA LEWIS

CLOSEUP

Mark Scialla ’13

was a high-school dropout who dreamed of being a foreign news correspondent when he enrolled in URI’s College of Continuing Education in Providence.

He later transferred to the Kingston campus, where he worked as an editor for URI’s student newspaper and won an internship at the U.S. headquarters of the international news network Al Jazeera.

The highlight of his internship: “What I learned from the team of experienced foreign journalists, people who have lived all over the world.” Today, Mark is realizing his dream with a fellowship at the investigative unit of Al Jazeera.

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 37

IN MEMORIAM Arthur Klibanoff ‘66 of Providence, R.I., on July 9, 2013.

Susan Shaw ‘68 of St Johnsbury, Vt., on May 6, 2013.

Edward Jenkins ‘72 of Middletown, R.I., on August 7, 2009.

Owen McDermott ‘77 of Hope, R.I., on May 30, 2013.

Donald Lindmark ‘66 of Willoughby, Ohio, on May 18, 2013.

Winnie Cosby Ashook Fitzgerald ‘69 of Portsmouth, R.I., on April 10, 2013.

Richard Courcy ‘73 of Alfred, Maine, on June 5, 2013.

Karen Dionne Raymond ‘77 of Palm Desert, Calif., on June 16, 2013.

Thomas O’Donnell ‘66 of Norfolk, Mass., on May 14, 2013.

John Geoghegan ‘69 of Bristol, R.I., on July 21, 2013.

Alden Dunlap ‘73 of Indialantic, Fla., on May 6, 2013.

Carl Stahl ‘77 of Middletown, R.I., on July 7, 2013.

William Scanlon ‘66 of Coventry, R.I., on April 7, 2013.

Dr. Nora M. Walker ‘70 of Pawtucket, R.I., on May 19, 2013.

Gerard Cote ‘74 of Warwick, R.I., on June 26, 2013.

Ed Williams ‘79 of Chester, Conn., on June 21, 2013.

Edward Colvin ‘67 of Durham, N.C., on May 24, 2013.

Donald Cannell ‘71 of Virginia Beach, Va., on June 23, 2013.

Carol Clayton DeFusco ‘74 of Dover, Mass., on July 14, 2013.

James Suyo ‘80 of Yardley, Pa., on May 26, 2013.

Richard Durfee ‘67 of Narragansett, R.I., on June 11, 2013.

Jacob Canick ‘72 of Newton Highlands, Mass., on May 19, 2013.

Joan Walsh Trelease ‘75 of Rochester, N.H., on May 27, 2013.

Nicholas Grimes ‘83 of Seekonk, Mass., on May 8, 2013.

Charles Alexander ‘68 of Bethesda, Md., on June 9, 2013.

William Cherella ‘72 of Barnegat, N.J., on July 15, 2013.

Michael Jordan ‘76 of West Warwick, R.I., on July 9, 2013.

Diane Canning Alexander ‘85 of Westerly, R.I., on May 30, 2013.

Norma Dessert Allen ‘68 of Center Conway, N.H., on August 19, 2012.

Donald Colburn ‘72 of Hadley, Mass., on May 15, 2013.

Sandra Sholovitz Gamzon ‘77 of Vernon Rockville, Conn., on May 3, 2010.

Patricia Silvestre Dasilva ‘85 of Lincoln, R.I., on July 2, 2013.

Kristin Reeves de Noyelles ‘85 of Acworth, Ga., on July 16, 2013.

Mary Lewis Hedges ‘85 of East Providence, R.I., on May 12, 2013.

http://imagebank.uri.edu/pages/view.php?ref=19591&search=legacy&offset=72&order_by=relevance&sort=DE SC&archive=0&k=&

Elizabeth Crawford Driscoll ‘88 of New London, Conn., on May 3, 2013.

Carol Reichman Gray ‘91 of Wakefield, R.I., on July 8, 2013.

Barbora Persinova-Burgess ‘03 of Providence, R.I., on April 13, 2013.

OBITUARIES Adjunct Professor at the Harrington School of Communications Stephen I. Frater, Jr., of Sarasota, Fla. and Narragansett, R.I. on July 8, 2013.

Associate Professor Emeritus of the University Libraries Martha H. “Marty” Kellogg, of Englewood, Fla., on July 1, 2013.

Family Weekend Lunch

nd Weeke y l i m h th Fa y Lunc Legac ctober 19 ay, O m., Saturd .–12:30 p.

11 a.m ni Center Alum

Join the Alumni Legacy Program — and join fellow legacy alumni and their families on October 19 for a special luncheon before the University of Richmond–URI football game during Family Weekend!

Are you a student or alumnus/a with a parent, grandparent, or sibling who is a URI grad? If so, you are part of a special tradition. The Alumni Legacy Program recognizes families for their continued generational support, provides networking opportunities, and helps legacies stay connected through special programs and events. To join the Legacy Program, all you have to do is register. Find out more at advance.uri.edu/alumni/legacyprogram.

Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, Associate Provost, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Douglas M. Rosie ‘51, of Bonita Springs, Fla., and Narragansett, R.I. on August 2, 2013.

Retired Professor of Biological Sciences Robert Benjamin Hill of Kingston, R.I. on August 2, 2013.

Retired Professor of Business and Chair of the Marketing Department Aaron (Al) Alton, of Peace Dale, R.I. on June 25, 2013.

Lewis M. Alexander, Ph. D, ‘91, of Peace Dale R.I. on May 9. An Emeritus Professor of Geography and Marine Affairs, Dr. Alexander's contributions to URI, the nation, and the international community were innumerable.

Retired Professor of Nursing Dr. Norma Jean Schmieding of Omaha, Neb. on September 2, 2013.

For more information please visit uri.edu/quadangles

38 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

WILL POWER Make your mark Natalie Dana Brown ’38 studied business at URI and went on to enjoy a successful, lifelong career in banking. The memories of her years at URI, including as a member of Chi Omega, were near and dear to her heart.

Support your passion Thanks to scholarships made possible through a bequest provision in her will, Natalie’s generosity will touch the lives of generations of URI students.

Create a legacy Like Natalie, we all want to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the world.

Create your own legacy and be remembered for what matters to you.

Transform lives Learn more: Rita Verespy, rverespy@foundation.uri.edu, 401.874.9530.

urifoundation.org

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 39

BACKPAGE

H

Ramnapped!

How a stolen ram almost got me tossed from URI During my junior year, I lived with 10 other dairy students above the processing plant at the dairy barn. One of our responsibilities was to take care of the ram mascot. A week before the big UConn football game, we realized the ram was missing. We figured UConn students had stolen the ram, so we decided to go to Storrs to find it. When we arrived, the ram was nowhere to be found, so we headed back to Kingston—cold, wet, and unsuccessful.

On the way home, we came across a small used car dealership that was on fire.

There was a house very close to the fire, so we woke up the family inside and called the fire department. (We made it back to campus just in time to milk the 80 cows before class.)

The next morning’s Providence Journal headline read, “URI students help save family and property in Connecticut fire.”

Since there was a strict policy against being on the opposing team’s campus before a game, our good deed got us in some hot water. I was called to the dean’s office, where I explained that we were just trying to get our ram back. The dean spoke to the

40 QUADANGLES FALL 2013

presidents of both URI and UConn, and they decided it wouldn’t be right to expel us after we had been such good Samaritans.

In the end, I met a group of UConn ­students at the state line and got the ram safely back to URI in my red Jeep CJ5, with the ram’s big head and blue horns between the bucket seats. The story of the ram ­rescue never got out and we never found out what happened to the UConn students responsible for the ramnapping. And I don’t remember who won the game! But after all these years, I still remember the ramnapping and the rescue like it was yesterday.

—Bill Menzi Jr. ’63 Editor’s note: In 1961, the URI-UConn matchup was URI’s homecoming game; UConn prevailed. The Rams-Huskies rivalry dates back to the 1890s, and the ramnapping tradition, which grew out of that rivalry, began in the 1930s. A ramnapping trophy was awarded to the winner of each year’s URI-UConn football game. The trophy is now housed at the J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum on the UConn campus in Storrs.

Wanted: Photos of your favorite URI winter memories.

Many alumni have shared stories of sledding down the hill beside Memorial Union on cafeteria trays.

Please send photos with brief captions of this and other fond winter memories to quadangles@uri.edu with “Winter Memories” in the subject line. Watch this space in our winter issue to see if we select your photo!

PHOTOS FROM THE 1962 AND 1963 GRIST

G N I M O C E M HO 13 20 ut o k c e Ch r’s a e y s i th ial c e p s new ! events

October 25–27 advance.uri.edu/alumni 401.874.2242

Alumni Center 73 Upper College Road Kingston, RI 02881 USA

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit No. 937 East Greenville, PA

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Save the Date!

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

February 28–March 2, 2014

Big Chill Weekend 2014

uri.edu/bigchill