FROM THE PRESIDENT OF RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE
Dear Supporter,
The past year has been a time of exciting developments for both Rhode Island College and the Rhode Island College Foundation –and your support has been a key element in that success. Thank you for believing in the mission of public higher education and helping us transform lives!
Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, we saw ample proof that many Rhode Islanders – and indeed, many families all around the country – share the belief in the power of public higher education. This Fall, we are proud to have recruited our largest incoming class in 15 years, with more than 2,000 new students (including both freshmen and transfers) from Rhode Island and 20 other states as far away as California!
Their decisions to become Anchors are a testament to the culture of academic success and holistic support that you have helped us create through your generous giving to the RIC Foundation.
This is also an exciting year for the foundation itself. Throughout the year, our advancement and alumni engagement teams worked tirelessly to merge the RIC Foundation and the
Alumni Association into a single entity. This new, combined organization will be more efficient and effective in providing leadership, stewardship and engagement opportunities for our broader college community. I commend Eric Shoen, executive director of RIC Alumni and Foundation; Tiffany Pellett (Ovalles) '18, deputy director; Alan Tenreiro ’98, president of the RIC Foundation board; and Kevin San ’12, ’13, Alumni board president for their vision and leadership in bringing these two organizations together, as well as all the staff and board members whose efforts made this possible.
I also extend my deepest gratitude to our alumni and friends for your unwavering support of this year’s higher education bond initiative. Your advocacy and belief in our mission helped secure $73 million to modernize and transform Whipple Hall into the permanent home of the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies – launched in Fall 2023 by RIC alumnus and former Congressman James Langevin. This transformative investment not only empowers RIC to lead in cybersecurity education, research and workforce development, but also positions us as a
This Fall, we are proud to have recruited our largest incoming class in 15 years, with more than 2,000 new students (including both freshmen and transfers) from Rhode Island and 20 other states as far away as California!
president jack warner ”
vital resource for the state, offering cutting-edge facilities including a cyber range command center, AI and material science labs, and a security operations center. Together, we are building a future where Rhode Island stands at the forefront of innovation, resilience and opportunity. Thank you for helping make this vision a reality.
As you can see, we’ve got a big year ahead. But first, I want to take a moment to reflect on this past year and thank all of you for your support. I especially want to thank those who contributed to my inauguration last November, which raised $130,000 for the President’s Discretionary Fund. These much-needed unrestricted funds allow the foundation and the college to respond to pressing needs and unexpected opportunities.
I want to recognize all of the alumni, family and friends of the college who have donated to our various scholarship and emergency funds to make a RIC degree more accessible for more people. Your generosity and dedication to our mission make this all possible.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jack R. Warner President
college officers
jack warner president
sheila flemming interim provost and vice president for academic affairs
cindy kozil interim vice president for student success
sara enright interim vice president for administration and finance
clark greene chief of staff
jenifer giroux avp, professional studies and continuing education
kimberly bright senior advisor
peggy lynch-gadaleta general counsel, assistant vice president of human resources
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION
The Rhode Island College Foundation had another strong fundraising year in 2024-2025, raising $4,155,381 in support of RIC students and their collegiate experience. This success was made possible through the generosity of 1,258 individuals, who contributed $2,102,189, and 205 organizations, which contributed $2,053,192.
Support came from every part of our community, including alumni ($523,713), friends of the College ($1,434,690), foundations ($629,898), staff and faculty ($157,053), and corporations ($1,407,694). Alumni who are also current or former faculty and staff gave $19,072, while students contributed $2,024.
We were especially encouraged by the number of first-time donors who joined us this year, including 333 individuals and 81 corporations. Their commitment demonstrates the expanding network of support for Rhode Island College students. This collective generosity created 8 new scholarships and provided resources for the Adams Library, the Dance program, the Learning 4 Life Food Pantry, the History department, as well as many other departments and services on campus. With your support, the RIC Foundation provided $1,153,859.00 in scholarship dollars to 499 students.
With the launch of Award Spring, our new scholarship application platform, we have seen strong student engagement, with 2,504 students submitting applications in its first year. This streamlined system makes it easier for students to apply for multiple scholarships, ensuring that more of our scholars can access the financial support they need to thrive.
In addition, we provided nearly $12,300 in emergency services support through the RICochet Fund and almost $8,300 in funding for the campus food pantry (Learning 4 Life). These are just some of the ways your donations directly improve the student experience.
The Foundation Board of Directors also approved $20,000 for faculty engagement grants. This investment has supported projects such as field research in Costa Rica, internships for History students, a Model UN competition in New York, Nursing students attending the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators Annual Institute, and other creative initiatives that elevate the academic experience at RIC.
In my first year as Board Chair, I was excited to step into this role not only as a leader, but also as an alum who has seen first-hand the impact that Rhode Island College makes on the lives of its students. It is deeply meaningful to help strengthen my
Alan Tenreiro
In my first year as Board Chair, I was excited to step into this role not only as a leader, but also as an alum who has seen first-hand the impact that Rhode Island College makes on the lives of its students. It is deeply meaningful.
alan tenreiro '98 ”
alma mater, especially as we embarked on the important work of merging with the Alumni Association and refreshing our shared vision for the future. I was inspired by the many alumni who joined me in giving back to RIC, and I am profoundly grateful for their generosity.
We were especially proud to honor the generosity of our supporters at the Celebration of Impact, an event that highlighted the life-changing difference philanthropy makes at RIC. We also continue to see incredible growth in planned giving, ensuring that the next generation of students will benefit from the foresight and generosity of those who have chosen to leave a legacy at the College.
The Rhode Island College Foundation is grateful for your continued support of our students and our mission. Together, we are building a stronger future for RIC.
With Gratitude,
Alan Tenreiro ’98 Chair, Board of Directors Rhode Island College Foundation
and Foundation boards, Sept. 2025; sorority students and roundtable discussion during Involvement Day; Eric Shoen, Executive Director of RIC Foundation and Tiffany Pellett (Ovalles) '18, Director of Alumni, Advancement, and Engagement
about
Established in 1965, the Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 entity that also exercises fiduciary responsibility over endowments and other philanthropic investments made to Rhode Island College.
mission
The Rhode Island College Foundation, established in 1965, is a separate 501(c)3 entity that is devoted to raising funds solely for Rhode Island College. The Foundation also exercises fiduciary responsibility over endowments and other philanthropic investments made to Rhode Island College.
vision
The Rhode Island College Foundation is the primary source of private support to the college as it achieves its mission to offer accessible higher education of the finest quality to traditional and nontraditional students from around the state, region and beyond.
values
The Rhode Island College Foundation conducts itself with integrity, appreciates its beneficiaries and works passionately for the enhancement of the college and its students.
FROM CLASSROOM TO LEGACY: SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED IN MEMORY
Established in Memory of Beloved Warwick Teacher
OF BELOVED WARWICK TEACHER FROM CLASSROOM TO LEGACY Scholarship
In Memoriam
Alexis Raymond, along with her siblings Michele Poy and Chris Raymond, is proud to create a scholarship fund in memory of their mother, Irma Raymond, a 1957 graduate of Rhode Island College.
Irma dedicated over 20 years to teaching in Warwick public schools, leaving a lasting impact on her students. Alexis often hears stories of how her mother touched lives and earned deep respect as an educator.
"I couldn’t go anywhere in Warwick without someone telling me how much my mother influenced them," Alexis says. "She was known and respected by everyone."
Irma believed deeply in the power of education and lived by the principle of "paying it forward." This commitment to inspiring others is one of the main reasons Alexis, Michele, and Chris decided to establish the Irma Raymond Memorial Scholarship.
"Our goal is to keep my mother’s legacy alive by supporting future educators," Alexis explains. "We hope this scholarship inspires future teachers to make a difference in the lives of their students, just as my mother did."
The scholarship will benefit students pursuing degrees in education at Rhode Island College, an institution that Irma greatly valued. As a Rhode Island College alumna, she spoke fondly of how the college shaped her career.
In the 1950s, RIC was a teaching school, and Irma took the bus from Providence to attend, knowing it was the best place for her to prepare for teaching.
"My mother was a dedicated donor to Rhode Island College," Alexis says. "She was always grateful for the education she received there, and we’re excited to continue her support."
Through this scholarship, the Raymond family is proud to honor Irma’s commitment to education, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future teachers at Rhode Island College beyond.
I couldn’t go anywhere in Warwick without someone telling me how much my mother influenced them. alexis raymond ” ”
on left: Irma Raymond’s 1957 RIC yearbook portrait and class images.
right: Alexis Raymond; Nakayla Raymond, Irma’s granddaughter, holding her newborn daughter Audrey; Michele Poy, and Irma Raymond.
FROM STUDENTS TO STEWARDS FROM STUDENTS TO STEWARDS
Alan and Lisa Tenreiro's Rhode Island College Journey
For Alan and Lisa Tenreiro, Rhode Island College is more than the place where they earned their degrees. It is where their lives together began. “Lisa and I met at Rhode Island College, so it has always held a special place in our hearts,” Alan shared. “RIC gave us an excellent education, lifelong friendships, and a foundation for the careers we love. A planned gift felt like the right way to say ‘thank you’ and to invest in the next generation.”
As alumni who both earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from RIC, the Tenreiros know firsthand how transformative the college can be. Lisa went on to become Rhode Island’s School Counselor of the Year, while Alan was named National Principal of the Year for the United States and now serves as President of Mount Saint Charles Academy. Both credit RIC for giving them the confidence and preparation to succeed.
The Tenreiros hope their planned gift will sustain the college’s momentum and strengthen the programs that meant the most to them as students, from teacher preparation and student activities to personalized advising and holistic education. “We want to make sure future students can experience what we did,
including high-quality academics, strong support, and an affordable path to success,” Alan said.
Their memories of campus life remain vivid, from involvement in the Resident Student Association and RIC Programming to serving in student government and playing soccer. “There was always something happening on campus, and those experiences shaped our leadership and our friendships,” Alan recalled with a smile. “I might have run a party or two at local nightclubs… purely for student-government research, of course.”
Today, Lisa is a school counseling director and Alan continues to lead in education. Together, they remain deeply committed to Rhode Island College, with Alan serving as chair of the Rhode Island College Foundation. “Supporting RIC is a way of paying forward the opportunities that changed our lives,” he said. “We believe in the value and quality of a RIC education, and we want students and families across the state to know what a tremendous resource this college is.”
As alumni who both earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from RIC, the Tenreiros know firsthand how transformative the college can be.
A CAP, A GOWN, AND A COMMUNITY BEHIND EVERY GRADUATE A CAP, A GOWN, AND A COMMUNITY BEHIND EVERY GRADUATE
When we launched the Cap & Gown Sponsorship Program last fall, we hoped it would be more than just financial support. We hoped it would become a way for alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to come together and remind our students that they are not alone and that the RIC community is rooting for them as they take their final steps toward graduation.
This spring, that hope became reality. Because of the generosity of our community, 123 seniors walked across the stage in caps and gowns they didn’t have to worry about affording. Together, we raised $13,000 - a gift not only of resources, but of encouragement and belonging.
Behind each gift was a personal story. Nearly half of our sponsors were alumni who remembered their own walk across the stage and wanted today’s students to feel that same joy. Another 44% were our own faculty and staff, who know firsthand the challenges students
face and chose to celebrate their success in this special way. Even parents and friends of the College stepped in - proof that the impact of RIC ripples far beyond campus.
And behind each gown was a student with a dream fulfilled. To deepen that connection, every sponsored senior wrote a handwritten note of thanks to their donor. One alum might have supported a student from their own school, while another donor gave simply because they believe in the promise of a RIC graduate. Each note carried a piece of that moment - gratitude, pride, and the feeling of being lifted up by a community that cares.
To ensure this program remains resourceful and sustainable, we also partnered with Learning 4 Life, RIC’s campus-wide support network for students facing barriers to success. Through this partnership, Learning 4 Life collects gently used regalia from past graduates and makes it available to seniors who
above: RIC graduates receiving their diploma on graduation day, 2025 on right: As part of the Cap & Gown Sponsorship Program, student recipients wrote letters to their donors to express appreciation and share the program’s impact.
Because of the generosity of our community, 123 seniors walked across the stage in caps and gowns they didn’t have to worry about affording. A gift not only of resources, but of encouragement and belonging.
tiffany pellett ( ovalles ) '18 ”
may not have received a sponsorship. Together, we are creating multiple pathways to ensure that every student has the opportunity to fully experience their graduation day.
The numbers are inspiring. But the real story is in what those numbers represent: 123 seniors who didn’t just graduate - they graduated knowing they belong to a network of people invested in their success.
This is what happens when the Alumni Association and the RIC Foundation work hand in hand: we meet students where they are, we remove barriers, and we make sure every graduate knows that their achievement is shared and celebrated.
The Cap & Gown Sponsorship Program is just beginning, but already it has shown us the power of coming together. And next year, we look forward to helping even more students step onto that stage with pride.
HONORING A NEW CHAPTER HONORING A NEW CHAPTER
The Inauguration and Gala for President Jack R. Warner
On November 14, 2024, Rhode Island College proudly inaugurated its 11th President, Jack R. Warner, marking a new era of leadership, vision, and opportunity. The day was filled with celebration and reflection as the campus community, alumni, and distinguished guests gathered to honor President Warner’s commitment to student success, academic excellence, and institutional growth.
The festivities continued into the evening on Friday, November 15, when the Rhode Island College Foundation hosted the Presidential Inauguration Gala. Held in honor of President Warner, the gala welcomed more than 400 attendees, including prominent dignitaries such as Governor Daniel McKee, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, and Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the strong ties between the College and the broader Rhode Island community. Thanks to the
generosity of sponsors, alumni, family, and friends, the gala raised over $130,000 for the President’s Discretionary Fund. This vital resource empowers the College to respond swiftly to emerging needs and opportunities—whether it’s sending students to academic conferences, upgrading essential equipment, or supporting faculty and staff development across the region.
The Rhode Island College Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who made the gala a resounding success. Your support not only honored President Warner’s inauguration but also helped lay the groundwork for transformative experiences that will benefit our students and campus community for years to come. As President Warner begins his tenure, the energy and enthusiasm surrounding his inauguration reflect a shared belief in the College’s mission and a collective commitment to its future. Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us.
from top: RIC Choir performs at President Warner’s inauguration; gala attendees gather for a photo; David Caprio Esq., Chair of the RI Council on Postsecondary Education, introduces President Warner.
from top, left to right: President
Emeritus John Nazarian with Dr. Holly '73 and Charlie Shadoian; President
Jack R. Warner; John J. Smith Jr. '63 with President Warner; Eric Warner toasts his father, the President.
Thank you to the generosity of our sponsors Thank you to the generosity of our sponsors
diamond sponsor
Rhode Island College Foundation
platinum sponsor
Advanced Production and Design
Dimeo Construction
Company
Mark & Pam Mancini
Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.
Rhode Island College Athletics
Rhode Island College
Student Government
WPRI Channel 12
gold sponsor
John Nazarian
Rhode Island Monthly
John J. Smith Jr
silver sponsor
Adler Pollock & Sheehan
Amica Insurance
BankRI
Community College of Rhode Island
Dr. Valerie Endress
Gilbane Construction Company
Government Strategies
Merrill Lynch
Providence Performing Arts Center
Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation
Holly & Charlie Shadoian
bronze sponsor
Antranig Avakian
American Federation of
Teachers of Rhode Island College (AFT)
Centreville Bank
Roderick DaSilva
Timothy DelGiudice
Fidelity Investments
Clark Greene
Paul Harrington
Dr. Derek Niklas
Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP
Preston & Amelia Rogers
Saccoccio & Associates
Eric T. Shoen
George Nee and Anne
Sliney – AFL CIO
Barbara Smith
Dr. Joyce Stevos
Donald Tencher
Alan Tenreiro
USI Insurance Services
Dana Mohler-Faria
burgundy sponsor
Bryan Baldwin
Arthur B. Campbell
CARE New England
Anne Ciresi
Carol Cummings
Justin DiLibero
Arthur Dulik
Eileen T. Farley
Kevin Fitta
Kevin San
Jenifer Giroux
Natalie Major
Dias Lapalme & Martin LLP
Dr. Brenda Dann- Messier and Daniel Messier
Dr. Gary M. Penfield
Sara Phillips
Professional Staff
Association of Rhode Island College
Marianne Raimondo
Dariela Rivas – Fogo De
Chao
Gabriela Torres
Pete Gaynor
Mathies Santos
Pierrette Kelly
white sponsor
Felice Billups
Kathleen Cook
Linda Forster
Mayor Charles Lombardi
Richard Lobban
Linda Forster
Charlie McLaughlin
Elaine Perry
Bruce and Sarah Tamlyn
Patricia Thomas
Cheryl Williams
Patricia Nolin
from left: Joshua Laguerre '10, Shawn Andrews '10, Jacklyn Xavier '23, Dave Chery '15, President Jack Warner, Eric Shoen, Sharona Ratchford '16, Mathies Santo '82, Marckenzie Boutin '07
ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN 2024
total raised : $4,155,381 constituency
1,258 individuals raised $2,102,189
205 organizations raised $2,053,192
friends corporations*
foundations
alumni staff/faculty (current/ former)
alumni also current/ former staff/faculty**
students
* This figure includes donor advised fund donations as the organization gets the hard credit.
** These figures are also reported as Alumni donations.
$629,898 $523,713 $1,434,690 $1,407,694 $157,053 $19,072 $2,024
awards/scholarships department discretionary grants unresctricted purpose first - time donors
81 corporations
333 individuals
$1,010,066 $1,213,095 $694,598
$2,015,953
FINANCIAL REPORTS
RIC FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT
The total amount of endowment-generated funds available to RIC each fiscal year, based on RIC Foundation spending policy
THREE WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION THREE WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION
Philanthropy is critical to the success of our institution and community. Giving provides students with scholarships so they can build academic momentum rather than worry about debt after college and ensures that students have access to state-of-the-art facilities. Giving also supports research and professional development, the fruits of which our faculty bring back to their classrooms.
1
ANNUAL SUPPORT
2
The majority of Rhode Island College donors give unrestricted support, which means their gifts allow the college to fluidly maximize use of the funds, enabling timely investments in response to the greatest needs and opportunities on campus.
Because these gifts are not targeted for a particular initiative, these donations can be leveraged across the RIC community when and where support is most needed.
SCHOLARSHIPS & ENDOWMENTS
3
PLANNED GIVING
These gifts honor individuals and reflect alumni gratitude. They are often endowed for the purposes of providing scholarships to students. Some gifts are demonstrations of admiration for former professors while others reflect a desire to assist the college in continuing to fulfill its mission.
Income from endowments can be either directed or unrestricted, based on donor requests.
Planned giving is a way to leave a legacy. It can be as simple as adding Rhode Island College as a beneficiary on an existing account or including RIC in your will. Certain planned gifts can also give you immediate tax benefits and guaranteed income for life.
These gifts are typically made in support of specific purposes, especially in the area of student and faculty support, as well as to establish endowed funds.
2ND ANNUAL
CELEBRATION OF IMPACT LUNCHEON
We are excited to be hosting the 2nd Annual Celebration of Impact Luncheon on Tuesday, April 2, 2026. This special gathering will bring together donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and students to honor the power of philanthropy and the difference it makes in the lives of Rhode Island College students.
The program will feature inspiring student stories, updates on new campus initiatives, and remarks from President Dr. Jack Warner and Foundation Board Chair Alan Tenreiro ’92.
We look forward to celebrating the incredible impact of giving with you at this year’s luncheon. More details will follow in the coming months.
LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP
JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alan Tenreiro ’98, president
Anne Sliney ’87, vice president
Tom Fitzgerald ’99, treasurer
Alan Chille ’82, secretary
Joyce Stevos ’65, past president
Robert Brooks ‘82
AnnMarie DaSilva ‘87
Roderick DaSilva ‘76
Gary Mohamed ‘85
Eugene Simone ‘67
Barbara Smith ‘70
John J. Smith ‘63
Arthur Pontarelli ‘71
Frederic Harrison ‘07
Kyla Pecchia ‘13
Gary DiCenzo ‘86
ex-officio non-voting members
Eric Shoen executive director
Anastasia Rodriguez interim controller
Donald Tencher athletics director
Dr. Jack Warner college president
non-voting members
Valerie Endress
faculty member appointed by college president
FOUNDATION TRUSTEES
Louise Barry ‘64
Paul Bourget ‘69
Annie Cain ‘64
Vincent Cullen ‘55
Natalia Furtado
Claire Giannamore ‘64
Sharen Gleckman ‘84
William Hurry Jr.
Elaine Kehoe ‘76
Marcia Krasnow ‘74
Gary Penfield
J. Lynn Singelton
A. Tim Sullivan ‘78
Jane Taylor ‘64
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin San President ‘12/’13, president
Debra Servello ’85, vice president
Sarah Courtemanche O’Brien ’09, secretary
Peter Gaynor ’86, treasurer
Anne Ciresi ‘95
Colleen Callahan ‘72 /’76
Kevin McHugh ‘72
Maddie Leblanc-Borsari ‘20
Mia Palombo ‘18/ ‘12
Monica Paige ‘96
Piedade Lemos ‘98/ ‘15
Tamar Russell Brown ‘02
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STAFF
Tiffany Pellett (Ovalles) ‘18, director of alumni , advancement , and engagement
Ambar Rosas, assistant director of alumni relations
FOUNDATION STAFF
Eric T. Shoen executive director
Donna Almeida ‘19 accounting manager
Marcia Selinger advancement services manager
Jeanmarie Pariseau ‘93/‘00 annual giving officer
Chloe Finn major gifts officer
Nicholas Croce ‘20 stewardship officer
Douglas McCormack ‘24/‘25 scholarship coordinator
Amal Simon administrative assistant
