From URI to the big screen: Meet alumnus Brendan O’Malley
Growing up only a mile from campus, Brendan O’Malley never considered going anywhere else. Fast forward 25 years and he is nowhere close to Kingston, Rhode Island. Currently living out in California, O’Malley has come a long way since graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 1992. He just recently completed his stint as…
Hope Commons to add late night, off-hours dining opportunities
Hope Commons will be added to the list of campus construction projects as a result of a $2.3 million renovation to expand and provide late night dining options for a growing student population. Governor Gina Raimondo has requested the University of Rhode Island direct its funds towards developing a larger dining hall in the 2018…
URI Alum: Chief Division of Agriculture Ken Ayars
Since his family was returning to Rhode Island after he graduated from high school in Guantanamo Bay, the University of Rhode Island seemed like the most fitting option for Ken Ayars. Drawn to the school by the successful men’s soccer program, proximity to family and marine biology program, the current Chief of the Division of…
URI Alumni: Cherisa Friedlander
From one coast to another, Cherisa Friedlander can’t seem to get away from the water. During her time at the University of Rhode Island, the Attleboro, Massachusetts native studied marine biology and psychology while competing on the women’s swim team. Specifically choosing URI because of the respected and successful marine biology program, led Friedlander to…
URI Alum: Jorge Elorza, Mayor of Providence
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza understands the importance of making the most out of an opportunity, as someone who worked his way up the ladder, coming from nothing to something. Born and raised in the West End of Providence, Elorza grew up in poverty. His parents emigrated from Guatemala and worked in factories to support him…
Alumni Feature: Keith Labelle
Recruited by five different NCAA Division 1 schools to play for their baseball team, Keith Labelle ended up at the University of Rhode Island hoping to make it to the majors. When he did not make the Major League Baseball Draft list in 2000 during his senior season, he decided to continue his education at…
Alumni Profile: Meet Ann Hood
University of Rhode Island alum Ann Hood became a successful writer almost overnight. The Trans World Airlines, TWA, flight attendant turned New York Times Bestselling author credits her success to a sense of adventure and her incredible professors. “In order to be a writer, I thought I needed adventure,” Hood said. “I only grew up…
Catching up with URI Alum: Matt Gallant
Known for his success hosting Animal Planet’s series, “The Planet’s Funniest Animals,” and Entertainment Magazine’s show, “The List,” Emmy award winner Matt Gallant ties his triumph back to his days at the University of Rhode Island. Raised in Connecticut, Gallant said he came into college very shy. After graduating in 1986, he said he knew…