be for the college, NetSolutions is more than just a new way to accept donations; it also can im-prove communication between the college and its friends. These updates will allow the college to send the Green & White in an electronic format, saving money on printing costs while preserv-ing the environment.

Heather Butler, who man-ages the database, said the new NetSolutions component will be customizable for each user. People can register for Founda-tion and Alumni Association events, specify what updates they wish to receive, send back comments, specify where and how they would like to be con-tacted by the college and have any charitable contributions they make processed immediately online. “It’s not going to look much different than the Web site does now, but the new prod-uct will allow us to have more

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Inside: Save the date for Alumni Association golf tournament; Class Notes; Alumni Association board member profiles; alumni inducted to New England Basketball Hall of Fame and more …

Volume 9, Number 3 Fall 2009 www.ccri.edu/alum

New online resources for the Community College of Rhode Island soon will improve the way alumni and friends interact with the college.

The CCRI Office of Insti-tutional Advancement (OIA) is enhancing the way alumni and friends make donations, register for Foundation and Alumni Association events and update their contact informa-tion. After extensive research, OIA identified NetSolutions, a Blackbaud product, to augment its fundraising and communica-tions database. Many colleges and universities throughout the nation use NetSolutions. For the first time in the college’s history, those interested in donating can do so in a secure online environ-ment.

“NetSolutions will bring us up to date with other colleges and universities that have used on-line giving for some time now,” said Marisa Albini, director of

Alumni Affairs and Alumni De-velopment. “This is a great way to make it easier for alumni and friends to donate and register for events. Because of its conve-nience, online giving will help build our database and increase the donations that support our students and the institution.”

“We want to let people know we are becoming more efficient, more green in our communica-tions,” said Geraldine Peixoto, OIA’s annual fund and special events coordinator. “I can go on-line and pay my electric bill and my cell phone bill, and we’re hoping people will get used to this as just one more thing they can do online.”

As helpful as online giving can

Coming soon: a way to give to CCRI online

NetSolutions, page 8

Every college relies to some extent on generous donations from its alumni and, this se-mester, students returning to the Community College of Rhode Island are seeing the results of that generosity.

Using funds from its capi-tal campaign, “Imagine: The Campaign for Endless Pos-sibilities,” the college com-pleted renovations to the Knight Campus Library and the Dental Assisting Lab in Lincoln. The capital campaign is made up of donations from individuals and companies, as well as organiza-tions such as the CCRI Alumni Association.

Thanks to these donations, stu-dents are returning to the library and lab to find bright, welcom-ing, state-of-the-art educational facilities.

Modernization was a goal of the renovation projects at both locations. At the library in Warwick, the largest at any of CCRI’s four campuses, the space originally built in the 1970s for a non-digital age has been refurbished and updated.

Students work on new Mac computers, enjoy comfortable new study spaces within the li-brary and in sunny alcoves near its windows, and have access to Internet-connected computer

stations for their own laptops. Smaller book stacks and a relocated circulation desk give the floor space a more open and welcoming feel.

“It’s an updated, pleasant space so it can be something better for our students,” said Ruth Sullivan, dean of the Learning Resources. “The whole idea is to have a place that is more attractive and com-fortable for them.”

Sullivan said that aside from having outdated computer technology, the old library was dark and crowded due to a lack of seating and private spaces to study. The new library addresses

all of these problems and is proving to be popular with stu-dents, faculty and staff.

“Working in the new library is fantastic. The students seem happy with the new space,” said Liz Anderson, who works at the circulation desk. “I usually have people waiting at the door to come in before we open at 8 o’clock. There’s a lot of activ-ity.”

Anderson added that the li-brary is busier than she has ever seen it.

Even on a recent sunny Friday afternoon, dozens of students could be found in the library

Campaign funds lead to renovated facilities

Improvements, page 6

The Community College of Rhode Island Alumni Association has a new president. Joshua Klemp ’04 replaced Sondra Pitts ’66, who has served as president since 2006 and will continue to volunteer as a member of the board. Klemp was voted in at the CCRI Foundation and Alumni Association annual meeting in September and will serve a two-year term.

“I’m really excited about it and I look forward to working with the Alumni Association board,” he said. “We have a lot of new members and I’m enthusiastic about getting to know them and working together.”

Klemp’s enthusiasm for CCRI and the Alumni Association is not new with his leadership position. He was involved with the association before he gradu-ated from CCRI, serving as the board’s student representative. After graduating, he continued his studies at Rhode Island Col-

lege and remained active in the CCRI Alumni Association, being invited to serve as a board mem-ber after his student representa-tive term expired.

Klemp has stayed close to the college even in his professional life. He is the state association director of the SkillsUSA pro-gram, a nonprofit partnership of

students, teachers and industries working together to provide a skilled work force for America. The SkillsUSA office, where Klemp works, is located on the CCRI Knight Campus.

As for his presidency, Klemp said he considers his biggest goal is to continue to expand the

Liston CampusOne Hilton St.Providence, RI 02905-2304

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President, page 8

Students use new Apple computers at the newly renovated Knight Campus in Warwick.

CCRI Alumni Association elects Klemp new president

Alumni Association President Joshua Klemp ’04 (left), Director of Alumni Affairs Marisa Albini and CCRI President Ray Di Pasquale present Sondra Pitts ’66, outgoing alumni board president, with flowers and a plaque commemorating her years of volunteer service during the association’s annual meeting on Sept. 10.

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Editor in Chief: Marisa Albini, Director of Alumni AffairsManaging Editor: Julie NovakLayout: Richard CorenPhotographer: Dave Fischbach

Green and White Staff

ContributorsKristen CyrDan LaCorbiniereRobin McDuff ’98Dennis MooreRobert PreliascoEllen Schulte

November. Drawings will begin on March 1, 2010. Tickets cost $5 each and participants can win up to $25 in cash every weekday during the month. As part of the raffle, the Alumni Association will give away two Dell Mini netbooks. Proceeds from the raffle will go toward Alumni Association Book Awards, alumni programs and college initiatives. Call (401) 333-7150 or e-mail alumni@ccri.edu to purchase tickets.

Share your CCRI love storyDid you meet your spouse

while attending CCRI? The Of-fice of Alumni Affairs is seek-ing stories of alumni couples for the winter issue of the Green & White, to be published in February 2010. Please sub-mit your story along with your name and contact information to janovak@ccri.edu for pos-sible inclusion in the next issue or as a Web site feature.

Report details graduate career statistics

The college’s annual Career Placement Report publication reports on the most recent sta-tus of the previous year’s grad-uates, gathered through phone surveys conducted by CCRI’s Office of Institutional Plan-ning and Research six to nine months after graduation. Some highlights from this year’s report, regarding the Class of 2008 include: 50.4 percent are employed full time; of those

who are working 80 percent remained in Rhode Island; more than 90 percent of the graduates who responded to the survey are employed, continuing their education or a combination of both; when asked how they would rate the quality of their CCRI education, 98.5 percent of those responding selected either “good,” “very good” or “excellent.”

Volunteer on behalf of CCRIThe Alumni Association is

seeking members for its golf tournament and development committees. To get involved, contact Marisa Albini, director of Alumni Affairs, at malbini@ccri.edu for more information.

ID card needed for CCRI facility use

CCRI alumni who wish to use campus athletic facilities at the Knight Campus in Warwick and at the Flanagan Campus in Lin-coln at no charge are required to provide identification to the facility manager on duty. Clip and save the address label on page 1 of this issue to use as an ID card that identifies you as an alumnus. For more informa-tion about athletic facilities, including hours of operation, go to www.ccri.edu/athl/facilities.shtml.

CCRI sets new enrollment high

Enrollment this fall at CCRI is the second-highest of any semester and the college’s full-time equivalency is the highest in the college’s 45-year history. According to final enrollment numbers, 17,760 students are taking classes at CCRI’s four campuses and two satellite locations. That number is a gain of 148 students over last fall. Students also are taking more credit hours, 153,511 this fall as compared with 151,110 last fall. The full time equivalency is 11,134, or 165 more than last fall.

More students enrolled in online courses

Distance learning enrollment increased by 39 percent this fall; more than 1,200 students will take one or more of their

courses from home this semes-ter. Over the past year, CCRI has increased the number of online courses available to stu-dents by 24 percent to support greater participation from those who may not be able to make it to campus at a specified time each week.

Support CCRI through United Way, SECA campaigns

CCRI alumni and friends are invited to participate in the 2010 United Way/Rhode Island State Employees Charitable Appeal (SECA), which was formed in 1984 to allow state employees to contribute money to local and regional health and welfare organizations. Giving options include #6252, the CCRI Foundation and the Alumni Association. Donations to the Foundation and/or the Alumni Association support im-portant collegewide initiatives including Imagine: The Cam-paign for Endless Possibilities, student scholarships, education-al equipment purchases, campus events, athletics and facility improvements. If you would like to restrict your gift to an established Foundation scholar-ship or to the Alumni Associa-tion, please send an e-mail to foundation@ccri.edu with your preference. For more informa-tion, call (401) 333-7150.

Alumni Association gives scholarships, book awards

The CCRI Alumni Association

awarded scholarships to stu-dents Jamieson Mellor of North Kingstown, Wendy Schilling of Wakefield and Charles West of Franklin, Mass., in support of their studies in the Fall 2009 semester. They also granted $250 awards to help 29 students defray the cost of books they needed for class. More than 100 students applied to receive the award. To establish a scholar-ship or to donate to the book awards for students, e-mail alumni@ccri.edu.

Join the CCRI page on Facebook

The CCRI page on Facebook has developed into an online community with an explo-sion of growth since the start of this academic year. CCRI still boasts the highest number of “fans” of any community college with a presence on the social networking site. The college’s 1,700 fans, a group of students, alumni, faculty and staff, identify themselves from 20 different countries, including places as far away as Argentina, Turkey and Egypt. Seventy-three percent of the college’s fan base is between the ages of 18 and 24. To become a fan, go to www.facebook.com/ccri1964.

Buy tickets for raffle, win a laptop

The Alumni Association will begin selling tickets for its fifth annual daily raffle in mid-

News BriefsProceeds will benefit student book awards, alumni programming and college initiatives.

June 16, 2010 • Foster Country Club

Registration 7:30 a.m. • Shotgun start (Texas scramble format) 8:15 a.m.Lunch, awards and cocktails 2 p.m.

News Briefs, page 8

Alumni Class Notes1967

Anthony Lato is the principal of Summit View Junior/Senior High School in Las Vegas. He also is the chief inspector for the Nevada State Athletic Commis-sion.

1968International gem dealer

Richard W. Wise has written a historical novel scheduled for release on Jan. 4, 2010. Called “The French Blue,” the novel chronicles the adventures, loves, life and times of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, the restless son of a Parisian cartographer, who em-barked on the first of six major voyages to Persia and the East Indies in search of gems, jewels and the finest luxury goods in the 1600s. Wise published his first book, “Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur’s Guide to Precious Gemstones” in 2003. It has sold more than 30,000 copies.

1971Thomas Dwyer retired in

September 2007 after a 30-year career in social services. He held positions as an associate di-rector for Rhode Island Depart-ment for Children, Youth and Families, director of child care welfare in Rhode Island, and director of foster care and adop-tion services in Connecticut.

1975Linda Folcarelli of Johnston

retired as an accountant with Correctional Industries in Cran-ston. She was recognized by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections for 29 years of state service during a career awards ceremony held on Aug. 18, 2009.

Steven Issa is the regional CEO and managing director of the New England commercial lending for Sovereign Bank.

1980Candy Castaldi is senior

vice president of the circulator divison of Taco Inc.

Kenneth Finlay was sworn in as chief of the North Cum-berland Fire Department at the Mendon Road station on July 13, 2009.

James Fiorentino was welcomed as a staff member at Sturdy Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Associates.

1983Ward Jaros is general manag-

er of health care at J.K. Scanlan Inc. in East Falmouth, Mass.

1991Judith Reynolds and her

husband, Allan, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2009.

1993Ken Porcelli and Gayle M.

Goddard were married at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham, Mass., on Oct. 3, 2009.

1994Paula Frazer and Alan Stavris

were married at the Country Gardens in Rehoboth, Mass., on July 3, 2009.

1995Paul Bartholomy of Cranston

is a correctional officer captain at the Donald Price Medium Se-curity Facility in Cranston. He was recognized by the Rhode Is-land Department of Corrections for 25 years of state service dur-ing a career awards ceremony held on Aug. 18, 2009.

Bryon Blackmar of Johnston is a correctional officer at the Donald Price Medium Security Facility in Cranston. He was recognized by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections for 20 years of state service during a career awards ceremony held on Aug. 18, 2009.

John W. Buco of Coventry is the upholstery repair shop supervisor for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. He was recognized by the Rhode Is-land Department of Corrections for 20 years of state service dur-ing a career awards ceremony held on Aug. 18, 2009.

Rhode Island Correctional Officer Ronald LoBianco, a lifelong Coventry resident, was awarded first place in his divi-sion (lightweight, between 146 and 155 pounds) at the Body Language Natural Professional Association’s annual competi-tion. He placed fourth out of 20 in the middleweight division in the same competition in 2006 and third in his division at the National Physique Committee’s Jay Cutler Classic at the John Hancock Center in Boston. Next year he plans to compete in the Cape Cod Classic.

Kenneth Smith of North Providence was promoted to sergeant of the Lincoln Police Department in September 2009.

1996Wayne Bouthillette of Man-

ville was promoted to sergeant of the Lincoln Police Depart-ment in September 2009.

1997Stephen Samek was promoted

to sergeant of the Cumberland Police Department on Sept. 16, 2009.

Nicholas A. Usenia trans-ferred to Rhode Island College through CCRI’s Joint Admis-sions Agreement and graduated in May with magna cum laude honors and a double major in history and women’s studies. At the college’s Cap and Gown Day ceremony on April 29, he received the Evelyn Walsh Prize for his accomplishments, including involvement in the college’s Women’s Studies Organization and administration of its Women’s Studies Forum. He also served as a tutor in the college’s Writing Center and was publications manager of the Edgewood Youth Organization.

2001Manda Manzotti is an inves-

tigator for the Public Defenders Division of the state of Con-necticut in Middlesex County. She has assisted in the Innocent Project and habeas corpus units. After graduating from CCRI, she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Uni-versity of New Haven.

2002Sean McClelland is the physi-

cal education teacher at Woon-socket High School. He also is director of the summer tennis program at Slater Park for the Pawtucket Parks and Recreation Department.

Dianne A. Schuman trans-ferred to Rhode Island College through CCRI’s Joint Admis-sions Agreement and graduated in May 2009 with magna cum laude honors. At the college’s Cap and Gown Day ceremony on April 29, she received the Studio Art Award for her aca-demic success and for serving as president of the Ceramics Club and as treasurer of the Artist Co-op.

2004Julie Ann Clark and Joseph

P. Potenza were married at St. Francis DeSales Church in North Kingstown on Sept. 5, 2009.

Amanda S. Fusco and Jeff R. Pereira were married at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Providence on Feb. 14, 2009.

2005Jennifer A. Dunay transferred

to Rhode Island College through CCRI’s Joint Admissions Agree-ment and graduated in May 2009 with a double major in

health and physical education with specialization in adapted physical education. At the college’s Cap and Gown Day ceremony on April 29, she re-ceived the Health and Physical Education Award for her active participation in workshops, pre-sentation and conferences in her area of study. She served as a student teacher at Tolman High School in Pawtucket and she completed practica at the Henry Barnard School in Providence and Cumberland Middle School. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in science to become a teacher of the subject.

Angela M. Perry and Ryan C. Place were married at St. Mat-thews Church in Cranston on July 4, 2008.

2006Denise L. Hines, a mother

of five, transferred to Rhode Island College through CCRI’s Joint Admissions Agreement and graduated in May 2009 with a 3.84 grade point aver-age. At the college’s Cap and Gown Day ceremony on April 29, she was recognized with the Anthony E. Ricci Social Work Practice Award for her aca-demic achievements and for her volunteer work at Amos House, where she developed and facili-tated a new group curriculum for clients.

John M. Reddigton trans-ferred to Rhode Island College through CCRI’s Joint Admis-sions Agreement and graduated in May 2009 with a 4.0 grade point average. He received the Communications Achievement Award at RIC’s Cap and Gown Day ceremonies on April 29. A member of Lambda Pi Eta and Phi Theta Kappa honor societ-ies, he plans to pursue a career in human sercies and continue his studies at the graduate level.

2007Chris Baker received his

bachelor’s degree from Brown University and is now finish-ing up his master’s degree. He plans to enroll in one of the university’s medical or doctoral programs.

Peter Fratantuono was sworn in as a member of the Coventry Fire Department.

William Hall was promoted to captain of the Washington Fire District in Coventry this year.

Michelle Mercure is a senior English major at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts. Through the Bridgewater-at- Oxford program, she spent a month abroad to take a course on Jane Austen at Oxford University in England. Earlier

this year, she presented a paper at the 2009 International Sigma Tau Delta Conference in Min-neapolis, Minn. She recently received a grant to participate in a research project funded by the Office of Undergradu-ate Research and the Adrian Tinsley Program. The project is an independent study, titled “The ‘Bad Girl’ Turned Femi-nist: The Femme Fatale and the Performance of Theory,” and consists of a broad overview of the classic period of film noir from 1941-1958. She plans to continue her research and attend graduate school.

Dale White was promoted to lieutenant of the Tiogue Fire District in Coventry in 2008.

2008Sophie Chea transferred to

Bridgewater State College (BSC) where she is majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry. She served as senator in the college’s Stu-dent Government Association and is a member of Student Asian Union and Sister Scholar groups. Working with BSC fac-ulty, she will travel to Cambodia next summer as part of an un-dergraduate research project to collect data and analyze bacteria found in local ponds, rivers and wells and to build a water filtra-tion system for villagers living in the Siem Reap area. Still connected to CCRI, she is plan-ning a collaboration between BSC and the CCRI International Club at the Flanagan Campus in Lincoln to educate students about global issues, focusing on Cambodia.

Michele Bourgeois transferred to the University of Massachu-setts Dartmouth to study graphic design.

Kevin Krasko, a student at URI who completed CCRI’s TV Production I and II courses, recently co-produced a docu-mentary about the closing of St. Brendan School in Riverside. The 35-minute documentary was culled from 14 hours of in-terviews with faculty, staff and students from the school.

2009Paralegal Michele A. Dupuis-

Clarke is the legal secretary in the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit of the Criminal Division in the state Attorney General’s office.

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Become a CCRI Facebook fan. Go to www.facebook.com/ccri1964 and sign up. It’s a great way to keep in touch with classmates!

facebook

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CCRI Alumni Association Board of Directors Alumni Association board members

are elected for three-year terms. Board officers have their title listed after their name.

Aaron A. Abbott ’91 and ’96*Job title: Vice Presi-dent, Risk ManagerEmployer: Citizens BankTown of residence: Naples, Fla. and WarwickWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI helped to launch my educational and professional pursuits. The experiences at CCRI expanded my knowledge, built my confidence and strengthened my courage to succeed. An active role in the Alumni Association allows me to support programs that will enrich student experiences.

Michael Archetto ’75Job title: Assis-tant Building and Grounds OfficerEmployer: CCRITown of residence: LincolnWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI has been and always will be a place of well-being for student achievement. It is a place where I belong.

John P. Bettencourt ’94Job title: Floating Showroom ManagerEmployer: Sleepy’s LLCTown of residence: WarwickWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI was the foundation of my professional career. I would like to give back to the college and the students my expertise and expe-rience that they can use to be successful in the future.

Ron CanigliaJob title: President, Foundation represen-tativeEmployer: Stand Corp.Town of residence: Cranston and War-wickWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? I consider myself an average person and I relate to students and people in need. I’ve received breaks during my life that have made a positive difference and I am very fortunate to have been able to have the opportunity to give back to others.

Joan M. (Routhier) DeSantis ’67Job title: Retired Art Educator, Worcester, Mass. public schoolsTown of residence: Worcester, Mass.Why are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? It

was my goal to become an art educator. CCRI gave me the jump-start to com-plete my dream. My experience at CCRI was wonderful and it is nice to be part of the Alumni Association.

Richard V. DiGennaro ’79, TreasurerJob title: PartnerEmployer: DiGennaro and Palumbo LLPTown of residence: North KingstownWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? I am grate-ful for the education I received at CCRI at a time in my life when I needed some direction. It was affordable and I gained the confidence to go on to Bryant Uni-versity, which ultimately led to a career in public accounting.

Thomas Feather ’94Job title: Assistant Director of Book-storesEmployer: CCRITown of residence: CumberlandWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI gave me the founda-tion I needed to continue my education and receive my bachelor’s degree. I am proud to give back to a school that has provided me with so much.

Joseph T. Fleming ’74*Job title: President Employer: Flem-ing and Associates, Assistant Princi-pal Slater Jr. High School (retired June 2009)Town of residence: CumberlandWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI had a major impact on my life and the career that I chose. I believe that this is an opportunity to give something back to the school and help others get a great education.

Chris Hager ’92*Job title: Financial Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorEmployer: Ameri-prise FinancialTown of residence: WarwickWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? I am proud of the college and the opportunities it has afforded me and how it has helped me in my career.

Joshua Klemp ’04, PresidentJob title: State As-sociation DirectorEmployer: SkillsUSA RITown of residence: ProvidenceWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? I joined the Alumni Association because of the

opportunity to give back to the students and the college.

Judith E. Maccarone ’99*Job title: Vice Presi-dent, Recruiter IIEmployer: Bank of AmericaTown of residence: GreenvilleWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? As a proud graduate of CCRI, the fundamentals that I acquired have provided me with the tools to build a successful career. I look forward to working with fellow board members to promote CCRI throughout our community. CCRI is a great educa-tional resource for recent high school graduates as well as professionals in the workplace who want to enhance their skill sets.

Marjorie Martiesian ’66Job title: Retired TeacherTown of residence: Providence and Nar-ragansettWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? The college meant a lot to me as a member of the first class in 1964, when I was right out of high school. It opened the door to many opportunities that I would not have had. I am happy to help the college in any way that I can.

Carl L. Mattson Jr. ’82*Job title: Consultant/OwnerEmployer: Blarney Stone EnergyTown of residence: CoventryWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI was the start of my professional career and, after my graduation, I proceeded to obtain three additional degrees and numerous certifications. Now that I own my own business, I often think of time I spent building my educational foundation at CCRI.

Antonia (Toni) Gil-berto McGuire ’75Job title: President and Chief Executive OfficerEmployer: Great Brook Valley Health Center Inc., Worces-ter, Mass.Town of residence: Westborough, Mass.Why are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? At a time when all of my friends headed off to a four-year college, I took the road that was less traveled and more affordable. CCRI provided me with a cornerstone in the foundation of my career in nursing, which eventually led to a master’s degree in public health. I am proud to say that it all started at CCRI.

Inez M. Mello ’87Job title: PrincipalEmployer: State and Local Tax Consult-ing Group

Town of residence: SmithfieldWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? I am very proud to say that I am one of CCRI’s first five nontradition-al and transfer students to have received a full scholarship to Bryant University. I attribute all of my achievements to CCRI and I proudly serve on its Alumni As-sociation Board of Directors. It is simply my turn to give back to CCRI.

Monty J. Monteiro ’68Job title: Retired Major, Providence Police DepartmentTown of residence: East ProvidenceWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? Since my graduation from CCRI/RIJC in 1968, I have monitored CCRI’s progressive growth stages with pride. Ironically, this progress has not negatively impacted on original core values despite its growth from two Providence factory buildings to four campuses serving 17,760 students. My involvement with the Alumni As-sociation over the years has provided me with an opportunity to give back and to reconnect after 41 years.

Brian P. McConaghy ’90Job title: Vice Presi-dent of Risk Manage-mentEmployer: Bank of AmericaTown of residence: CranstonWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? It is a great chance to support educational opportuni-ty in my community. CCRI provided me with that opportunity and through their job placement office I was first hired at the company I still worked for nearly 20 years later.

Dan Moriarty ’73*Job title: Coordina-tor for Education and TrainingEmployer: Trudeau CenterTown of residence: North KingstownWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI has been very instru-mental in my education. I feel serving on the board is a chance to be involved and give back to an institution I respect and value.

Glenda Morrison ’87Job title: Report Writer AnalystEmployer: Beacon Mutual Insurance Co.Town of residence: ProvidenceWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI al-lows students to receive an affordable

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education that they otherwise would not. The college also retrains unemployed individuals so they will become employ-able. I am proud to be part of an asso-ciation that has a mission to help make Rhode Island’s educational system as successful as it can be.

John O’Leary ’75Job title: Director of Special Programs, Graduate Profes-sional CenterEmployer: College of Continuing Educa-tion, URITown of residence: CranstonWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI was the first step in my professional career. After receiving a solid foundation in the basics of higher education, I was able transfer to Providence College to finish my bachelor’s degree. I am profoundly grateful to CCRI for the success that have come to me in life.

Claire J. Oliveira ’67*Job title: Behavioral SpecialistEmployer: Johnston School DepartmentTown of residence: GreenvilleWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? I am a proud member of the CCRI Alumni

Association because I had the fortunate opportunity of being part of its most significant and formative years. It is with great excitement to see the development and accomplishments this college has achieved over time.

Sondra V. Pitts ’66, Past PresidentJob title: Retired Teacher and Ar-menian Language School Principal Town of residence: Cranston Why are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? I was a member of CCRI’s first graduating class in 1966 and appreciate daily how impor-tant my CCRI education has been. Mem-bership in the Alumni Association allows me to help thousands of others to share in that experience. Through scholarships, book awards and other activities, the Alumni Association provides continuing, concrete support for students in one of the nation’s best community colleges.

Thomas W. Quinlan Jr. ’96Job title: Vice President of Small Business Lending Employer: The Washington Trust Co.Town of residence: CoventryWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? I have

the opportunity to help raise money for scholarships and without it, many stu-dents could not afford to buy books.

Sandra M. Rainone ’98*Job title: Instruction-al Designer/TrainerEmployer: The Judge GroupTown of residence: Johnston

Louis J. Saccoccio ’68, President-electJob title: General CounselEmployer: Univer-sity of Rhode IslandTown of residence: NarragansettWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? The Alumni Association allowed me to reconnect with the community college as a gradu-ate and to assist the institution in a mean-ingful way.

Sandy Sokoll ’76 and ’01, SecretaryJob title: Chief Ac-countantEmployer: CCRITown of residence: CranstonWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? It is how I support the institution. As an employee I have even

more reason to make the college a better place to be.

Jillian Stone ’10*, Student Representa-tiveJob title: Adminis-trative AssistantEmployer: CVS CaremarkTown of residence: HarmonyWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? I am proud to be the student representative of the CCRI Alumni Association. I am excited to be part of a group that puts its efforts into making CCRI the best college it can be.

Helen Valcourt ’81*Job title: Develop-ment AssistantEmployer: Our Lady of Fatima Unit, St. Joseph Health Ser-vices of Rhode IslandTown of residence: CoventryWhy are you a proud member of the CCRI Alumni Association? CCRI helped me to focus on my career goals and excited me to further my educa-tion beyond an associate degree. As an alumna of the college, I am proud to see how well the institution has endured and how innovative the courses have contin-ued to be.

* Newly elected member

Alumni Association members gather for Alumni After Hours eventThe CCRI Alumni Association hosted an Alumni After Hours event Sept. 23 at Bo’s Bar and

Billiards (formerly Boston Billiards) in Warwick. Alumni as well as board members new and old came together for food and drink and a friendly game of pool.

Deb Lilli ’74

Barbara Porrazzo ’72

Tom Quinlan ’96

Chris Hager ’92, Sandy Sokoll ’76 and ’01, Chris Brook ’91, Barbara Porrazzo ’72, Carl Lozy ’07

Tom Pitts, Dan Moriarty ’73

Chris Hager ’92

Lou Rainone

Marisa Albini, Richard DiGennaro ’79, Deb Zielinski, Sondra Pitts ’66, Lou Rainone

John O’Leary ’75, Tom Quinlan ’96

Marjorie Martiesian ’66, Gail Hollingsworth ’76

President Ray M. Di Pasquale, Richard DiGennaro ’79, Michael Basileo

CCRI Alumni Association Board of Directors

6

CCRI Foundation News

The Community College of Rhode Island raised more than $30,000 for student scholarships through its 2009 CCRI Golf Classic held at the Warwick Country Club on Sept. 21.

On one of the most spectacular days of late summer, 134 golfers played in the tournament which raised funds for student assis-tance for the Ferland/DiMaria Student Assistance Fund. The fund provides scholarships to continuing students who have at least 24 credits and a minimum 2.75 grade point average.

Key sponsors of the tourna-ment included Honeywell, Independent Insurance Agents of Rhode Island, Ikon Office Systems, Lifespan, National Grid and Pare Corp. Nearly 20 corporate foursome sponsors and 29 tee and green sponsors also provided key contributions. The event concluded with a raffle and an auction that raised $6,000 with prizes provided by nearly 50 companies and individuals.

The annual tournament was established by Joe DiMaria and Ray Ferland, two former college administrators, 15 years ago. Since its inception, proceeds from the tournament have provided nearly $300,000 for deserving students who have benefited from scholarship and financial assistance to help them attain their college degree and

to become part of the economic vitality of the state of Rhode Island. CCRI President Ray Di Pasquale and Tournament Di-

rector Dennis Moore recognized DiMaria and Ferland as for their leadership and accomplishments while at CCRI.

CCRI golf classic tournament raises funds for scholarships

browsing for books, using the computers, or studying alone or in groups in the new seating areas.

One such student, Rich Brouillette, who was spending an afternoon writing a paper, said that the new library is an improvement.

“The old library was antique- looking,” he said. “I like the open atmosphere and the overall modernized look.”

Brouillette added that the new Student Success Center, which offers tutoring and mentoring, has an improved location in the library that is comfortable and secluded enough to encourage quiet studying.

Students also said they en-joyed the library’s new study areas and improved technology.

“I like the little areas to sit at and the computers are a lot nicer,” said second-year student Jess Claffey.

Laura Minadeo, another stu-dent, agreed with Claffey about the new computers.

“The screens are bigger and they’re much faster,” she said about the library’s new Macs.

Warwick is not the only cam-

pus seeing improved technol-ogy.

The Dental Assisting lab in Lincoln also was improved this summer, undergoing aesthetic renovations and, more im-portantly, adding new dental practice mannequins, new ex-amination chairs, new comput-ers to help students track patient information and digital X-ray capabilities.

“I can say without reserva-tion that we have one of the

ImprovementsFrom page 1

New study areas at the Knight Campus library in Warwick are com-fortable and secluded to encourage quiet study.

most exquisite and state-of-the-art facilities for dental health education, not only in Rhode Island but in the United States,” said Kathleen Gazzola, chair of CCRI Dental Health programs.

She said that these improve-ments enhance not only the quality of education that CCRI’s dental assisting and dental hy-giene students receive, but also the care that those students give to the community.

Gazzola said that the pro-

gram’s seniors treat 3,000 patients in the CCRI clinic ev-ery year for $10 per visit. This allows the students to hone their skills while giving back to the community, and the clinic’s new facilities, record-keeping and X-ray abilities will make the care that patients receive even better.

The improvements have an environmental benefit, too, as the digital X-ray technology has replaced the dental lab’s old darkroom and its accompanying

hazardous chemicals.The new technology is rep-

resentative of how a modern dentist’s office operates.

“We could go into an office and have all the same technol-ogy,” said second-year student Jessica Bessette. “It’s a dream come true. It’s the best of the best.”

CCRI will commemorate the library on Dec. 8 and the dental lab on Dec. 15 with ribbon-cut-ting ceremonies.

The new technology in the Flanagan Campus dental lab is represen-tative of how a modern dentist’s office operates.

Former college administrators Ray Ferland (left) and Joe DiMaria founded the annual golf tournament 15 years ago to support stu-dents and increase their accessibility to a higher education.

CCRI players, coaches and ad-ministrators are among the indi-viduals who were inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame at a dinner and ceremony on Oct. 9 at Mohegan Sun. The former University of Vermont Head men’s basketball coach, Tom Brennan, served as the event’s master of ceremo-nies. Honorees are inducted every three years.

Past inductees from CCRI include Abdul Abdullah (Junior College Men, 2003), Bob Brooks (Junior College Player, 2006), Vin Cullen (Junior Col-lege Coach, 2002), Mike Hazard (Junior College Men, 2004) and former player and women’s coach Rick Santos (Junior Col-lege Men, 2003).

2009 inductees with CCRI affiliations listed by induction category:

National Association of Inter-collegiate Athletics Men: Walt Edwards ’73

Played basketball at CCRI before transferring to Provi-dence College and then Husson University; best of the early big men at CCRI; Providence native.

Junior College Men: Dobie Dennis, Bill Perry, Willie Washington

These three CCRI teammates led the 1977 team (team also was inducted) to a 26-0 regular season record and the national tournament; all Providence na-tives; Washington was Second Team All-American and scored more than 1,000 points.

Junior College Women: Claudia DeFaria ’92 and Jerilyn Johnson ’91

Both played basketball at CCRI and RIC; Johnson was Second Team All-American; DeFaria was Second Team All-American and second leading all-time scorer.

Junior College Women’s Coach: Cas Grygorcewicz

Coached at Mitchell Commu-

nity College and CCRI; at CCRI he led the CCRI women’s bas-ketball team to a 26-3 regular season record, winning Region XXI and Northeast District Championships, and a third place finish at nationals.

Ronald S. Perry Category: Gail Davis

Long time, highly successful volleyball coach at CCRI.

Scholar-Athlete Category: Dr. Julie Ann Guglielmetti Landrio ’87

Played at CCRI and the University of Massachusetts; at CCRI, she was co-captain of the 1987 basketball and soft-ball teams; earned First Team

Academic All-American honors for a 4.0 GPA in her major of Radiology; resident of Virginia.

Contributor Category: Charlie Wilkes

Assistant coach of the men’s basketball team for 37 years (1965-2002) at CCRI; never missed a game; established the Student-Athlete Academic Support Program; former math professor at CCRI.

High School Boys’ Coach: Al Simoes ’72

Coached Merrimack High School (Merrimack, N.H.) to multiple state championships.

High School Girls’ Coach: Sean Reddy ’81

Coached La Salle Academy (Providence) to multiple state championships; won third consecutive state championship in 2009.

7

AthleticsAlumni inducted into New England Basketball Hall of Fame

Bill Perry ’77 celebrates after the undefeated Knights captured the Region XXI championship to advance to the national tournament.

Charlie Wilkes, men’s assistant basketball coach.

Walt Edwards ’73 (left) set rebounding records at RIJC before play-ing at Providence College and Husson.

Claudia DeFaria ’92 is still CCRI’s second leading career scorer.

Building relationships for over 25 years

Phone 401-737-8420 Fax 401-732-3710

Gail Davis, highly successful vol-leyball coach at CCRI.

NetSolutions

8

From page 2

Presidentcollege’s fundraising and awards, particularly in the challeng-ing economic climate. He cited the association’s book awards, which give money for textbooks to students based on need, as an example of the kind of work the association can do to help students at the college. In the last academic year the associa-tion gave out 29 awards, each for $250.

“I think that shows that there is definitely a need for financial support for the students,” Klemp said.

He added that he would encour-age continued support from the college community.

“Our job on the alumni board is to help President Di Pasquale carry out his vision for CCRI, to support students and to continue to reach out to alumni,” Klemp said. “We ask them to give back to the college either with their time or financially. We encourage them to strengthen their connec-tion with the college by volun-teering as advisers or mentors for students.”

Klemp can attest that this in-volvement makes a difference for students. In his own undergradu-ate days, he said, he was unsure what he wanted to do academi-cally and professionally, and his professors helped him to find his path. This experience inspired

Klemp to stay involved with the college.

“I feel a responsibility to give back to the institution that has given so much to me,” he said.

The Alumni Association’s outgoing president was in-spired by these same feelings of gratitude. Pitts, a member of the college’s first graduating class, said that the faculty’s dedica-tion to the student body was apparent from the beginning and continues today, inspiring her and other alumni to give back to the school. These strong feelings inspired her to volunteer with the alumni board in 1976, work that has continued uninterrupted. She

was inducted into the Society of Knights in 1999 in recognition of her years of service to the college.

Pitts’ time as president of the Alumni Association, starting in 2006 when she finished one year of the term of a resigning president, also had its share of proud moments. She helped secure a $25,000 donation from the Alumni Association to the Imagine capital campaign to renovate the newly renovated Knight Campus library. She was the first Alumni Association president to speak at commence-ment, an address that is now set to become a regular fixture of the

ceremony. She also reintroduced the CCRI Alma Mater, written by some of the school’s original faculty members, to help instill a sense of community.

“It’s been heartwarming for me to meet students who say the same things about their profes-sors now that my class did,” Pitts said.

“I think Josh is going to be a fantastic president and I have ev-ery confidence in him,” she said. “I really look forward to bigger and better things for the associa-tion with him as president.”

See Page 4 of this issue for a roster of Alumni Association board members.

From page 1

seamless communications with our community,” she said.

The college currently has e-mail addresses for just 4,000 of its 54,000 graduates. To notify alumni and friends of recent

college events and news, Peixoto asks that anyone inter-ested in receiving online updates send their contact information to alumni@ccri.edu or founda-tion@ccri.edu.

“Alumni and friends are the heart and soul of CCRI and we want to make it easy for them to stay connected to the college,” Albini said.

From page 1

Remember RIJCA new illustrated history of the college called, “Community College of Rhode Island: An Illustrated History, The Rhode Island Junior College Years,” chronicles the development of the college from its foundation in 1964 as Rhode Island Junior College through the institution’s name change in 1980.

Buy your copy today! Proceeds from all book sales will go toward a scholarship for a student studying the arts.

To order, visit www.ccri.edu/illustratedhistory or call (401) 825-1045.

College debuts new Web portal

MyCCRI, an update to the college’s online portal for facul-ty, staff and students, went live online on Sept. 1, giving the CCRI community much greater service, access to information and customization options for its online needs. The new portal replaces the former Pipeline portal system. All users select which tabs they wish to see, such as their grades, class schedules, appointments and more. Users also create as many of their own tabs as they wish, such as links to local weather, traffic, or news Web sites. MyCCRI gives members of the college community a separate online home from the one that the public sees. Aside from the information they specifically select, CCRI community mem-bers will receive notifications and emergency information such as campus closures for severe weather and tips about

avoiding new online scams. The new technology allows every CCRI student to have an e-mail account for life, ending with “@my.ccri.edu.”

News Briefs

Community garden project taking rootA group of CCRI faculty, staff and students, in collaboration with members of the Newport community, planted the first seeds of a plan for the Learner’s Journey Community Garden to be estab-lished in the city next year. Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napoli-tano (left) listens to President Ray Di Pasquale as he talks about the impact of this project on the community. On Aug. 5, Napoli-tano, Newport Housing Authority Executive Director Jim Reed, Aquidneck Land Trust Executive Director Ted Clement and Nancy Sullivan, who represented Rhode Island Sen. M. Teresa Paiva Weed (District 13), joined members of the college project planning team to share their ideas. The group’s first task is to select a suitable location for the garden site, which will be used as a learning tool for CCRI students. To participate in the project, contact Professor Carol Panaccione at panaccione@ccri.edu.