The Magazine for Bryant University I Summer ’25
Beyond the Archway Exploring campus legends, landmarks, and little-known lore.
Cover_Backcover_Magazine_Summer_25.indd 1
7/24/25 9:31 AM
Harness the Power of AI Our comprehensive suite of artificial intelligence programs is designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals and students alike in a flexible online learning format that fits your schedule.
Start small with our stackable model. While you earn short-term credentials, you’ll lay the groundwork for long-term success.
bryant.edu/graduate
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 4
graduateprograms@bryant.edu
(401) 232-6230
7/24/25 1:24 PM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCOVER
18
26
32
Exploring the university’s legends,
How Bryant students guided one of
From campus romance to intergenerational
landmarks, and little-known lore.
the world’s oldest companies through
legacies and business relationships, read a few
unprecedented change in international trade.
stories from Bryant’s connected community.
Beyond the Archway
Global Alchemy
Bulldog Bonds
BY EMMA BARTLETT, BOB CURLEY, AND STEPHEN KOSTRZEWA
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 1
BY STEPHEN KOSTRZEWA
BY BOB CURLEY, STEPHEN KOSTRZEWA, JACOB MARROCCO, AND CASEY NILSSON
7/24/25 1:24 PM
DISCOVER
SUMMER 2025
09
INNOVATE
Editor-in-Chief Casey Nilsson
Managing Editor
05 Applied Intelligence
Stephen Kostrzewa
06 Ganges, Gangnam, and Grad
Associate Editors Emma Bartlett Bob Curley
08 Mead's Mission 09 Rising in Demand
Creative Direction & Design Eric Meier Rives Matson University Photographer Pamela Murray Bryant Editorial Advisory Group Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Michelle L. Cloutier, ’05MBA, Vice President for Enrollment Management
41 02
IMPACT 41 What I’ve Learned: Mikayla Nogueira ’20 42 A Vision for Leadership 43 Animal Magnetism 44 Voice through Verse 44 Life of Purpose 46 Stepping Up for Access 47 Board Bound
Chuck LoCurto, MBA, Vice President for Information Services and Chief Information Officer Donna Ng, MBA, Vice President of Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer Tim Paige, Vice President for Human Resources and Secretary of the Corporation Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer Bill Smith, J.D., Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Edinaldo Tebaldi, Ph.D., Vice President for Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness and Interim Head of Marketing and Communications David Wegrzyn ’86, P’23, M.Ed., Vice President for University Advancement
IN EVERY ISSUE 03 Letter from the President 04 What’s Online 10 Insight 12 Pulse 14 Playbook
Bryant magazine is produced twiceannually by the Office of University Marketing and Communications. Questions, comments, or stories to share? Reach the editor at cnilsson@bryant.edu. For more news from Bryant, visit news.bryant.edu. To give back to Bryant, visit Bryant.edu/giving. Follow us on social media: @BryantUniversity 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI, 02917 Bryant.edu
38 Vision 2030 in Action 46 Agenda 48 Ideations
COVER ARTIST: Rives Matson
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 2
7/24/25 1:24 PM
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Leading Forward: The Bonds that Power Bryant Dear Reader, Bryant
University’s
its edge: expert faculty who go above
What sets Bryant apart is not just the
and beyond to mentor students with
excellence of our academic programs,
remarkable
passion and purpose, alumni who
but the community and people who
momentum is not accidental. It is the
exemplify the enduring impact of a
bring them to life. Here, our network
result of strong relationships, shared
Bryant education (page 41), students
is dynamic, driven, and committed
purpose, and a collaborative culture
who challenge and inspire each
to making meaningful impact. It is
that distinguishes our community
other to be their best, and supporters
a space where ideas are sharpened,
and drives our continued rise in
whose belief in our mission inspires
relationships are strengthened, and the
reputation and rankings. In this
bold ideas and drives innovation.
next generation of leaders is cultivated.
issue of Bryant magazine, I invite you
the
As we build toward an even stronger
behind the scenes to learn about the
partnerships behind major campus
future, we are proud to recognize and
people, partnerships, and traditions
initiatives,
fueling
celebrate that which makes Bryant
driving
athletic achievements (page 14), and
extraordinary. Thank you for being a
the stories behind some of our most
part of our community and helping us
meaningful
transform vision into reality through
the
institution
and
its
growing reputation. These
stories
capture
the
Read
on
to
the
discover
teamwork
traditions
(page
18),
connections that are often unseen but
like passing through the Archway at
powerfully felt: those leading with
Commencement.
influence and impact, the industry
Throughout these pages you will meet
partnerships that prepare students to
a few members of Bryant’s community
be day one ready, and the key moments
who bring insight, initiative, and
that shape our success and define who
integrity to everything they do. Their
we are as Bulldogs.
work reminds us that meaningful
Explore the bonds that give Bryant
Photograph by James Jones
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 3
progress is a shared endeavor.
03
the bonds that matter most. With Heartfelt Thanks,
Ross Gittell, Ph.D. President
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
7/24/25 1:24 PM
WHAT’S ONLINE
Commencement Relive the excitement of Bryant’s 2025 Commencement ceremonies and read profiles of standout graduates including first-gen student-athlete Elijah Infante ’25, undergraduate researcher Ramsha Gul ’25, and ESPN+ announcer Zeke Kransdorf ’25. news.bryant.edu/commencement
Summer Research From breakthroughs in mental health and antibiotics to data-driven accounting solutions, Bryant faculty and students are digging deep into big questions. See how experiential learning comes to life across campus labs and global datasets. news.bryant.edu/research
04
Global Advisory Council This summer, Bryant’s Global Advisory Council convened for the first time in London to discuss its vision for the university’s future on an international scale. Learn more about the council and its mission to elevate Bryant’s brand around the world. news.bryant.edu/bryant-global-advisory-council
Inside the New Salmo Take a first look at the newly renovated Salmanson Dining Hall — a reimagined, inclusive space designed with student wellness, sustainability, and community in mind. See how the revamped dining experience will shape campus life. news.bryant.edu/salmo
Read the latest on Bryant News, which features daily coverage of the Bulldog community — including faculty research, student profiles, alumni stories, major announcements, and more.
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 4
7/24/25 1:24 PM
INNOVATE Applied Intelligence A transformative moment calls for transformative action. At this spring’s Bryant AI Summit, more than 70 members of the university’s faculty, staff, and leadership gathered to rethink higher education amidst the continuing artificial intelligence revolution. “All of you in this room will be our pioneers,” said Bryant University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D. The summit included hands-on brainstorming on how faculty might apply AI across the curriculum in a way, Paliwal said, that
“encourages curiosity in our students and in each other.” It’s a bold move that doubles down on Bryant's mission to educate and inspire students to become innovative leaders with character around the world. “This is a moment for humility as well as discovery, says Paliwal. “As the world changes around us and we have to rethink everything we do, no one person has all the answers. We can all learn from each other.” —Stephen Kostrzewa
“We are not just looking to reimagine what we teach and learn; we are looking to transform the entire university.” —RUPENDRA PALIWAL, Ph.D., PROVOST AND CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 5
7/24/25 1:24 PM
Ganges, Gangnam, and Grad Global Immersion Experience takes MBA candidates to India, South Korea
06
From the fishcake factories of Busan
clad in parkas for much of the trip. But
live octopus, and met with leaders of
to the white marble halls of the Taj
the winter chill on the Korean Penin-
Korean companies, including a fam-
Mahal, Bryant MBA students got a
sula did nothing to cool their enthusi-
ily-owned restaurant in Busan called
firsthand education in international
asm for the country and its people.
Samhun, where students pitched mar-
business and culture during 2025
Fishcakes are popular snacks in
Global Immersion Experience (GIE)
South Korea, and between noshing on
trips to India and South Korea — both
western fast food like Korea’s unique
first-time destinations for the uni-
spin on KFC (customers can bring
segments,
versity’s graduate experiential learn-
their own beer to drink, for example)
and a digital marketing strategy all
ing program.
students brainstormed about how
tied together with a mock influencer
Americans could be sold on the idea
video,” says Paige Zuber-Weishaus
of fishcakes the way they’d learned to
’25MBA, who was interviewed by the
embrace Korean barbecue and kimchi.
city’s largest newspaper on her group’s
Strategy in Seoul Led by faculty advisors Associate Professor of Marketing Kacy Kim, Ph.D.,
The GIE group also visited a local
and Professor of Marketing Sukki
bakery, mingled with locals while shop-
Yoon, Ph.D., the 48 MBA students who
ping in Busan, explored the royal Gyeo-
landed in South Korea in February were
ngbokgung Palace in Seoul, nibbled on
keting strategies on how the restaurant could enter the U.S. market. “Ours consisted of strong target a
distribution
strategy,
findings.
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 6
7/24/25 1:24 PM
INNOVATE
Bollywood to business Bryant’s annual Research and Engage-
Satyagraha, a 24-day protest march
Gulski Alumni Service Award, at his
ment Day (REDay) in April was equal
against Great Britain’s colonial rule
home in Delhi.
parts presentation and celebration
that was a pivotal step in India’s road to
for the 36 MBA students who shared
independence.
Exploring India and meeting with Bryant alums in their homes were
tales of Indian elephant rides, visits to
Bryant’s India-based alumni com-
highlights for Maximus Villar ’24
temples, healthcare facilities, and Par-
munity welcomed the students with
’25MBA, captain of the Bulldogs’ foot-
liament, and other experiences from
open arms. Shivaan Sahni ’15, man-
ball team, who earned his undergrad-
a packed itinerary ranging from New
aging director at Panorama Exports,
uate degree in Finance at Bryant after
Delhi to Jaipur to Rajasthan.
took them on a tour of a Panorama
transferring from Georgetown University as a sophomore.
Students clad in shimmering saris
garment factory where they learned
and flowing sherwani jackets chan-
about supply chain management, effi-
“We got to see a culture I've never
neled the energy of one of the trip’s
ciency optimization, bottleneck iden-
been around,” he said. “The people
highlights,
Bollywood-
tification, and waste minimization.
were so nice: they would come up to us
inspired video in traditional Indian
They also attended an alumni recep-
and take pictures and were super per-
clothing at the Taj Mahal. The Bryant
tion hosted by Chander Agarwal ’01,
sonable. I’ll remember my MBA as my
group also walked in the footsteps of
managing director of TCI Express and
favorite year in college.”
Mahatma Gandhi on the famous Salt
the recipient of this year's Nelson J.
making
a
07
—Bob Curley
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 7
7/24/25 1:24 PM
INNOVATE
while handling the level of tragedy that rolled in and out of the clinic was inspiring,” Mead says. “The medical personnel don't have the same level of technology that we have at our fingertips in every United States emergency room, so watching them home in with their physical assessment skills, think on their feet, and make decisions quickly was impressive.” Following his return to the states, Mead began interning at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. As
Mead’s Mission
an endocrinology intern, he worked on two projects: the first took him to
Undergrad’s firefighting past, EMS work, and research inform desire to help others 08
the ocean where he helped researchers catch a 400-pound Atlantic bluefin tuna to examine how the heat generated in their cells could reveal
Luke Mead ’26’s fascination with sci-
classroom. Working with Bryant Bio-
information about humans’ thermo-
ence, and the many ways in which it
logical and Biomedical Sciences Pro-
genesis process; the second project
can contribute to a better world, took
fessor Christopher Reid, Ph.D., during
involved fetal blood vessel research.
root at a fire department down the
his sophomore year, Mead created a
“We looked at different metabo-
street from his family’s home in sea-
pooled library of streptococcus pneu-
lites and how they either promote or
side Charlestown, Rhode Island.
moniae cells to test against Reid’s
inhibit angiogenesis, which is blood
The town’s emergency medical
novel antibiotic, masarimycin. Using
vessel formation in the human umbil-
services (EMS) and fire department
a CRISPR gene-editing program, he
ical vein,” Mead says.
— all of which are volunteer oper-
mutated bacteria and treated it with
These experiential opportunities,
ated — ran a junior firefighter pro-
masarimycin to see if any of the sam-
paired with his classroom education
gram and junior rescue program that
ples were resistant to the antibiotic.
in anatomy and bodily function, have
taught youth basic responsibilities in
abroad,
set him up for success, Mead says.
each respective field. Mead signed on
Mead hopped on a plane last summer
Recently taking an online EMT course
as a junior firefighter at age 14 and
to South Africa for Senior Lecturer of
on top of his academic and athletic
joined the EMS program a year later.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
schedules, Mead passed the national
Stephanie
Health
exam in March. He returned to his
personnel going through patient
Challenges” course. During the 17-day
beach hometown this summer — but
assessments and helping provide the
trip, students toured hospitals, heard
not, as many might do, to catch a
best care in pre-hospital settings to
from healthcare professionals, and
break and a wave before the next aca-
people of different cultures and back-
engaged with local history and cul-
demic year. Instead, he headed back
grounds throughout the town stood
tural experiences. For Mead, shad-
to the rescue that inspired his mission
out to me,” Mead says.
owing Roland Kroukamp, M.D., at a
to help others — this time, as a leader and a lifesaver in his own right.
“Seeing the patient care and EMS
Taking
his
education
Mott’s
“Global
Recruited to play lacrosse for Bry-
24-hour community health clinic in
ant, Mead came in as a Biology major
Cape Town was an eye-opening and
and has furthered his science and
memorable experience.
healthcare expertise in and out of the
—Emma Bartlett
“Watching how upbeat he was
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 8
7/24/25 1:24 PM
INNOVATE
Rising in Demand Insurance companies are withdrawing from climateimpacted markets. Studentdriven research is exploring alternative solutions
where they met with local partners. “It’s easy to get lost in the data after looking at it for so long. Seeing the human side by interacting with people who live there was sobering,” says Conor Kincaid ’25, an Applied Economics and Team and Project Management double major.
09
From visiting a mobile home park where students spoke with a resident who’d elevated her trailer onto a dirt mound to viewing an apartment building that was raised one-story high on concrete stilts to avoid flood damages, students learned about emergency response actions and how low-income community members are at the highest risk for flooding repercussions. Niu notes that the students’ work is part of a broader project on how communities can support each other when
The building was tall. But that didn’t stop the flood from submerging its first
private insurance companies and sectors are withdrawing from the market.
story and encroaching one foot into the second level, a local
“There’s too much risk for them, so people are in shortage
inn owner shared with Bryant undergraduates during a recent
of coverage or protection,” says Niu, adding that the Bryant
visit to Guerneville, California.
research team is working with InnSure, an organization
North of San Francisco, Guerneville is one of several towns along the Russian River. Built on a floodplain, Guerneville has
focused on finding insurance solutions to help with climate change risk.
experienced major floods in the past; however, these events
The information the students collected, which they are
are increasing in frequency and severity. Under the direction
turning into a report with recommendations, could help
of Mathematics and Economics Department Chair Gao Niu,
insurance companies and business sectors develop innovative
Ph.D., and Economics Lecturer Allison Kaminaga, Ph.D., six
ways to help those impacted by climate change. Niu plans to
students spent the spring semester exploring the economic
extend this work in the future by examining neighborhoods
impacts of repeat flooding by the Russian River. Sponsored
along the Russian River and focusing on different risks,
by Bryant’s Student Research Grants, undergrads followed up
including wildfires, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
their quantitative research with a visit to the town in April
—EB
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 9
7/24/25 1:24 PM
INSIGHT
machine learning, and mental health
new ways of examining it, could lead to
— and has led to a flurry of key publi-
a sea change in how we approach health
cations in prestigious journals includ-
issues,
ing IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health
“You’re able to look at a person in com-
Informatics and Proceedings of the ACM on
parison to the population as a whole.
Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiqui-
But you can also look at the person in
tous Technologies, many written in col-
relative comparison to themselves over
laboration with psychologists, computer
time,” Tlachac says. “Right now, a lot of
scientists, and other cross-disciplinary
our health standards are set at the pop-
experts.
ulation level rather than the individual
ML Tlachac is discovering the patterns that make us who we are We’re on the edge of a healthcare rev-
health.
level. And I see a lot of this research as
potential to do so much good — and I
helping to move it towards more of an
see so much research that needs to be
individualized, personalized medicine.”
Tlachac’s
10
mental
“This is a new field that has the
done,” Tlachac notes.
The Human Algorithm
particularly
most
The right signifiers could be used to recent
research
pre-program wearables to alert care
includes a review of datasets utilized to
teams when certain criteria are met —
assess depression using smartphone use
or inform users of issues before they
information, published in IEEE Transac-
become crises. “If it notices you're
tions on Affective Computing. An analysis
socially isolating yourself, it could call a
of perceptions of AI chatbots within the
pre-programmed care team for you, or
Bryant community, conducted alongside
provide context-sensitive interventions
other Bryant researchers and collected
such as suggesting: ‘Maybe this is a good
as part of a multi-center collaboration
time to take a few deep breaths or write
led by Ithaka S+R, was just accepted for
down three things you're grateful for or
publication by the Journal of Computer
go on a short walk,’” Tlachac offers. “It
Information Systems.
could help empower people to take more
Powerful artificial intelligence and
control of their mental health wellbeing.”
machine learning tools assist Tlach-
There are still mysteries to solve
ac’s efforts by helping to pluck out and
though. Every person is different, mean-
discover key mental signifiers across a
ing that every person’s data is differ-
range of sources, from studying text logs
ent; generalizations can be dangerous,
to examining audio.
Tlachac notes, which motivates the need intelligence,
for personalized medicines or interven-
tant Professor of Information Systems
we’re able to find patterns in the data
tions. And as powerful and sophisticated
and Analytics ML Tlachac, Ph.D. — and
that we as humans would not necessar-
as AI has become, it still requires a data
data science is leading the way. Amidst a
ily be able to find — or even ever think
scientist at the helm.
global mental health crisis, new advances
of,” Tlachac says.
olution, says Bryant University Assis-
“By
using
artificial
“We are using sophisticated models,
in how we see ourselves, and the tools
This work is also aided by the rise of
but there still needs to be a skeptical
we use to look, could be a lifesaving
wearable technology: smartphones and
human in the loop to interpret them, and
gamechanger.
watches, fitness trackers, and other per-
to question them,” says Tlachac.
“It’s incredible to watch history
sonal devices that generate vast quanti-
unfold — and to be able to help shape it,”
ties of information about our health, our
Tlachac notes.
habits, and how we live. “It's opened up
Tlachac’s research focuses on affective computing, which spans the intersection of human-computer interaction,
— SK
so many avenues and opportunities for researchers,” Tlachac notes. This new information, coupled with
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 10
7/24/25 1:24 PM
INSIGHT
Faculty Findings Scholarly breakthroughs from Bryant’s thought leaders in 2025 Interpreting the American Presidency: In his new book, What Does the American Presidency Mean?: The Need for Interpretation in Political Science, published in June by Routledge, Associate Professor of Political Science Richard Holtzman, Ph.D., delves into the evolving meaning of the U.S. presidency, emphasizing the importance of understanding its symbolic and practical dimensions in contemporary politics. Consumer Expectations in AI-Human Collaboration: The study "High Hopes, Hard Falls," co-authored by Marketing Associate Professor Kacy Kim, Ph.D., and Marketing Professor Sukki Yoon, Ph.D., and published in International Journal of Advertising, examines how consumers form expectations about AI-human collaborations in creative fields and their reactions when outcomes don't meet these expectations, highlighting the psychological impacts on brand perception. CSR Strategies and Stock Prices: Published in Managerial Finance, research by Assistant Professor of Finance Sonal Kumar, Ph.D., and colleagues analyzes the effects of responsive versus adaptive corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies on stock prices, revealing that while responsive CSR yields immediate positive reactions, adaptive CSR leads to long-term gains, especially for family-owned firms. Grunting and Athletic Performance: Research led by Associate Professor of Exercise and Movement Science Jason Sawyer, Ph.D., published in Scientific Journal of Sports and Performance, demonstrates that grunting during explosive movements, such as punches and jumps, can significantly increase power output and vertical jump height in trained martial artists, suggesting
11
practical applications in athletic training. Machine Learning in Auditing: Published in International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Assistant Professor of Accounting E. Jin Lee, Ph.D., explores the use of machine learning to aid auditors in making “going concern” decisions, proposing a model that enhances the accuracy and efficiency of audit opinions through data-driven analysis. Plant Wax as Environmental Indicator: Presented at the EGU General Assembly 2025 in Vienna, Biological and Biomedical Sciences Lecturer Robert Patalano ’08, Ph.D., and colleagues’ research utilized plant wax n-alkanes to track vegetation transitions and hydrological responses along elevation gradients in Lesotho, Southern Africa, offering insights into past climate conditions and human-environment interactions. Female Comedians as Disruptors: In her new book, Caught in the Crosshairs: Feminist Comedians and the Culture Wars, published in July by Indiana University Press, History, Literature, and the Arts Professor and Department Chair Amber Day, Ph.D., examines not only the work of comic icons Samantha Bee, Amy Schumer, Leslie Jones, and others but also the discourse surrounding their comedy. Social Media Feedback and Workplace Behavior: This research, led by Assistant Professor of Management Zahra Heydarifard, Ph.D., and published in the Journal of Managerial Psychology, examines how indirect feedback received through social media platforms can predict prosocial behaviors in the workplace, highlighting the role of online interactions in shaping employee conduct and organizational culture.
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 11
—CN
7/24/25 1:24 PM
PULSE
A Campus Abuzz Spring and early summer at Bryant was rife with activity, from daylong symposiums dedicated to faculty and student research to summits, performances, athletic victories, and visits from prominent alumni.
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: First-year students complete the balloon challenge during Innovation and Design Experience for All (IDEA); Vimbai Masiyiwa '17, CEO and creative director of Batoka Hospitality Group, speaks with students as a Presidential Executive in Residence; the Bryant Players perform CryBaby; more than 1,000 attendees gather for Bryant's 28th annual Women's Summit; students present research at REDay.
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 12
7/24/25 1:24 PM
PULSE
THIS
PAGE,
CLOCKWISE
FROM TOP: The Class of 2029 enjoys the sun during Orientation; Trustee Professor of Management Michael Roberto, DBA, snaps a selfie with graduating seniors at Commencement; Bryant University's 2025 Healthcare Summit explores the implications of AI in healthcare; Men's Basketball captures the America East title and heads to March Madness.
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 13
7/24/25 1:24 PM
P L AY B O O K
Dawg Mentality Teammates’ “one-two punch” powers a breakout season for women’s lacrosse Before
a
lacrosse
game,
Emily
against Stonybrook in the team’s home
DeGeorge ’26 goes inward, locking
opener, her first thought was to credit
in with a time-tested pregame ritual
her teammates. “They were setting
that includes a peanut butter and jelly
me up and we were bouncing off each
sandwich and an energy drink. The
other all day,” she reflects.
more extroverted Kaelynn O’Brien ’27, though, goes all in on the team’s psych-up dance parties — and notes
The pair call it “dawg mentality,” a
with pride that she can usually draw
collective drive among the Bulldogs to
DeGeorge in.
do the hard work and to do it together.
DeGeorge and O’Brien — “Georgie”
Beyond practices, the squad remains
and “K.O.B.” to their teammates —
intact — for team dinners, or study
have been called the “one-two punch”
sessions, or just hanging out between
of Bryant women’s lacrosse. But to
classes.
hear them tell it, it’s really more of a
14
A week later, they helped her break her record again.
dance: an intuitive give-and-take that allows the team to move as one on the field, and all the way to this year’s America East Championship game.
“We find a reason,” says O’Brien. When you’re that close, the bond pays off on the field. “We start to get a sense of each other’s tendencies, and you know
It’s a major feat, given that pre-
what everyone else is thinking,” says
season polls ranked them as serious
O’Brien. “We’ve always had the talent,
classmates — and to see that this
underdogs. The team took that as more
but this year we’ve really locked in with
could happen on our field— was
than a challenge; they saw it as an
our mindset.”
amazing,” O’Brien recalls.
affront. “It fired us all up,” DeGeorge
Call it camaraderie, call it esprit de
While the team fell short of being
reflects. “We wanted to prove them
corps; they call it their secret weapon
crowned champions, that just means
wrong.”
— and they used it to shock the America
there’s unfinished business to take
East Conference this year.
care of.
“We took it personally,” O’Brien agrees with a slight nod.
A decisive 10-goal victory over
O’Brien, who was named America
Binghamton University, last year’s
East Defender of the Year this season,
America East champion, marked their
points to the draw — the face-off at
arrival. “That’s when people started
the start of every half and after every
taking notice of us,” says DeGeorge.
goal — as an example of how the team
“We showed them what we could do.”
works together. “Georgie will be in the
Their winning season took them
center making the first move, but I’ll
to the program’s first championship
be at the edges waiting to move in,”
game, a triumph made all the sweeter
she explains. “It all flows together.”
because the tournament was hosted
DeGeorge is on the same page.
by Bryant. “To see everyone out there
After scoring a career-high six goals
in the crowd, all of our families and
“There’s more for us out there,” says Georgie. “We’re coming back next year,” K.O.B. agrees. — SK
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
Illustration by Artist’s Name 2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 14
7/24/25 1:24 PM
P L AY B O O K
Field House of Dreams Two alums contribute to the next bold chapter in Bryant athletics Mary Choquette ’99 beams with pride
connect the two.”
will be the accountant on site.” True to her word, Choquette handed
Fountain, who was an Accounting
a hard hat to Fountain when Gilbane
and
was selected in February 2024 to build
major at Bryant, is responsible for
the three-story, 45,000-square-foot
all financial aspects of the field
field house at the David M. '85 and
house project, including budgeting,
Terry Beirne Stadium Complex.
forecasting, and billing.
“If you told me in college that I
would
be
walking
around
a
Applied
Analytics
double
“Along with that, I deal with the project
manager,
engineers,
and
construction site in a vest, I wouldn’t
superintendents to make sure all are
have believed it,” says Fountain.
aligned with the financial forecast I
Fountain
produce,” she says. “I’ve had to learn
mixed with nostalgia as she introduces
impressing her as being adaptable as
this whole new construction industry
Laura Fountain ’18, who is working
well as personable. “Bryant prepares
language.”
as the lead accountant for Gilbane
you in the sense that the university
Fountain and Choquette say the
Building Co.’s construction of Bryant’s
makes you resourceful, to ask once and
completed field house will enhance
new Navigant Credit Union Field
not go back and ask again,” she says.
the Bryant experience for athletes
House, slated to open this fall.
Choquette
recalls
Fountain says her jobs, including
and fans alike. Designed to support
It’s a bit of deja vu for Choquette,
the field house project, have involved a
Bryant’s Division I football, soccer, and
vice president and controller of
high level of collaboration. “At Bryant,
lacrosse programs, the building will
Gilbane’s New England Division, who
every class I took had group projects,
provide a range of facilities, including
held the same position as Fountain
which taught me how to be a team
modern
when she was a recent Bryant graduate
player,” she says.
therapy areas, club level seating and
and supporting construction of the
At Gilbane, Fountain periodically
university's George E. Bello Center for
trades her desk for a seat inside a
Information and Technology.
trailer within the fences of the field
“I was two years into my career at
house construction site.
locker
rooms,
15
physical
concessions, press boxes, and coaches’ viewing areas. Fountain says she loves being part of a major campus expansion.
Gilbane, and they knew I was a Bryant
“What I appreciate most is that the
"It’s amazing to see the field house
grad,” Choquette recalls. “When we
superintendent will walk me around
get built from the ground up,” she
won the Bello project, I was told there
for an hour every week so I can see
says. “Having something new and
was no other accountant in New
what's going on,” she says. “It’s one
shiny on campus is exciting and helps
England better suited for this project
thing to sit in our Providence office
build community and a sense of pride
than me. Fast forward 24 years, we’re
and see the invoices come in from
about Bryant.”
interviewing Laura, and I told her the
the trades. It's another thing to see
next project we win for Bryant, she
what's happening on site, so I can
—BC
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
Photograph by Artist’s Name 2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 15
7/24/25 1:24 PM
P L AY B O O K
Jamion Christian coaching Pallacanestro Trieste in Italy.
16
Power Play New men’s basketball coach brings passion and power to Bryant’s next season Bryant new men’s basketball Head
Christian takes over a Bryant team
Coach Jamion Christian says his teams
riding the high of an America East
that
wherever you go, and that’s just not
you
are
the
environment
have a distinctive style on the court.
championship and March Madness
the case,” he says. Still, Christian
“We play fast, hard, and aggressive,”
appearance, with the promise of
takes pride in the fact that his George
says Christian, whose path to Bryant has
making a successful team even better.
Washington team beat two squads
included coaching at both the collegiate
He arrives with an impressive track
led by Hall of Fame coaches during
and professional level.
record. After
for
his tenure. “I learned that our system
Off the court, however, Christian
Mount St. Mary's, Siena, and George
helming
teams
works well enough that we could do
weighs “soft skills” equally with work
Washington University, Christian led
that, so that gives you confidence,” he
on things like practicing jump shots and
Italy's Pallacanestro Trieste to a Serie
says.
setting up screens.
A2 championship and a return to the
Christian’s success was earned
builds
country's top league, Serie A, for the
through sacrifice: his wife and young
collaborative, supportive, competitive
2024-25 season. He posted a 41-24
children remained in the United
teams,” he says. “Everybody wants to
record in his two seasons in Trieste.
States while he coached abroad, and
“I'm
a
person
who
be empowered as a person. Everybody
At times when success was elusive –
a desire to reunite with his family
wants to be part of something bigger
George Washington struggled to a 29-50
played no small role in his decision to
than themselves. And everybody wants
record in three seasons under Christian’s
accept the Bryant position.
to know how they can be better. It
leadership – he was able to walk away
works whether you’re coaching pros or
with important lessons.
college kids.”
“You can fool yourself into thinking
“I'm happy to get a chance to come back home and kiss my kids in the morning before I go to work,”
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 16
7/24/25 1:24 PM
P L AY B O O K
GOALS From the field to the office, meet four studentathlete alums who turned their passion for sports into athletics-related careers:
Ronald Hill ’14 A hurdler, sprinter, and jumper for the men’s track and field team, Hill graduated Bryant with a Communication degree. Today, he is a three-time Emmy awardwinning video editor who works at ESPN.
Tom Kennedy ’18, ’19MBA
he says. “Honestly, I’ve always loved
he says. “That’s a strong blueprint.”
Kennedy played four years of lacrosse and three years of football at Bryant. Earning his undergraduate degree in Accounting and obtaining his MBA a year later, he is now a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions.
Bryant. When I would come up here,
Christian wants his team to use
I would always tell my wife, ‘This
that physical stature to rebound
place is growing so much.’ I'd come
better and take more three-point
to a Bryant home game and see these
shots. He also wants to build a team
incredibly passionate fans dressed in
of “really good basketball players
Julia Ayres ’22
all white going crazy and all the new
who are appreciative of being at
buildings being built on campus.”
Bryant, have an ambition to grow
Graduating with an Actuarial Science degree, Ayres — a cross country and track and field athlete — is now the senior manager of football administration for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Christian’s undergraduate degree in communications and rhetoric is an asset in team building and leadership,
Bryant, and have a desire to grow the basketball team.” —BC
17
but he also takes a businesslike approach to his job. “Every time I've come into a program, I've done a 60-day SWOT
Veronica Wallace ’23, ’24MBA
assessment to get a sense of weakness
Wallace, a former member of the women’s track and field team, was a triple jumper and long jumper. A double Bulldog, she earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing followed by her MBA. Today, she is the corporate partnerships coordinator for Rhode Island FC — the state’s first pro soccer team.
and opportunities,” he says. Christian’s evaluation of Bryant basketball remains in progress, but he’s already figured out one important thing: size matters, both tactically and in the heart of his players. “The team we’re putting together will probably have only one guy in the
—EB
rotation that’s below six-foot-three,”
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 17
7/24/25 1:24 PM
Beyond the Archway EXPLORING THE UNIVERSITY’S LEGENDS, LANDMARKS, AND LITTLE-KNOWN LORE.
18
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 18
7/24/25 1:24 PM
BY EMMA BARTLETT, BOB CURLEY, AND STEPHEN KOSTRZEWA PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED BY BRYANT ARCHIVES, PAM MURRAY ILLUSTRATION BY SHAW NIELSEN
19
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 19
7/24/25 1:24 PM
The Traveling Arch Bryant
original
’62, ’92HMBA, then vice president of
archway was the South Hall portico of
University’s
Business Affairs, and Robert Hillier
its Providence campus on College Hill,
’92HMBA, architect of the Smithfield
which community members marched
campus, relocated it to where it is
through before commencement and
today; the Class of 1968 also had a
other celebratory events. Too big to
trust fund earmarked for moving
students avoided passing through it.
move to Smithfield, it stayed behind
the archway to the new campus.
A rumor started that walking through
when the building was acquired by
(Unofficially, the archway arrived
the arch before graduation jeopardized
Brown University. Instead, a wrought
after a group of students, wanting
your chances of graduating, which
iron archway embedded in South
a physical reminder of their days
resulted in worn paths on the ground
Hall’s main entrance was extracted and
on the former campus, uprooted it,
around the arch — inspiring a tradition
moved to the new Tupper campus.
loaded it on a truck, and planted it by
that continues today. After 17 years of
Bryant Pond.)
ruts, the Class of 1987 funded a brick
Officially, it’s said that a rigger moved
20
the
archway
at
Bryant’s
Immediately after the arch was
request, and that Frank Delmonico
transferred from the old campus,
pathway around the revered arch as their gift to Bryant.
—EB
For Whom the Bell Tolls From 1977 to 2005, a 40-foot triangular clock and bell tower with a three-faced dial clock and pre-recorded chime system towered over campus between the Unistructure and the Koffler Center and Communications Complex. The structure, veneered with brown brick, was a gift from the Class of 1976. Featuring a bell from the homestead of Earl Tupper ’68H, who donated the land for the Smithfield campus to Bryant, the carillon played Westminster Chimes at regular intervals throughout the day — bringing back a tradition from the university’s Providence campus where a bell on the roof of South Hall would mark when classes began and were dismissed. The tower had several unique quirks when it was erected. For starters, its clockwork was not tied into the university’s master clock system, causing it to display a different time than the rest of the clocks at Bryant. Additionally, an amplifier change was necessary so the chimes, which would sound on the hour, didn’t ring in the middle of the night. The tower was removed in 2005 during the Koffler Center expansion and plaza renovations. Today, the bell is silent, but it has been preserved and is now held in storage by Bryant’s Office of Facilities Management. —EB
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 20
7/24/25 1:24 PM
If These Walls Could Talk
Candy was dandy The Candy Store, located on the Unistructure’s main level where Faculty Suite A is now, was well-known to students, staff, faculty, and even presidents with a sweet tooth. From 1974 to 1986, you could buy candy bars, penny candy, munchies, and cigarettes at the shop.
Where the Good Times Rolled
Floating on a memory A swimming pool was one of the most requested
Bowling was a popular campus activity throughout the 1970s
items for the new Smithfield campus. Rather than
and ’80s with intramural teams such as the Alley Kats, Gutter
a full-sized pool in the gymnasium that would be
Dusters, and Billion Dollar Bowlers filling up rosters.
used primarily by the varsity team and for classes,
When constructing the Smithfield campus, Bryant built four
Dean Lionel Mercier ’30, ’71H proposed a smaller
tenpin bowling lanes within the Unistructure, which were
one in the Unistructure that would be accessible for
used by the varsity bowling team as well as leagues formed by
everyone. Though it was filled in during renovations
the university’s students, administrators, and secretarial staff.
and replaced by the Chace Wellness Center pool,
Known as Bryant Lanes, the venue was a campus hotspot, and
the skylight remains — now welcoming visitors to
fraternities and sororities regularly touted their scores in The
Bryant’s Office of Admission.
21
Archway student newspaper’s “Greek News” section. In 1976, the bowling lanes were moved from the Unistruc-
A high bar for success
ture to the new Koffler student center, which later became
The Country Comfort began life in 1971 as a
the Koffler Center and Communications Complex. Due to the
coffeehouse where students could relax, listen to
building's circular shape, however, it was not wide enough to
music, and grab a snack — and, later on, alcohol (it
fit the entire length of the bowling alley — resulting in a square
also enjoyed a brief second life as The Cornerstone
extension to its basement, where the alley was to be located. The
Pub). Today, its spirit lives on as the Art Barn, a forum
underground extension also incorporated a second alteration,
for creating and appreciating art.
a tunnel adjacent to the bowling alley that included a walkway between the Unistructure and student center.
Bryant's original bar, The Rathskeller offered libations to thirsty students for less than a quarter
Bryant's student center eventually moved to a new building in
from 1971-1975. It would go on to have several other
1986, and when the previous site was transformed into a tech-
occupants, including a branch of the Small Business
nology center, the bowling alley was removed to make way for a
Administration and the John H. Chafee Center for
classroom with 31 IBM Personal System/2 computers.
International Business, and is now home to the
Students continue to use the underground route today, though — even if bowling is no longer up their alley.
—EB
Office of Counseling Services and Department of Public Safety.
— SK
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 21
7/24/25 1:24 PM
Wading into Shenanigans • In 1983, pranksters emptied detergent into Bryant Pond, creating a huge bubble bath. • In the 1980s, a student waterskied across the pond using a car, tow rope, and a fiberglass water ski. • In 1977, one student’s car mysteriously ended up in the water. • During the winter, students ice skated and played hockey on the pond when it froze over; on warm spring days they wiled away the hours floating on inflatable tubes. —EB
22
Once Upon(d) a Time What and who has been in the pond? • Bryant students: Being thrown into the pond for your birthday or taking a dip prior to graduation were time-honored traditions. • Fish: Bass and sunfish live in the pond today; however, one student reported bumping into an eight-inch-long white goldfish during a plunge, according to a 1983 Archway article. • Rubber ducks: An annual duck race takes place each year during Family and Friends Weekend. The rubber ducks make their way across the pond and under the bridge that bisects it; the first 20 to cross the finish line win their patrons a prize. • Ronald K. Machtley ’21H: The former Bryant University president announced that he would jump in Bryant Pond if 50 percent of the Class of 2009 contributed to their senior class gift. He fulfilled his promise and made a splash at the end of the academic year. —EB
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 22
7/24/25 1:24 PM
The Case of the Campus Cat Tracking down Bryant's decades-old feline mystery
that once called Bryant home. She told me that he had once been in Sweetie until she passed. And she told me that Goofy
He appears like a ghost by Bryant Pond,
real name: “Goofy.”
silent, sleek, and dark. The elusive black cat
Because the cat lived by the Interfaith
who stalks the campus has been a subject of
Center, all signs pointed to Director of
speculation across Bryant’s community for
Campus Ministry and Jewish Chaplain
years. Despite his celebrity, however, his
Rabbi Steven Jablow as my next lead.
black rumpled fur, amber eyes, and high-
Unfortunately, he had little information
pitch meow are his only calling cards.
but promised to keep on the case.
I saw it as a mystery to be solved.
–
although decidedly feral – has forged bonds with her and others over the years. He wasn’t a mystery, just a good kitty who mostly kept to himself. With the case closed, I now wonder what Goofy thinks about
The trail went quiet for a few weeks
Bryant — how its grown, the rotation
I started my investigation by rounding
until there was a breakthrough. Rabbi
of students, and our fascination with
up the usual suspects, including Bryant
Jablow had discovered that someone
him. Maybe for Goofy, the university
University Photographer Pamela Murray,
from Bryant’s Facilities Management
is the mystery: one he ponders as he
a known associate of the cat who’d
department had been taking care of
sits on the hill by the Fisher Student
miraculously managed to capture him
Goofy.
Center,
looking back and forth,
on film. She led me to the Ronald K. and
His tip brought me to custodian
Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center’s back
Rachel Lepore, who says she’s been
sinks beneath the horizon.
entrance, where she revealed his hideout
feeding Goofy for 20 years. She also told
Then he trots to Lepore’s
— which someone had furnished with a
me his story.
plush cat bed, three bowls of dry cat food, a dog-sized water bowl, and toys. Murray also tipped me off to the cat's
Lepore said Goofy got his name from the quirky way he walked and that he
23
love and caught birds for his partner
back and forth, until the sun
car as she arrives for third shift and greets the person he calls home.
—EB
had been part of a large group of cats BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 23
7/24/25 1:24 PM
Timeless Artifacts 4. Aerosmith ad: $3 got students a front row ticket to an Aerosmith concert in
1. Golden Bulldog: Seniors gifted a golden bulldog to the university in 1999.
the Bryant gym on February 22, 1974, as advertised in The Archway. The 2001
The life-size representation of Tupper, Bryant’s beloved mascot — weighing
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
approximately 125 pounds, base included
had just released their debut studio
— is currently housed in the Bulldog
album the previous year and were about
Room of the Elizabeth and Malcolm
to launch their nationwide Get Your Wings Tour following the release of their
Chace Wellness and Athletic Center.
second album. 2. JFK telegram: John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United
5. Berlin Wall fragment: Before he was
States, sent a telegram to Bryant Col-
Bryant University’s seventh president,
lege President E. Gardner Jacobs ’21,
Ronald Machtley served as a U.S. Con-
’23MBA , ’69H congratulating the insti-
gressman, and his role on the Armed Ser-
tution on its centennial in 1963. The tele-
vices Commitee took him to Berlin, Ger-
gram was sent four days before Kenne-
many, in late 1989. Seeing that others had
dy's assassination in Dallas, Texas.
taken pieces of the recently fallen Berlin Wall as souvenirs, Machtley wanted to
24
3. Bryant medallion: Bryant's president
secure a piece of history for himself.
wears the Bryant University medallion
Two military escorts brought him to a
during academic ceremonies. One side
hole in the wall outside of the city proper,
of the medallion bears the University seal
where he climbed through to the East
and the other lists the names of Bryant's
Berlin side and, using a sledgehammer,
presidents. The Latin phrase on the seal,
removed a few pieces of the wall. Macht-
“Cognitio Virtus Successus,” translates
ley would go on to donate them to Rhode
to “Knowledge, Character, Success.”
Island schools — including Bryant. —EB
Famous Words of Wisdom Prominent visitors have shared their insights with the Bryant community over the years.
1945
1996
Thomas J. Watson ’45H, president of
Maya Angelou, author, poet, activist,
IBM: “This college, entering the field
and performer: “There's a world of
of business education in 1863, is truly
difference between being educated
a pioneer institution and deserves
and being trained. The most noble
great credit for the contributions it
cause in the world is the liberation of
has made…”
the mind and spirit — beginning with our own.”
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
Illustration by Artist’s Name 2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 24
7/24/25 1:24 PM
Stories in Stone
Glory, Grit, and Mud
Bryant’s campus is home to six known historical cemeteries,
Little-known
tended by students who also visit to study local history and take
community:
facts
from
Bryant’s
athletic
rubbings of gravestones. The more prominent lots include:
• Several members of the Bryant community
Dr. Simeon Brown Lot
have competed in the Olympic Games. Ben-
This small family plot outside the Business Entrepreneurship
jamin Schulte ’18 swam for Guam in 2012 and
Leadership Center includes the final resting place of Brown,
2016, Natalia Kuipers ’24 swam for the U.S. Virgin
his wife, and their son.
Islands in 2020 and 2024, and former men’s and women’s cross country and track and field head
Daniel Mowry Lot
coach Stephanie Reilly ran for Ireland in 2012.
A lot containing 69 graves, including that of Judge Daniel Mowry, Jr., a Revolutionary War veteran and Continental Con-
• The New England Patriots held their training
gress delegate, can be found near the Facilities Management
camp at Bryant from 1976 to 2002, including the
building.
year they won their first Super Bowl! During the team’s down time, team owner Robert Kraft ’97H
Nathan Aldrich Lot
and his wife fed the fish in Bryant Pond, and play-
Located between the rugby and field hockey fields and Rogler
ers caught bullfrogs.
Farm Road is a stone-walled cemetery with 20 graves, including that of Nathan Aldrich, Jr., a member of a prominent
• Oozeball – a volleyball tournament played in
Quaker family.
12 inches of mud – became a popular annual campus activity starting in 1983. Played on
Thomas Smith Lot
a 30-by-60-foot mud court, the pit was con-
Bryant’s most easily located cemetery is just off the main
structed with the aid of a local swimming pool
entrance to the Tupper campus on the right as you drive in.
company and 7,000 gallons of water.
This lot includes the grave of Thomas Smith — a descendant of the settlers who lent Smithfield their name.
25
—EB
—BC
Learn more about famous visitors on Bryant News.
2008
2010
George H. W. Bush ’08H, 41st Pres-
Elie Wiesel, author, professor, politi-
Special thanks to Adriana Minacapilli, library
ident of the United States: “Here at
cal activist, Nobel laureate, and Holo-
assistant for collection management and digital
Bryant, to their everlasting credit,
caust survivor: “Indifference is the
services at Bryant University, and the staff of
they’ve taught you that character
greatest sin... My commandment is,
the Douglas and Judith Krupp Library for their
matters as much as knowledge. No
‘Thou shall not stand idly by.’”
assistance with Beyond the Archway.
amount of fame or fortune is worth
—SK
losing your very soul.” BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
Photograph by Artist’s Name 2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 25
7/24/25 1:24 PM
Global Alchemy How Bryant students guided one of the world’s oldest companies through unprecedented change in international trade. BY STEPHEN KOSTRZEWA PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAM MURRAY & KERRI RUBINO ’25 MBA
Metalsmith Avedis Zildjian was a student of change. A maker of musical instruments for the court of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, he also dabbled in alchemy: the art of transmutation and transfiguration. Yet it was through science and the labor of his own hands that Zildjian achieved a very different kind of magic. Since 1623, his business has kept the rhythm of the world. The Avedis Zildjian Company is the oldest manufacturer of percussive musical instruments — from cymbals to drumsticks to drumkits to, more recently, e-kits — and is one of the oldest continuously operating global companies. Zildjian, still family-owned, has withstood international conflicts, the rise and fall of empires, and more than four centuries of innovation and upheaval. They’ve made their own mark on the world as well. The Zildjian family name — which means “son of a cymbal smith” — is etched, literally, into the history of art and culture. This spring, Andrew Smetana ’25 added his own name into that history. As Smetana, a self-taught musician who can play the piano, the guitar, the bass, and, of course, the drums, wandered through the showroom of Zildjian’s Norwell, Massachusetts, headquarters, he marveled at the legends brought to life around him with each step. Passing through the company’s many showcases, he was met by a new icon every few feet: the drumkit used by Gene Krupa to bring the house down with “Sing, Sing, Sing (with a Swing)”; a replica of the Ludwig Super Classic that helped Ringo Starr power Beatlemania; even the set Animal the Muppet, thrashed alongside Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, much to Kermit the Frog’s dismay. >>
26
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 26
7/24/25 1:49 PM
27
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 27
7/24/25 1:49 PM
28
A collection of musicians’ photos and autographed cymbals line the walls, each with their own wild story and important legacy, and each paying tribute to the Zildjian instruments that helped them find their groove. “I saw some of the coolest things I’d ever seen in my life,” Smetana admits. But he also promised himself that the grandeur wouldn’t blind him to the job that needed to be done. This past semester, Smetana and his team of Bryant Global Supply Chain Management seniors — including Alexis Diamantes ’25, Jessica Gaskin ’25, Alexis Klein ’25, and Kelvyn Strong ’25 — all became a part of the Zildjian tradition. Tasked with helping the centuries-old company improve their supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance delivery performance, they would step into an unprecedented moment for both Zildjian and for the world. Mid-project, the 2025 global trade war would crash down on the legendary music company. “I came to Bryant because I wanted a hands-on education. And that’s exactly what I got,” Smetana laughs.
transformation, as well. Arguably more than any other field, the global supply chain runs the world. From the distribution of life-saving vaccines to securing the pipeline of parts for the latest videogame system, the supply chain courses through nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Roethlein aims to prepare his pupils to be masters of that universe. Over the last eight years alone, the senior practicum program, through which undergraduates serve as professional consultants for real companies, has saved corporate partners an estimated $270 million. Roethlein’s client list includes a long tally of household names and other, quieter, organizations that keep the country and the world running. More than 660 students have collaborated on 128 projects for more than 100 different companies since the practicum was first introduced. This past semester alone, supply chain practicum teams collaborated with National
Grid, Edesia Nutrition, Large Construction Company, Pratt & Whitney, and Hayward Holdings in addition to Zildjian — advising them on issues ranging from waste reduction to facility expansion to supplier performance reporting. The practicum has become a signature program at Bryant and a unique resource for companies in every industry — one with a reputation for, and track record of, success. “We are the only college in the United States that has a program like this,” states Roethlein with the quiet confidence of a man who has spent his life sweating the details. Tested by industry before dedicating his life to teaching — and known for both his attention to precision and ability to put the pieces together — Roethlein considers the practicum the purest extension of himself. The program’s success is founded on an uncompromising commitment to excellence, matched by a dedication to
Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management Chris Roethlein, Ph.D., who founded Bryant’s Global Supply Chain Practicum in 2010, has been preparing his students for moments like this his entire teaching career. In a way, his business is BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 28
7/24/25 1:24 PM
ensuring that students are ready to lead from their first day on the job, no matter the industry they choose. “Our role is to elevate our students and bring them to a higher level,” shares Roethlein. “We expect more from the supply chain capstone students because they can do a little more.” So, whether they’re helping global leaders discover new ways to stay ahead of the game, or supporting a legend like Zildjian as they weather a global sea change, disruption isn’t a problem. It’s an opportunity. “One of the things that I really push is creating a sense of urgency,” reflects Roethlein. “Students need to appreciate that, in the business world, you have to have a sense of urgency to get things done. You have to be organized and you have to be able to plan ahead — but you also have to be able to adapt quickly. “When they confront something unexpected,” he says, “it gives them a chance to rise to that challenge.”
Each member of the Bryant practicum team had specifically selected the Zildjian project; some for the challenge it presented, others because they aimed to work in a related industry. For Smetana, it was more personal. “This is a company that means so much to so many people,” he notes. “I wanted to help make a difference for them using the skills I had developed.” Advised by Roethlein and Marketing Professor Michael Gra-
“The Zildjian story is an unusual one in the annals of long-standing family businesses in that it blends old-world traditions and new world opportunities,” Bryant President Emeritus William T. O’Hara ’90H noted in his book Centuries of Success, a study of some of the most enduring family-run companies in the world.
vier, Ph.D., who spent more than a decade as an Air Force logistics officer, the team immediately set to work by meeting with company leaders and collecting data. It took a moment for the undergraduates to build the rapport needed to do their jobs as trusted partners, the students admit, but their dedication and acumen won the company over. “I feel like they respected us as colleagues,” says Diamanates. That trust also gave the team license to innovate. Bill Lawrence, Zildjian’s senior vice president of operations, says the company initially presented the consultants “with a general idea, a disjointed dataset of suppliers, and a hope that they would be able to find some meaningful supply chain improvements.” Though they had no background in instrument manufacturing, the students applied what they had learned through their supply chain coursework to dissect its nuances. They discovered that while Zildjian’s cymbals are manufactured in Norwell, and
its drumsticks are crafted in Newport, Maine, the company sources the raw materials for its products both domestically and internationally before selling them around the world. “We got a behind–the-scenes look at manufacturing, artist work, and product development,” notes Klein. From there, they devised ways to streamline logistics and vendor management to support Zildjian’s growth across its business units. By drawing together data from a variety of sources, they developed a full picture of the company’s needs and practices and used that knowledge to evaluate vendors — analyzing everything from price to product scope to international shipping routes — and guide sourcing decisions. A spend analysis helped them identify cost-saving, efficiency, and purchasing opportunities. For Smetana, the project added a new dimension to his respect for Zildjian’s products. “Working with them gave me a deeper appreciation for how a company
29
BRYANT BRYANT| |SUMMER SPRING ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 29
7/24/25 1:24 PM
30
can preserve its heritage while still remaining competitive,” he says. The cost of success, and of change, he notes, does not have to be one’s soul. With the supply chain vendor consolidation process now in hand, the team decided to add a second element to the project. Led by Gaskin and Strong, they would also investigate mitigating tariff risks — a key concern for the international company, which has raw materials coming in, and finished products going out, constantly. But when the Trump administration announced a sudden, and unprecedented, wave of global tariffs in April, even a company as time-tested as Zildjian was thrown for a loop.
Jason Kelly, the director of Bryant’s John H. Chafee Center for International Business, was at the State International Development Organization’s 2025 Washington Leadership Forum, which assembles U.S. trade directors and top federal and international officials to discuss
critical trade policy and legislative issues, when the tariffs were announced. “It was chaos,” he recalls. “Suddenly, people who had built their careers on knowing every detail had no answers.” Global trade relies on stability, notes Kelly, a former consultant for the U.S. Department of State who, before coming to Bryant, served as executive vice president for Moran Shipping Agencies. Any sort of change has reverberations that extend to every industry — from baby products to electronics to, yes, even cymbals produced in the United States. So when the world’s greatest superpower announced unexpected and sweeping tariffs, it set the word ablaze — and sent companies large and small scrambling in ways that will extend far into the future. The events of April 2025 might serve as a wake-up call, says Kelly: Every business is an international business and no one can afford to ignore the global landscape. It’s also part two of a primer on the intricacies and importance of the global supply chain — an education that began with empty shelves at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet amidst the chaos, this was the sort of moment where Bryant thrives, Kelly notes. Not only is it an incredible teaching tool for students, he says; it’s an opportunity to leverage the talents of the university’s faculty and students to benefit the greater community. “If you’re a problem-solver,
this is the business for you, and Bryant is full of problem-solvers,” Kelly reflects.
With the introduction of the tariffs, the Bryant team pivoted to helping Zildjian ride new waves in the international commerce scene. They recruited Bryant Executive in Residence June Youngs, who has helped solve national and international supply chain issues for Hasbro, Nabisco, Ocean Spray Cranberries, and, most recently, CVS Health, as their in-house expert. “She was pretty incredible to talk to,” Smetana notes. “She’s seen just about everything.” But no one had seen anything quite like this before. It meant rethinking their work to date, and a more intensive project, but the Bryant consultants weren’t complaining. “I loved how we had the chance to respond to real-world events and pivot,” says Strong. The group returned to basic principles, taking the concepts they learned in the classroom and finding ways to apply them in new ways. They examined the ins and outs of international commerce and formulated creative solutions that complied with both Zildjian’s best practices and international law. In short, the Bryant student consultants did a little alchemy of their own. Working together and with Zildjian’s teams, they developed a comprehensive plan for the company to limit tariff-associated risks, including refining sourc-
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 30
7/24/25 1:24 PM
ing strategies. They also drafted proposals to take advantage of free and foreign trade zones in the United States that are considered outside of Customs jurisdiction, as well as duty drawback programs — government initiatives that refund certain duties, taxes, and fees paid on imported goods used to manufacture products that are then exported. Even tweaks to how Zildjian manages and packages its products could help reduce exposure to duties and tariffs. “Especially now, with tariffs being a hot topic, our findings could be useful for numerous companies that may not be on top of the legalities that come with international business,” notes Strong. Ultimately, the Bryant consulting team was able to identify potential savings opportunities for Zildjian in the range of $500,000 to $1 million over a three- to fiveyear window — an impressive result for a semester of work. Some of their recommendations are currently being implemented, while others continue to be refined, but the students’ efforts have already made a difference. “They uncovered new approaches to our supply chain, new avenues to recover previous costs, and ways to save costs going forward,” says Zildjian’s Lawrence. “The ideas and strategies developed by the Bryant team have made a significant and lasting impact on the Zildjian supply chain.” Practice makes perfect, notes Smetana — but nothing beats performing live. "Working with a globally recognized brand like
Zildjian has strengthened my problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, and confidence in working with industry professionals," he says. The team also learned something about their serious, focused professor: Roethlein is a closet music geek. “Almost every day before class, I’d stop by his office and we would talk about music,” recalls Smetana, from the Grateful Dead to Metallica to Kiss. As a token of their thanks, Zildjian gifted a pair of cymbals to the Bryant Global Supply Chain Management program, which Roethlein proudly placed on the wall of the university’s new Global Supply Chain Lab. They’re a reminder of a tough job well done — and their own symbol of a unique moment in history. The team had not only survived their trial by fire; they excelled. And they’d undergone a transformation of their own. Avedis Zildjian was only 22 when he began to perfect his cymbal-making methods — about the same age as Bryant’s practicum students. Defying 3,000 years of tradition and convention, he discovered a new way of forging metal so flexible it could be repeatedly heated, rolled, and hammered into the finest instruments. His innovation changed the world — and became a gold standard for excellence that would reverberate throughout history. More than four centuries later, five Bryant practicum students continued that legacy amidst a
globe in turmoil. While necessity may be the mother of invention, its lasting impact is forged in the fires of dedication and tempered by experience, knowledge, and adaptability. Even legends evolve, they learned, as they meet the world around them — offering new wisdom with each passing generation while still retaining the truth, and beauty, at their core. It’s a feat of alchemy and performance that Avedis would applaud.
31
Additional reporting by Bob Curley
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 31
7/24/25 1:24 PM
32
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 32
7/24/25 1:49 PM
Bulldog Bonds From campus romance to intergenerational legacies and business relationships, these are a few stories from Bryant’s connected community.
33
BY BOB CURLEY, STEPHEN KOSTRZEWA, JACOB MARROCCO, AND CASEY NILSSON
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 33
7/24/25 1:50 PM
Compounding Interest: Joe wasn’t dissuaded, however. “I told her to ask her sorority sister about me,”
They laugh now at the chaos of their
he says. “I had a job, wore a suit to class,
early marriage — including a hon-
carried a briefcase. I thought that might
eymoon mishap involving a forgot-
help my case.”
ten wallet, missing travelers’ checks,
He asked a third time and offered to
and a locked vintage suitcase — but
take her to dinner at Capriccio, one of the
those years set the tone for what would
nicest restaurants in Providence. Joe had
become a full life together with their two
100 hard-earned dollars in his pocket
kids and many beloved dogs.
and a plan to spend every dime.
Joe’s career took them from Rhode
“I said yes,” Kathi says. “I mean, it was
Island to Ohio, California, Michigan,
Capriccio. But also, I realized he wasn’t
and Minnesota. He held executive roles
like the others. He was thoughtful, kind.
at AlliedSignal and Honeywell before
He paid attention.”
becoming CEO of Apogee Enterprises.
Their first date was Valentine’s Day, 1980. By April, they were engaged.
34
feel completely protected.”
“We were walking in the trees behind
Persistence pays
the Unistructure,” Joe remembers. “I told
“He gave me butterflies,” says Kathi (Jure-
her I wanted to marry her.”
Kathi, a shoe buyer turned volunteer guide dog trainer, adapted through each move. Eventually, they drifted away from Bryant. “Life just moved on,” Joe says.
wicz) Puishys ’81 with a smile.
Kathi said yes, but not before making it
That changed, though, after a call
But it wasn’t always the case.
clear that she wanted to finish her senior
from the university’s alumni office. One
Joe Puishys ’80, who serves as vice
year at Bryant.
shared story led to another, which led
chair of Bryant’s Board of Trustees, first
Joe was career-focused, already jug-
to a renewed sense of connection. “It
spotted Kathi in Bryant’s Rotunda in the
gling school and a demanding job. Kathi
reminded us of what Bryant meant to
fall of 1977 and, for a long time, she didn’t
was the more studious of the two. “He
us,” Kathi says.
even know he existed.
never went to the library until he started
The Puishys have since established a
“He says we met,” she laughs. “But I
dating me,” she laughs. “And even then,
scholarship fund for students from mil-
didn’t meet him for another three years.”
he’d show up with a book, sit next to me
itary and first responder families. Their
for ten minutes, and fall asleep.”
most visible contribution to Bryant —
Joe, a sophomore, was immediately struck. “She had this long, blonde hair
“I studied her,” Joe says. “Not the books.”
the Puishys Residence Complex, which
down her back and I just thought, wow.
He won her over with small, consis-
will open for juniors and seniors this fall
That’s the one,” he says. “But I was in a
tent displays of kindness and humor. He
fraternity, working a corporate job, and
showed up to her dorm with little gifts,
“We wanted to do something mean-
honestly not looking to settle down.”
— cements their legacy on campus.
taught her how to shift gears in his man-
ingful,” says Joe. “A place where students
Kathi was busy, too, joining a sorority,
ual Toyota Corolla, and once left a bot-
could build the kinds of friendships and
digging into her coursework, and navi-
tle of her favorite perfume in his glove
memories we did.”
gating her first year at Bryant.
compartment. He even gave her a giant
As for those butterflies Joe gave her so
Joe kept his distance until his senior
stuffed bear, nearly her size, named "The
long ago — the ones that didn’t miracu-
year. “I figured, it’s now or never,” he
General" after his fraternity nickname.
lously appear but were earned?
There was also the cowboy hat. “He
“They’re still there,” she says.
says. “So I asked her out.” She turned him down. Twice.
used to wear this big brown hat, like
“I knew he was a Delta Sig,” Kathi says.
Clint Eastwood,” Kathi recalls. “When he
Turn to page 39 to learn more about the
hugged me, I’d stand under the brim and
Puishys Residence Complex.
“And that was a no-go for me.” BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 34
7/24/25 1:24 PM
Bryant Romances
Risk, return, romance
An old-fashioned love song
You belong with me
For Jonathan and Tiffany (Carter) Manheim,
Brooke Barchard '02 and Randy Rossi ‘01
Kimberly (Doell) and Gabrielle Alicia Wil-
both ’16, an Intro to Finance course was an
tuned into love at WJMF, Bryant’s radio sta-
lette, both ’12, ’23MBA, met as undergradu-
introduction to love. Jonathan says he found
tion, where Randy was the general manager
ates and fell in love. But their Bryant story
himself “absolutely captivated” by Manheim
and Brooke had her own show. One day,
hadn’t quite reached happily ever after
from early on, but their romance officially
Randy asked Brooke to play one of his favor-
yet; the pair later re-enrolled in the part-
began when they reconnected at a mutual
ite songs, which led to their first date on Val-
time MBA program together. “We planned
friend’s birthday a few years after gradua-
entine's Day. The couple recently celebrated
our wedding and did our MBA at the same
tion — and shared their first kiss. The two
their 22nd wedding anniversary and have
time,” says Kimberly, who married Gabri-
got married in 2023, surrounded by friends,
two daughters "who never tire of hearing
ella in October 2022. Seven months later,
family, and, of course, fellow Bryant alumni,
how much we love Bryant because it brought
the pair celebrated again at their graduate
and welcomed a daughter in 2024.
us together," they say.
commencement before taking off for a Tay-
35
lor Swift concert.
Signed, sealed, delivered Kathy (Anter) Orovitz ’04 was working a day job at a bank and paying her way through night classes at Bryant when a friend asked her to bring a letter to a tall, dark-haired man in her oceanography course. Kathy hadn’t noticed him before and, after delivering the note to Dan ’00,
Read Orovitz's story on Bryant News.
’08MBA, she didn’t give it much more
I wanna dance with somebody
thought. But Dan, now a VP at Washing-
When Emily Baez ’08 and Daniel Willis ’08
ton Trust Company, was taken with her.
danced the night away at a Bryant party,
After the two developed a friendship as
sparks flew. The evening created an "insepara-
study partners, she invited him back to
ble bond between a southern boy from Geor-
her brother’s house and the rest is history.
gia and a Dominican girl from Massachusetts,"
“I still don’t know what was in that letter,”
says Emily. The pair tied the knot in 2009 and
Kathy, who is now CEO of Navigant Credit
have since welcomed three daughters to their
Union, says with a laugh. They’ve been
family — who they can’t wait to take to Bryant
married since 2001 and have one daughter.
football games. BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 35
7/24/25 1:24 PM
Family Holdings: Bryant
To Bryant and back again
Accounting for legacy
When the Hart Zarozny family gets together, it’s more than a fam-
“I always tell people, if it weren’t for Bryant, I wouldn’t be here,”
ily reunion; it’s a Bryant reunion. Ten members of their extended
laughs John “Jack” Renza Jr. ’70. He’s not just talking about the
family have passed under the Smithfield campus’s Archway.
success he’s found in his accounting career; his parents John
“It was the drive onto campus that first sealed the deal,” remem-
36
bers Sheryl (Hart) Zarozny ’86, who transferred to Bryant College as a sophomore in the fall of 1983.
Renza Sr. ’43 and Marie (Teigue) Renza ’43 met and fell in love as Bryant students.
After serving in World War II, John Sr. married Marie and
Sheryl moved onto campus alongside her brother Dan Hart ’87,
was hired on as a professor of accounting and mathematics
who was starting as a first-year; it was through Dan that Sheryl
at Bryant, a position he would hold for 23 years. “My father
met her future husband, Bruce Zarozny ’86. Dan was rushing
loved this school so much,” says Renza Jr., noting that the elder
Bruce’s fraternity and the two hit it off at the campus’s Country
Renza was awarded the key to the University in 2009. “They
Comfort pub. At that point, Bruce was already part of a Bryant
gave him a job where he came to make a difference in so many
legacy of his own, including his brother Wayne ’79, sister Karen
lives.”
’75, and brother-in-law Richard McGrath ’75. Bruce and Sheryl fell in love, graduated, and got married. But that wasn’t the end of the Zarozny family’s Bryant connections. Their three children Adam ’16, Alicia ’18, and Alexa (Lexi) ’22
From an early age, Renza Jr. received his own education in all things Bryant . When it came time to choose a college, it was no choice at all. Both he and his brother Gerald ’80MBA were the next threads in the family’s longstanding Bryant ties.
all chose to attend Bryant, as did their niece, Wayne’s daughter
Renza Jr. forged his own path at Bryant, both as a student
Brittany ’13. The Zarozny’s encouraged their son and daughters to
and post-, including as a member of the Board of Trustees
visit a number of schools across the country but, in the end, they
and as president of the Alumni Association. Along the way, he
all decided to go to school at Bryant for some of the same reasons
picked up his father’s love of the accounting profession and
their parents did, including the close-knit community.
teaching.
The Zaroznys continue to make new Bryant bonds, as well.
As favorite Bryant moments go, however, he ranks as one of
Sheryl, Adam, and Bruce have all returned to campus as alumni
the highest seeing his son John Renza III ’08MBA receive his
mentors for Bryant’s Innovation and Design Experience for All
own degree from the university.
(IDEA) program and Sheryl has mentored students through the
Today, the Renza legacy continues on through the Mary E.
university’s Women in Leadership course, which pairs Bryant
and John S. Renza Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which
seniors with accomplished professionals.
aids new generations of Bryant students in pursuing a career in accounting — and their own dreams.
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
Illustration by Artist’s Name 2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 36
7/24/25 1:24 PM
Legacies Capital Gains: Bulldogs in Business THINK GLOBALLY, ACT WITH FRIENDS
GOOD FRIENDS MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS
When Ryan Letourneau ’11 decided he
“I'm thrilled to be here representing two
wanted to help change the world, he
institutions that mean a lot to me,” noted
knew who he had to turn to. He had
Adam Joffe ’93, ’95MBA, head of asset man-
first met Jason Dodier ’09 as student
agement compliance, risk and business
senators and they remained connected
operations at Fidelity Investments, at the
when they both joined the multina-
grand opening of the university’s Business
tional energy management company
Entrepreneurship Leadership Center.
Schneider Electric.
Strength in numbers
“He’s the best salesperson I ever met,” Letourneau marvels.
Access to Bryant students is one of the reasons Fidelity came to Smithfield in the first place and, today, more than 700 Bryant
When Hannah O’Brien ’25 walked under
So, as he developed Grain Ecosystem,
grads are employed by Fidelity. It was this
the Archway at this year’s Commence-
a tech-based sustainability startup that
powerful relationship that led Fidelity to
ment, she carried an important legacy
streamlines the carbon offset process
gift Bryant their building adjacent to cam-
with her. The third generation of Dykas
for project developers, Letourneau knew
pus where the BELC now resides — just the
family women to attend Bryant, she cel-
that Dodier was the right choice to help
latest expression of a strong shared bond,
ebrated under the Commencement tent
launch the eco-friendly start-up. Now,
suggested Joffe.
with both her mother and grandmother.
together, they’re working to make a
Lorraine (Fitleau) Dykas ’72, who
global difference in the climate space.
recalls being the only woman in the
TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE
Nobody knows the value of an education
Accounting program at the time and even
A TOUCH OF INSPIRATION
better than Bryant grads. Accounting firm
having to convince the dean of admis-
Both first-generation college students,
PwC US and its partners who are Bryant
sions to let her in. “I sat in his office and
Alexia Brandao ’24 and Julia Di Natale ’22
University alumni recently funded the $1.5
just stayed there until he said ‘Okay,’
formed an immediate bond when they
million PwC AI in Accounting Fellowship
because he wanted me to take another,
met on Bryant’s Honors Council.
program,
more traditional major for womn.”
a
cutting-edge
experiential
When Brandao began applying for
learning initiative that offers undergraduate
Colleen O’Brien ’96 followed in her
jobs, an analyst position at Goldman
students a unique opportunity to explore
mother’s footsteps, only she pursued
Sachs, where many Bryant grads have
artificial intelligence within the accounting
Finance and Marketing. After graduation,
built long careers, was of immediate
profession.
she went on to Suffolk University Law
interest. But securing the position would
“This program further illustrates the
School, worked in some of Providence’s
be big leap, she worried. In need of sup-
strong relationship between PwC and
largest law firms, and is now in-house
port, she turned to Di Natale, who worked
Bryant University, where so many of our
counsel at property management firm
at the firm as a senior analyst. “She would
partners and staff began their career
Gatehouse Management Inc.
always tell me ‘Just be yourself and you'll
journey in accounting,” says Bob Calabro
be perfect,’” Brandao recalls.
’88, a Bryant University trustee and PwC
“I feel like I'm a little bit of a combina-
37
tion of the two of them,” says Hannah,
After graduation, Brandao started
who studied Finance and Applied Analyt-
her dream job just a few desks down
ics. “I'm so grateful to have such a strong
from Di Natale.
US partner who helped to spearhead the development of the program.
line of successful and independent females in my life who are such great role models.” BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 37
7/24/25 1:24 PM
VISION 2030
Top 5% in the U.S.
#6 Best University
5 Stars Excellence QS Stars 2025
TOP 1% Return on investment Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
U.S. News & World Report 2025
38
#16
Most Innovative Schools U.S. News & World Report 2025
#6
Best Colleges for Business Majors Money.com
99%
of Bryant graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months
$76,000 median starting salary
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 38
7/24/25 1:24 PM
VISION 2030
“CLT acts as both structure and finish. It’s durable, beautiful, and, most importantly, it helps sequester carbon for the lifespan of the building, which is potentially 100 years or more.” The complex includes high-efficiency mechanical equipment including a dedicated outdoor air system for optimal ventilation, sophisticated controls, and monitoring. This is the first building on campus to feature public energy-use displays to increase students’ awareness of energy consumption, says Mann. An
Greener Living
underground
stormwater
detention system, a pedestrian connector, outdoor gathering spaces, and
Sustainability finds a home in new residence complex
new electric vehicle charging stations round out the sustainable site features. Bryant also prioritized land pres-
Bryant University’s newest apart-
fireplace lounge, gaming room, well-
ervation in selecting a site that was
ment-style residence hall, the Puishys
ness room, outdoor patios, sweeping
proximate to existing utilities and
Residence Complex, is not only expand-
treetop views from every bedroom,
within primary walking sheds. By
ing housing options for upperclass stu-
and 24/7 study spaces create an envi-
building vertically on a compact 1.3-
dents; it’s also setting a new standard
ronment that provides both privacy
acre footprint, the university signifi-
for sustainable campus development.
and social engagement.
cantly reduced land disruption while
Slated to open this fall and sup-
But what lies beneath — and above
increasing capacity in the most com-
ported by a $10 million investment
— makes this building a milestone in
pact housing development on campus,
from Joe ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) ’81
eco-conscious construction.
and preserving land and surrounding
Puishys, the five-level, 85,000-square-
“We’re especially excited about
foot complex, consisting of two wings
our use of cross-laminated timber, or
connected by glass-enclosed bridges
CLT,” says Thomas Mann, assistant vice
land-efficient,” Mann notes. “And it’s
on three levels, offers modern living
president for the Office of Planning,
walkable from everywhere students
in the heart of Bryant's campus. A
Design, and Construction at Bryant.
need to be.”
39
wetland jurisdictions. “It’s
two-and-half
times
more
—CN
Inside the BELC The lobby areas of Bryant’s College of Business, located inside the university’s new Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center, are abuzz with activity during the academic year. The spaces, designed by Ayers Saint Gross, sit at the intersection of labs, classroom spaces, and offices for professors and executives-in-residence and features work and conversation areas for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 39
7/24/25 1:24 PM
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 40
7/24/25 1:24 PM
IMPACT What I’ve Learned: Influencer and Entrepreneur Mikayla Nogueira ’20
When the pandemic foiled her grad school plans and she was furloughed from a role at Ulta Beauty, Mikayla Nogueira ’20 picked up her iPhone and began posting. In five short years, Nogueira has become one of TikTok’s most prominent beauty influencers, amassing more than 16 million followers and earning spots on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2024 and Time's The 100 Most Influential Creators of 2025. Known for her thick Boston accent and vibrant personality, Nogueria has also grown into a global entrepreneur, launching her own skin prep brand, Point
41
of View, in March just before Bryant honored her with an Emerging Leaders Award. Here, she shares lessons learned from her whole-life makeover:
LEAN INTO YOUR PASSION
KEEP YOUR AUDIENCE IN MIND
FIND THE RIGHT SUPPORT
“The only thing keeping me going
“When I was working at Ulta Beauty,
“I have my communication, marketing,
during the COVID-19 pandemic was
there was this one question I would get
and media background but, for Point
makeup. I thought, ‘I love to create, and
every single shift: ‘Why can't I get my
of View, I now have a CEO and people
I love creative direction, so why don't
makeup to look good?’ I found myself
working in finance. That's the thing
I take everything I learned at Bryant
having to maze throughout the store
about
and from working at Ulta, and put it on
to put together a skin prep routine for
person can handle every single piece
social media?’”
people. There wasn't a brand that was
of the puzzle. So having people on my
straight to the point.
team that help me curate everything
BE PERSISTENT
“That’s why I created my own skin
“I made videos with no income for
prep brand, Point of View. I want
six months before I had my first
people to feel inspired to be their own
meeting with a brand. A big reason
makeup artist at home and to discover
why I'm sitting where I am in my life
their own point of view on beauty.
today is because I've always believed
My products are simple, clean, and
in dreaming big, even if the dream
exceptionally effective.”
entrepreneurship:
No
one
to make sure it's perfect has been a saving grace.” —Emma Gauthier
seemed stupid to other people.” Photograph by Kerri Rubino ’25 MBA
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 41
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
7/24/25 1:24 PM
IMPACT
nies he invested in ultimately went out of business. “That's the hardest part, because you’re working with somebody for three or four years, and sometimes it doesn't pan out,” he notes. “It's heart-wrenching because people lose their jobs. You’re super invested, not just monetarily but emotionally.” Sometimes, the drive to keep a company afloat has meant taking over dayto-day operations, like Bertrand did after acquiring a New York post-production firm in 2007. When a bid to merge the bankrupt, family-owned company with a related firm failed, he stepped in as CEO and eventually guided it to a strategic acquisition. “When I was in private equity, I probably reviewed 5,000 business plans, so
42
I've been exposed to literally every type
A Vision for Leadership
of business model,” Bertrand says. Being on the board of companies like
Venture capitalist and CEO Eric J. Bertrand ’94 understands companies inside and out
U.S.Vision, Inc., has also helped prepare him to lead businesses, whether out of necessity or desire, such as when he founded the angel investment and financial consulting firm Lincoln Road
Over the last 30 years, Eric J. Bertrand
“It was entrepreneurial in the
Advisors in 2005, and when he launched
’94 has founded, acquired, merged, and
sense that you got to work with these
the company he currently leads, the
rescued companies. When necessary,
early-stage companies, helping them
marketing and communications firm
he’s even stepped in to run them himself.
to grow and create value,” he says.
Mod Op, in 2017.
come
As CEO of Mod Op, Bertrand says he
straight line, but it has always arced
from being an entrepreneur or go on
has a more singular focus than he did
toward success. And while Bertrand’s
to become an entrepreneur at some
in his venture capital days. Still, acqui-
diverse background allows him to view
point.”
sitions are very much part of the com-
His career path hasn’t been a
“Venture
capitalists
either
companies through a range of lenses,
Over the years, Bertrand, who was
pany’s growth strategy as Mod Op seeks
at his core he retains the entrepre-
honored with the CEO Forum Group’s
to bring together an array of AI, data
neurial ethic he learned as a Finance
Transformative CEO Award in Leader-
science, creative, and media assets — a
and Actuarial Mathematics double
ship for digital transformation in 2024,
convergence that’s also explored in Ber-
major at Bryant.
has invested in everything from soft-
trand’s 2024 book, Getting Digital Done:
ware as a service (SaaS) firms to a large
An Executive Guide to Growth and Trans-
chain of optical retail stores.
formation.
Bertrand’s first job out of college was with Aetna's private equity group, before he left to join an upstart venture
Like all entrepreneurs, he has learned
“I love the fact that we’re trying to
capital and private equity practice at
to live with failure: Bertrand estimates
make a difference in the way the model
Palisade Capital Management.
that 25 percent of the early-stage compa-
works in this industry,” he says.
—BC
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 42
7/24/25 1:24 PM
IMPACT
abuse and mistreatment.
work, from representing talent at
“We’re disruptors in the space and
the World’s Ugliest Dog competition
we’re working to change things indus-
to hosting an animal fashion show
try-wide,” she says.
featuring a pig who couldn’t help but
Empathy has always been Wilson’s
Animal Magnetism Colleen Wilson ’10 works to bring “pawsitive” change to the animal talent industry
indulge his natural ham.
superpower, and it also underpins the
“It can be a strange business some-
origin of Pets on Q. While working as a
times,” Wilson admits. “But it’s a
private mortgage banker, she rescued
booming one.”
Charlie, a deaf dog who was sched-
Pets on Q’s stable of animal clients
uled to be euthanized because he was
included everything from bunnies to
thought to be untrainable — until
birds to tortoises. One group, though,
Wilson taught him American Sign
is especially close to Wilson’s heart.
Language.
“I think my favorite animals to
When brands and the media began
work with are the rescues and the
to reach out about her story, Wilson
adoptables,” she says, “because by the
realized she could help other pet own-
time we’re done with a project every-
ers navigate the animal talent busi-
one has fallen in love with them, and
ness and left her banking job to devote
just about all of them get adopted.”
her full energies to Pets on Q.
— SK
“People kept telling me I was crazy, and I would say to them, ‘You don’t understand: this is a massive indus-
43
try,’” Wilson recalls. It’s also an industry that has changed over time. In addition to ani-
We all have a favorite celebrity animal,
mal actors, Pets on Q now has a client
whether it’s the heroic Lassie or the
roster of over 20,000 pet social media
irascible Grumpy Cat. But sometimes
influencers.
we forget that behind every star pet
“This is an area that’s really taken
there’s a human who cares for them
off; many of the influencers we repre-
— or at least there should be, says Col-
sent are making $100K and up,” says
leen Wilson ’10.
Wilson.
As founder and CEO of Pets on Q,
Wilson has even found an unex-
the largest animal talent agency in the
pected starring role of her own. In
world, Wilson, who majored in Mar-
2021, Netflix’s “Pet Stars” series took
keting at Bryant, makes sure her furry,
viewers behind the scenes of her
finny, feathery, and scaly friends are treated with the respect they deserve. Her company has partnered with brands from Purina to Nissan, but her vision extends beyond helping Dalmatians discover the spotlight or finding the perfect parrot to deliver a product pitch. Through Pets on Q, Wilson aims to create a more humane
CLASS NOTES Have an update for the Bryant community? Share your successes by submitting a Class Note.
industry in a field with a history of BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 43
7/24/25 1:24 PM
I M PACT
Voice through Verse José B. González ’89’s prizewinning poetry elevates Latino stories José B. González ’89, Ph.D., earned a 2025 Pushcart Prize for his work, “A Skillet Poem,” which delves into themes of heritage, memory, and the everyday objects that connect people to their roots. This recognition places González among the year's most esteemed voices in independent literature. González’s journey from a young immigrant from El Salvador to a celebrated poet has been marked by resilience and dedication. Arriving in the U.S. at age
44
eight without English proficiency, he pursued a Bachelor
speaking. His previous poetry collections, including Toys
of Science in Business Communication at Bryant, where
Made of Rock and When Love Was Reels, have garnered
he discovered his passion for literature and storytelling.
critical acclaim, and he also founded LatinoStories.com, a
He continued to nurture this calling during advanced
platform dedicated to promoting Latino literature.
studies at Brown University and the University of Rhode Island.
“A Skillet Poem” appears in The Pushcart Prize XLIX: Best of the Small Presses 2025 Edition and is available via all
Now a distinguished professor of English at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, González continues to inspire
major booksellers. A new poetry collection by González will be published in 2026.
others through his teaching, writing, and public
—CN
REELING IN SUCCESS Learn how Zack Richardson ’21, owner of Zack’s Custom Rods, translated an early love of fishing into a thriving business making custom fishing rods.
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 44
7/24/25 1:24 PM
I M PACT
Life of Purpose Ann-Marie Harrington ’86 gives back while moving forward Anyone can be a philanthropist, says Bryant University trustee and recently
appointed
Rhode
Island
Foundation Board Chair Ann-Marie Harrington ’86. “Philanthropy is literally ‘the love of
rington leaned further into charitable
humanity,’” says Harrington, referenc-
and philanthropic works, joining the
ing the Greek playwright Aeschylus,
Rhode Island Foundation board in 2015
who coined the term in the 5th century
and becoming a Bryant trustee in 2020.
B.C. “You don't have to be super wealthy
She has also volunteered as a mentor
to give back to your community.”
for startup companies and as a judge
As Harrington has demonstrated in the nearly four decades since she passed
45
for Bryant’s Innovation and Design Experience for All (IDEA) program.
under Bryant’s Archway, charity and
The Rhode Island Foundation is a
personal success often go hand-in-hand.
community foundation with $1.5 bil-
“If you look at some of our most suc-
lion in assets and awards more than $80
keynote discussion featuring WNBA
cessful Bryant grads, they are all giving
million in grants annually. Community
superstar Lisa Leslie, Harrington was
back to their community,” she says.
foundations are “a vehicle that anyone
“They’re serving on a board, they're vol-
can use to turn their generosity into
unteering, they're sharing their wealth
good,” and are especially attractive to
and contributing financially.”
the next generation of philanthropists,
ter-educated, upwardly mobile, and
says Harrington.
more diverse state creates a welcom-
A native Rhode Islander, Harrington
After moderating a 2024 Women's Summit
spotted giving the Nike Dunk Low LX Lisa Leslie sneakers she wore to Central High School student Rexella Bishop.
grew up in Providence and North Kings-
“Generation Z wants to give back,”
ing environment for new businesses
town. She earned a Bachelor of Science
she says. “They want to be successful.
and entrepreneurs, including Bryant
in Business Administration from Bry-
They want to be heard. But all of them
alums, notes Harrington.
ant and a master’s degree in social work
are community- minded. It is embedded
from Rhode Island College. Among her
in them at the ground level.”
“Success to me isn't just wealth,” she says. “Success is giving back to the
many career highlights was founding
Education, health, and economic
community and living with purpose.”
Embolden, a digital marketing and tech-
mobility have traditionally been the
—BC
nology firm whose clients included 200
three pillars of the Rhode Island Foun-
community foundations, nonprofits,
dation’s work, but their current five-
and Fortune 500 companies.
year action plan focuses on new prior-
After selling Embolden to a pri-
ities like climate action and civic and
vate-equity company in 2014, Har-
cultural life. Building a healthier, betBRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 45
7/24/25 1:25 PM
I M PACT
Stepping Up for Access
Agenda
Clinical services director ensures Rhode Islanders receive needed care
Join fellow Bulldogs at these Bryant events, on campus and beyond:
Joseph Desrosiers II ’18 MSPAS, PA-C,
foot facility in Providence is equipped
has made it his mission to expand
with 10 exam rooms, a teaching class-
access to healthcare, whether by
room, and a behavioral healthcare
serving on the Rhode Island Commis-
suite. The nonprofit offers primary
sion for Health Advocacy and Equity
health services and a walk-in clinic
(CHAE), teaching physician assistant
during the day, and a dozen other
students at Assumption University,
volunteer-led clinics at night.
or working at Clínica Esperanza/
Offsite, Clínica Esperanza con-
Hope Clinic, a nonprofit providing
ducts outreach programs such as
medical services to uninsured adults
vaccination events, general health
in Rhode Island.
screenings, patient education ses-
“When people don't have access to
46
sions, and food and clothing drives.
care, they are either forced to suffer
A lifelong Rhode Islander, Des-
the pain and outcomes of their dis-
rosiers worked in biotech research
ease or the long-term side effects of
and vaccine development prior to
not caring for themselves,” says Des-
pursuing his Physician Assistant
rosiers, a general practitioner and
Studies degree at Bryant.
Clínica Esperanza’s director of clin-
“Bryant’s robust program appealed
ical services. “Coming to this clinic
to me with its emphasis on complete
allows people who truly have no other
training in general medicine, the
option to access healthcare, which
number of rotations offered, and its
motivates me every day.”
involvement with many services and
Clínica Esperanza’s 6,500-square-
clinics throughout the state,” says Desrosiers, who later taught within
AUG. 17 Bryant Brunch on Cape Cod Join President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., and Dean of the College of Business Todd Alessandri, Ph.D., for brunch at Chatham Bars Inn, hosted by Jason ’92 and Laurie (Barron) ’92 Fromer P’22.
OCT. 3–5 Reunion@Homecoming Join us for a weekend full of football, friends, and fun as you reconnect with classmates from graduation years ending in 0s, 5s, and beyond!
Bryant’s PA program. In addition to their other work, Desrosiers and other CHAE commissioners work with local and state officials to develop public policies that ensure adequate and equitable care.
OCT. 22 Bryant Giving Day
“Taking part in advocacy, not just for our profession, but for access to healthcare for all people who live in America, has to be done at a higher level to have the most impact,” Desrosiers says. “It is a responsibility for all of us as members of a community
Support the Bulldog community and make an impact in the area that means the most to you. Compete against your classmates, friends, and family to unlock bonus dollars.
to ensure that everyone has the basic human right of healthcare.”
—EB
Learn more at alumni.bryant.edu
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 46
7/24/25 1:25 PM
I M PACT
Board Bound Emilia Wojciechowska ’25 named Recent Alumni Trustee, advancing a signature tradition of young alum leadership Each year, Bryant University selects
that will help shape the university’s
one graduating senior to help shape
path forward.”
the institution’s future as a full mem-
Wojciechowska’s
academic
and
ber of its Board of Trustees. Emilia
leadership accomplishments span the
Wojciechowska ’25 has been named
globe. A member of the Honors Pro-
the 2025 Recent Alumni Trustee — a
gram, she explored the impact of geo-
distinction that underscores Bryant's
graphic diversification in manufac-
longstanding commitment to student
turing on U.S. imports in her senior
success and elevating student voices
thesis. She studied abroad in Seville,
in governance.
Spain, interned with an international
“It’s
a
surreal
Wojciechowska,
moment,”
an
says
International
manufacturing firm, and completed a practicum with a client in Israel.
Business and Marketing major with a
On campus, Wojciechowska was
concentration in Global Supply Chain
active in the International Business
Management and a minor in Spanish.
Association, IDEA (Innovation and
Born and raised in Queens, New
“I came to Bryant knowing no one,
Design Experience for All), Omicron
York, Wojciechowska is a first-gen-
nervous about finding my place. But
Delta Kappa, Phi Sigma Iota, and the
eration college student whose par-
I found it. And to be chosen for some-
club hockey team, where she man-
ents immigrated from Poland. She
thing like this is beyond what I ever
aged social media. At Commence-
didn’t speak English until kindergar-
imagined.”
ment, she received both the Roger W.
ten.
Bryant is among a select group of universities that offer students a
Babson Award and a Student Senate Leadership Award.
“I like doing things differently,” she says. “No one from my high
direct pathway from campus lead-
Wojciechowska also served on the
school had gone to Bryant before. But
ership to board-level service. The
Bryant Senior Advisory Council, a
the IB program stood out to me, and I
Recent Alumni Trustee is a three-year
group of student leaders who advise
wanted to forge my own path.”
appointment awarded to a graduating
the university’s cabinet and presi-
Reflecting on the opportunity, she
senior who has demonstrated excep-
dent. The Recent Alumni Trustee is
adds: “Bryant’s strength is in its peo-
tional service, strategic thinking, and
selected from this cohort. She follows
ple, its values, and its commitment
leadership.
in the footsteps of previous trustees
to real-world learning. We don’t just
Alexia Brandao ’24, Jake Williams ’23,
sit in classrooms. We experience the
and Julia Di Natale ’22.
world while we learn about it.”
“The Recent Alumni Trustee is one of the most distinctive leadership appointments a graduating student
“Julia has been a mentor to me,”
can receive,” said D. Ellen Wilson ’79,
Wojciechowska notes. “She helped
chair of Bryant’s Board of Trustees.
me grow into the leader I am now.
“We are thrilled to welcome Emilia to
Seeing how she carried herself made
the board. She brings not only a deep
me want to do the same — to speak
knowledge of the Bryant community
up, ask questions, and keep Bryant
but also a powerful sense of purpose
moving forward.”
47
—CN
BRYANT | SUMMER ’25
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 47
7/24/25 1:25 PM
I D E AT I O N S IMPACT
IDEATIONS
The Leadership Playbook Trustee Professor of
Management
ON CREATING A CULTURE OF CANDOR:
Michael A. Roberto, DBA, has exam-
“A leader should refrain from speaking first in each
ined leadership and managerial deci-
meeting. If they set out a proposal and then ask for
sion-making from multiple angles.
input, many employees assume the decision has
He’s published case studies on com-
already been made and hold back on feedback.
panies as diverse as Planet Fitness,
Leaders also must be willing to talk about their
Trader Joe’s, and the Savannah
own mistakes and failures to make it normal and
Bananas baseball team, and co-au-
expected for people at all levels to admit errors,
thored a bestselling simulation of
learn from them, and share those lessons with
an ascent of Mount Everest that’s
others. Finally, be careful how you respond to bad
widely used to teach collaboration
news. If you shoot the messenger once, people
and communication around the
will remember that for a long time to come.”
world. Roberto reflects below on some
ON HEALTHY DEBATE:
of the biggest failures, and wins, of
“Leaders should assign team members to play
modern leadership:
the role of ‘devil's advocate’ in meetings. Use ‘pre-mortems’ and ‘pre-parades’ to spark diver-
ON THE PERILS OF FEAR AND
gent thinking and uncover hidden risks. Imagine
AUTOCRATIC LEADERSHIP:
that a decision will result in a major failure, then
“Colin Powell once said, ‘Bad news is not
identify the likely causes. Then, imagine a highly
fine wine. It does not age well.’ When honest
successful outcome. These twin techniques
dialogue is stifled, problems often remain
have been shown to spark lively dialogue and
hidden until a crisis emerges.
debate.”
Boeing engineer Curtis Ewbank once described a ‘suppressive cultural attitude
ON THE VALUE OF CURIOSITY:
toward criticism’ at the company, where
“Frontline employees often sense new trends
engineers were reluctant to share safety
and threats before senior leaders do. The best
concerns
The
leaders create informal opportunities to engage
consequences proved catastrophic: In a
with these employees so that they can receive
matter of months, two Boeing 737 MAX jets
unfiltered information. Too often, leaders become
crashed, killing 346 people.
isolated and find themselves surrounded by
with
senior
managers.
A culture of candor allows people to share
people who tell them what they want to hear.
ideas, express dissenting views, and talk
Most leaders do not intentionally hire yes-men
openly about mistakes and failures. Too many
or yes-women. Instead, they create a culture in
leaders assume they have superior knowledge
which talented, independent-minded people
and information and rely on their old playbook,
gradually become less willing to speak up. The
even when circumstances have changed.”
most effective leaders remain ever-vigilant, never assuming that employees have told them everything they need to know.”
—BC
Photograph by Jesse Burke
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 48
7/24/25 1:25 PM
R E G I S T E R T O DAY !
On October 3-5, return to Bryant for Reunion@Homecoming! This weekend is a chance to reconnect with fellow alumni from the 0’s, 5’s, and beyond.
alumni.bryant.edu/ reunion
S AV E T H E DAT E
givingday.bryant.edu
2025_Bryant_Magazine_Summer.inddc 49
10.22.2025
On Wednesday, October 22, the Bryant community will gather for Bryant Giving Day! Through our donations, we turn possibility into reality for our students.
7/24/25 1:25 PM
Bryant University 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917
Cover_Backcover_Magazine_Summer_25.indd 2
NON- PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID SMITHFIELD, RI 02917 PERMIT NO. 111
7/24/25 9:31 AM