Class of 2017 is Impressive! PLEASE REMEMBER: Send us any new contact information, especially email changes. Send to Rebecca Eriksen at reriksen@bryant.edu.
...continued from Page 1 awe-inspiring photos and another is an expert pumpkin carver. We have a winner of the USA National Dance Sport Championship and at least nine hold the first chair in an orchestra. One has played the viola in Ireland and Austria. One young writer has two published books and is working on a third. In sports, over 245 were captains of at least one sport team in high school. An amateur golfer holds multiple titles and the class has at least ten black belts. One young mountain climber has conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro and another is learning to fly a plane. Bryant’s varsity teams will welcome 150 players from this class.
Volume 13, Issue 1, Fall 2013
More than 68 percent of this class has spent time in service to others. They have worked with the elderly, underprivileged children, and children with disabilities in camps, soup kitchens, and nursing homes. They have supported Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A class member designs, creates and sells bracelets donating the proceeds to an orphanage while another worked to promote antibullying messages in local schools. We have two firefighters, political campaign volunteers, and environmental sustainability researchers.
Updated AAC Manual & Directory!
What drew these students to Bryant? Many of the Class of 2017 were attracted by the beauty of our campus, our sense of community, and our integrated curriculum. Others mentioned our committed faculty, with some naming a specific faculty member who influenced their decision to attend. Some feel Bryant is a place where they feel safe and where they will thrive academically. One member of the Class expressed it this way: “There was just something special about Bryant. I feel as though students at Bryant are valued and cared for as individuals and not just educated and shipped off into the workforce. It’s a place where character matters.”
Alumni-Admission Connection
The Character of Success Bryant University Office of Admission 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield RI 02917 Phone: 401-232-6100 Toll Free: 800-622-7001 admission@bryant.edu admission.bryant.edu
The Bryant Connection is published three times a year for the Alumni-Admission Connection members of Bryant University. Send comments on this newsletter or AlumniAdmission Connection activity to Rebecca Eriksen, Senior Assistant Director for Events and Volunteers, Bryant University Office of Admission, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917, 401-232-6957, 800-622-7001, or reriksen@bryant.edu.
4
A Newsletter for Members of the Alumni-Admission Connection
Bryant Student Center Named After Alumni ...continued from Page 2 Student music groups can rehearse in the music practice room which will accommodate Bryant’s larger ensembles, and the gaming area nearby will contribute to the living room feel of the building. Rich hues of vibrant red fabrics line the sleek couches and chairs students can use to sit and relax or do work in, reflecting the warmth of the environment created by the fireplace. Upstairs on the second floor a large opening looks down on the lower level, creating a spacious feel that maintains the modernity of the building’s interior composition. Various shades of blues and greens can be found in the furniture and paints surrounding the opening, which compliment and neutralize the fiery reds from the level below. The Commuter Lounge and Bryant University Bookstore have returned to the second floor with an entirely new and inviting design. Two new conference rooms are available as meeting spaces for student organizations and important offices such as the Women’s Center, LGBTQ Office, and the Intercultural Center have been relocated to this level for better accessibility and convenience. The third floor is entirely student-focused with activity offices, storage lockers, more work spaces and another comfortable lounge available for everyone’s use. The construction crew had been hard at work for months to make this vision a reality, evident in the approximate 1,840 hours a week that were put into the renovation. The Fisher Center is an environment unlike any other here at Bryant University, and has truly become the student living room of campus. Opening day was one to remember, and the building will be enjoyed by everyone who takes advantage of everything it has to offer, and the beautiful view will be appreciated by all.
Although many of you have indicated your wish to receive this newsletter electronically, we are sending everyone a hard copy of this issue because the mailing contains our updated AAC Manual and Directory. Please respect the information of your fellow alumni by not sharing the Directory in an inappropriate way. Then take a look at the Manual before filing it! Even if you are not formally representing Bryant at an event, it’s a good idea to have up-to-date information on the tip of your tongue for impromptu conversations. Prospective students and their families often ask questions concerning Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision. In fact, nearly half the Class of 2017 applied Early Action or Early Decision. The number of Early Action students is greater than the number of Regular Decision students. The detailed description of these along with a table showing Bryant’s deadlines for each, can be found on page 26.
Look for AAC ON
We hope this makes communication among us faster and easier.
Class of 2017 is Impressive! As we do each year, we acknowledge with gratitude the influence our AAC members have on young students and their families as they conduct their college searches. By informing them of Bryant’s unique characteristics and the way your lives have been shaped by your Bryant experience, you present information that is not available through any other means. Your stories give credibility to our message and your enthusiasm is infectious. We are grateful for your commitment to Bryant as an AAC member. Below you will see the fruits of our collective effort. Bryant’s 154th entering class impresses in many ways. Hailing from 30 different countries and 23 U.S. states, the 912 first-year students and 95 transfers are as diverse as they are accomplished. International students make up more than eight percent of the class and speak more than 42 different languages and dialects. Over 17 percent identify with African American, Latino American or Asian American backgrounds. The class is 57 percent male and 43 percent female. They are standouts in terms of academic interest, work and entrepreneurial pursuits, artistic accomplishment, extracurricular activities, and sports achievements. The Class is overwhelmingly interested in cross-discipline study and a wide variety of career paths. Accounting, actuarial math, finance, marketing, and communication are the top choices, but more than 18 percent are exploratory/undecided, having not yet decided on a major. They will be assisted by a new Bryant offering called MyPath@Bryant, a partnership between the award-winning Amica Center for Career Education and the Undergraduate Advising Office which will provide resources and programming to assist undecided students in making decisions about their area of study and career choice. Over 46 percent bring a fascinating array of work experience to campus. One is a park ranger and another is the IT manager for a Toyota dealership. We have a fencing instructor, a runway model and a Miss Teen Massachusetts. And the group is big on entrepreneurship. One member started a catering company, is a lobsterman and a bee keeper. Several own lawn care companies and photography businesses, one owns a car detailing business, and one started an eBay business. Another organizes office space, and yet another opened a store on Cape Cod selling toys and hobby supplies. Our students perform babysitting, dog sitting, construction, and disc jockeying. The class’s artistic pursuits stretch the imagination. One has a diploma in Byzantine music, one plays bagpipe in a police pipe and drum corps, while another plays bass drum and carries the American flag in a Civil War drum corps. One has taken a helicopter to the top of a glacier to take
Continued on Page 4… 1
Ambassador Angle
New VP for Student Affairs Many readers will recall with fondness and respect Dr. Tom Eakin, who as vice president for student affairs, provided leadership of Bryant’s exceptional student life for the past 16 years. Upon Dr. Eakin’s retirement this fall, President Ronald K. Machtley lauded his accomplishments: “Partnering with colleagues in academic affairs and other departments, he has successfully overseen the evolution of unique programs that integrate student life with academic initiatives – forging the distinctive Bryant Experience that sets us apart from our peers. Tom, and his wife, Marj, have created a wonderful legacy in our community, and we will always remain grateful for their leadership and friendship.”
sity in Ohio, Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Hartford.
His successor has some big shoes to fill but, based on his resume, John Saddlemire, D.Ed., seems up for the challenge. He comes to Bryant from the University of Connecticut at Storrs where he was most recently Vice President for Student Affairs and previously Dean of Students. There he provided leadership for a host of functional areas including the Student Union, Student Activities, Student Health Services, Counseling and Mental Health Services, Residential Life, Dining Services, Women’s Center, Rainbow Center, Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center, African American Cultural Center, and Asian American Cultural Center, among many others.
He holds a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from the Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University. Dr. Saddlemire received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University.
In introducing him to the community, President Machtley stated, “Dr. Saddlemire brings a broad knowledge of higher education leadership and management to this position, having served for 29 years in a variety of increasingly complex roles at public and private universities. He has an extensive track record for leadership development, student engagement, and team building, and is eager to share this experience and leadership with our community. He has served on numerous national professional leadership and service organizations and is well known in his field for his personal leadership in his very successful student life career.” Institutions at which he has served include Heidelberg Univer-
Dr. Saddlemire’s administrative experience is complemented by more than 25 years of continuous teaching experience and deep appreciation for the core purposes of higher education. He has published numerous publications and made many presentations in his field. His distinguished teaching experience includes courses at the undergraduate, honors-college capstone, and graduate level. During his career he has established numerous academic partnerships to enhance the experience and retention rates of students.
Coming to Bryant seems a logical step for Dr. Saddlemire. He told the Archway that, during a visit to Bryant three years ago, he thought “it’s a great place” with a “sense of valuing the individual while giving them a world-class experience.” He was motivated to come to Bryant because “…you go into this work to be able to work with students…I know at this point in my career, this is what I want to do. I want to be a part of a community, my family wants to part of a community.” As fans of both the arts and sports, the Saddlemires, including his wife Marie and their two children, plan to be a visible presence in our community life. Dr. Saddlemire is a believer in collective vision. “My goal is to listen,” he told the Archway, “and hear what students want next for their lives…and to hear what faculty want from their lives. My vision is one of collaboration and support, and that, for me, is where I want the division of student affairs to be …a group that will be supportive of your ideas.”
Newly Renovated Student Center Named After Alumnuser named after Alumni September 26 was a landmark day at Bryant University. Students, parents, alumni and faculty alike had been anticipating the grand opening of the fully renovated student center all summer. Previously deemed the Bryant Center, the building will now proudly display the name, the Michael E. ’67 and Karen L. Fisher Student Center in honor of the alumnus who funded and oversaw the project that recently came to life. The official naming ceremony took place on September 6, and the Fisher Student Center’s first fully operating day was September 27, one day after the formal opening. During the first walkthrough, observers noticed transformations throughout the building, both big and small. To start, the layout of each floor has changed to be more
2
functional and provide more space for students to use. The focal point of the entrance level is a decadent fireplace which splits the room into student lounge areas and dining options. Nick’s Place, formally South Side Deli, as well as Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway have returned in style and now offer more places to sit and eat. The Scoop has also returned, but now includes a convenience store stocked full of food choices and personal items in addition to the original ice cream parlor. Surrounding the lounge and eating areas, students can take advantage of the larger Heritage and Papitto meeting rooms, stop by the newly relocated Information Center, and put on a show in the open performing area.
Aaron Pereira Class of 2014 Major: Accounting Minor: Spanish One could say Aaron Pereira has carried the concept of student involvement to its utmost. During his years at Bryant, he has been involved with admission, residence life, Greek life, student affairs, and the Honors Program. At the same time, he has maintained a Dean’s List GPA and been recognized with a number of honors. Aaron has been the Coordinator of the Student Ambassador program for two and a half years, a position that requires daily commitment. He has participated in the weekly blog to help prospective students learn about life at Bryant. In his sophomore year he became a resident assistant (RA) and eventually a head RA serving as liaison between eight RAs and the Resident Director. As an active member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Aaron went on to serve as president and vice president of internal affairs for Bryant’s Inter-Fraternity Council. He was the vice president of programming for the Order of Omega Honor Society at Bryant, and programming and social chair for the Honors Program Council. He was an orientation leader welcoming the Class of 2016. His academic honors include Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Sigma Iota. He was elected to Omicron Delta Kappa and became an IDEA mentor for first year students. In 2013, Aaron was named Junior Advancing Leader. In his junior year, Aaron was selected by Liberty Mutual Insurance to participate in its Community Project. He spent most of January 2013 in Los Angeles, California planting trees and performing other services for the Los Angeles National Forest. This led to a summer internship with Liberty Mutual Insurance in Boston where he worked in financial analysis and internal control and testing. All these activities have proven transformative for Aaron, leading him to seek a career path in human resources management rather than in his major area of study. At the start of his senior year, Aaron was pleased to accept a position following graduation with Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Human Resources Development Program. In June 2014, he will begin his first of three rotations, in the company’s Boston human resources support center.
Al Skinner Joins Men’s Basketball Coaching As basketball season commences this year, the Bryant Bulldogs will have a new face on their coaching staff. Al Skinner, former Boston College and University of Rhode Island head coach has joined the men's basketball coaching staff. Skinner brings more than 20 years of head coaching experience to the Bryant sideline and will share the title of Associate Head Coach alongside third-year coach Happy Dobbs. With the addition of Skinner, the Bulldogs are now one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the nation, boasting 43 years of Division 1 head coaching experience across three of its coaches. "It's a bittersweet time for us," said head coach Tim O'Shea. "We are losing a coach in Mike Kelly who has been with us since the beginning of our Division I transition, and his commitment to our program is a major reason we enjoyed such success last season. At the same time, it is exciting to have someone of Al Skinner's stature joining us at Bryant." Skinner spent 22 seasons as a head coach at the Division I level, building a 385-291 (.570) career record while guiding his teams to nine NCAA tournament appearances and four conference titles. The coach with the most wins in BC history, Skinner spent 13 seasons as the Eagles' bench boss, compiling a 247-165 (.560) record from 19972010. He took Boston College to six NCAA tournaments in a seven-year stretch, driving his 2005-06 team all the way to the Sweet Sixteen. Prior to his time at BC, Skinner spent nine seasons as an assistant, and later head coach, at the helm at nearby University of Rhode Island, leading the Rams to a 138-126 (.523) mark. He was named the Atlantic-10 Coach of the Year in 1991-92 and was inducted into the University of Rhode Island Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. Having previously worked with O’Shea, Skinner said, "I'm excited to work with Tim again and to work with these great student-athletes at Bryant University. It's exciting how much progress Bryant has already made and the success it has experienced, and I'm glad to be associated with this program." "I think the overall experience that we bring as a staff is going to enhance the players and is a huge asset as we continue to improve upon what's already been accomplished," added Skinner. “Bryant has made great strides. The increments of improvements will be smaller and I believe I can help with this.” The Bulldogs enter their second season of full Division I eligibility in 2013-14 after completing one of the best single-season turnarounds in NCAA history in 2012-13. Bryant posted a 19-12 record last season and was selected to host a first-round game in the 2013 College Basketball Invitational (CBI).
Did you know…? According to rankings released this September by U.S. News & World Report, Bryant University ranks 14th in the Regional Universities (North) category and second on a list of eight “up-and-coming” universities in the region.
3
Ambassador Angle
New VP for Student Affairs Many readers will recall with fondness and respect Dr. Tom Eakin, who as vice president for student affairs, provided leadership of Bryant’s exceptional student life for the past 16 years. Upon Dr. Eakin’s retirement this fall, President Ronald K. Machtley lauded his accomplishments: “Partnering with colleagues in academic affairs and other departments, he has successfully overseen the evolution of unique programs that integrate student life with academic initiatives – forging the distinctive Bryant Experience that sets us apart from our peers. Tom, and his wife, Marj, have created a wonderful legacy in our community, and we will always remain grateful for their leadership and friendship.”
sity in Ohio, Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Hartford.
His successor has some big shoes to fill but, based on his resume, John Saddlemire, D.Ed., seems up for the challenge. He comes to Bryant from the University of Connecticut at Storrs where he was most recently Vice President for Student Affairs and previously Dean of Students. There he provided leadership for a host of functional areas including the Student Union, Student Activities, Student Health Services, Counseling and Mental Health Services, Residential Life, Dining Services, Women’s Center, Rainbow Center, Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center, African American Cultural Center, and Asian American Cultural Center, among many others.
He holds a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from the Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University. Dr. Saddlemire received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University.
In introducing him to the community, President Machtley stated, “Dr. Saddlemire brings a broad knowledge of higher education leadership and management to this position, having served for 29 years in a variety of increasingly complex roles at public and private universities. He has an extensive track record for leadership development, student engagement, and team building, and is eager to share this experience and leadership with our community. He has served on numerous national professional leadership and service organizations and is well known in his field for his personal leadership in his very successful student life career.” Institutions at which he has served include Heidelberg Univer-
Dr. Saddlemire’s administrative experience is complemented by more than 25 years of continuous teaching experience and deep appreciation for the core purposes of higher education. He has published numerous publications and made many presentations in his field. His distinguished teaching experience includes courses at the undergraduate, honors-college capstone, and graduate level. During his career he has established numerous academic partnerships to enhance the experience and retention rates of students.
Coming to Bryant seems a logical step for Dr. Saddlemire. He told the Archway that, during a visit to Bryant three years ago, he thought “it’s a great place” with a “sense of valuing the individual while giving them a world-class experience.” He was motivated to come to Bryant because “…you go into this work to be able to work with students…I know at this point in my career, this is what I want to do. I want to be a part of a community, my family wants to part of a community.” As fans of both the arts and sports, the Saddlemires, including his wife Marie and their two children, plan to be a visible presence in our community life. Dr. Saddlemire is a believer in collective vision. “My goal is to listen,” he told the Archway, “and hear what students want next for their lives…and to hear what faculty want from their lives. My vision is one of collaboration and support, and that, for me, is where I want the division of student affairs to be …a group that will be supportive of your ideas.”
Newly Renovated Student Center Named After Alumnuser named after Alumni September 26 was a landmark day at Bryant University. Students, parents, alumni and faculty alike had been anticipating the grand opening of the fully renovated student center all summer. Previously deemed the Bryant Center, the building will now proudly display the name, the Michael E. ’67 and Karen L. Fisher Student Center in honor of the alumnus who funded and oversaw the project that recently came to life. The official naming ceremony took place on September 6, and the Fisher Student Center’s first fully operating day was September 27, one day after the formal opening. During the first walkthrough, observers noticed transformations throughout the building, both big and small. To start, the layout of each floor has changed to be more
2
functional and provide more space for students to use. The focal point of the entrance level is a decadent fireplace which splits the room into student lounge areas and dining options. Nick’s Place, formally South Side Deli, as well as Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway have returned in style and now offer more places to sit and eat. The Scoop has also returned, but now includes a convenience store stocked full of food choices and personal items in addition to the original ice cream parlor. Surrounding the lounge and eating areas, students can take advantage of the larger Heritage and Papitto meeting rooms, stop by the newly relocated Information Center, and put on a show in the open performing area.
Aaron Pereira Class of 2014 Major: Accounting Minor: Spanish One could say Aaron Pereira has carried the concept of student involvement to its utmost. During his years at Bryant, he has been involved with admission, residence life, Greek life, student affairs, and the Honors Program. At the same time, he has maintained a Dean’s List GPA and been recognized with a number of honors. Aaron has been the Coordinator of the Student Ambassador program for two and a half years, a position that requires daily commitment. He has participated in the weekly blog to help prospective students learn about life at Bryant. In his sophomore year he became a resident assistant (RA) and eventually a head RA serving as liaison between eight RAs and the Resident Director. As an active member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Aaron went on to serve as president and vice president of internal affairs for Bryant’s Inter-Fraternity Council. He was the vice president of programming for the Order of Omega Honor Society at Bryant, and programming and social chair for the Honors Program Council. He was an orientation leader welcoming the Class of 2016. His academic honors include Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Sigma Iota. He was elected to Omicron Delta Kappa and became an IDEA mentor for first year students. In 2013, Aaron was named Junior Advancing Leader. In his junior year, Aaron was selected by Liberty Mutual Insurance to participate in its Community Project. He spent most of January 2013 in Los Angeles, California planting trees and performing other services for the Los Angeles National Forest. This led to a summer internship with Liberty Mutual Insurance in Boston where he worked in financial analysis and internal control and testing. All these activities have proven transformative for Aaron, leading him to seek a career path in human resources management rather than in his major area of study. At the start of his senior year, Aaron was pleased to accept a position following graduation with Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Human Resources Development Program. In June 2014, he will begin his first of three rotations, in the company’s Boston human resources support center.
Al Skinner Joins Men’s Basketball Coaching As basketball season commences this year, the Bryant Bulldogs will have a new face on their coaching staff. Al Skinner, former Boston College and University of Rhode Island head coach has joined the men's basketball coaching staff. Skinner brings more than 20 years of head coaching experience to the Bryant sideline and will share the title of Associate Head Coach alongside third-year coach Happy Dobbs. With the addition of Skinner, the Bulldogs are now one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the nation, boasting 43 years of Division 1 head coaching experience across three of its coaches. "It's a bittersweet time for us," said head coach Tim O'Shea. "We are losing a coach in Mike Kelly who has been with us since the beginning of our Division I transition, and his commitment to our program is a major reason we enjoyed such success last season. At the same time, it is exciting to have someone of Al Skinner's stature joining us at Bryant." Skinner spent 22 seasons as a head coach at the Division I level, building a 385-291 (.570) career record while guiding his teams to nine NCAA tournament appearances and four conference titles. The coach with the most wins in BC history, Skinner spent 13 seasons as the Eagles' bench boss, compiling a 247-165 (.560) record from 19972010. He took Boston College to six NCAA tournaments in a seven-year stretch, driving his 2005-06 team all the way to the Sweet Sixteen. Prior to his time at BC, Skinner spent nine seasons as an assistant, and later head coach, at the helm at nearby University of Rhode Island, leading the Rams to a 138-126 (.523) mark. He was named the Atlantic-10 Coach of the Year in 1991-92 and was inducted into the University of Rhode Island Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. Having previously worked with O’Shea, Skinner said, "I'm excited to work with Tim again and to work with these great student-athletes at Bryant University. It's exciting how much progress Bryant has already made and the success it has experienced, and I'm glad to be associated with this program." "I think the overall experience that we bring as a staff is going to enhance the players and is a huge asset as we continue to improve upon what's already been accomplished," added Skinner. “Bryant has made great strides. The increments of improvements will be smaller and I believe I can help with this.” The Bulldogs enter their second season of full Division I eligibility in 2013-14 after completing one of the best single-season turnarounds in NCAA history in 2012-13. Bryant posted a 19-12 record last season and was selected to host a first-round game in the 2013 College Basketball Invitational (CBI).
Did you know…? According to rankings released this September by U.S. News & World Report, Bryant University ranks 14th in the Regional Universities (North) category and second on a list of eight “up-and-coming” universities in the region.
3
Class of 2017 is Impressive! PLEASE REMEMBER: Send us any new contact information, especially email changes. Send to Rebecca Eriksen at reriksen@bryant.edu.
...continued from Page 1 awe-inspiring photos and another is an expert pumpkin carver. We have a winner of the USA National Dance Sport Championship and at least nine hold the first chair in an orchestra. One has played the viola in Ireland and Austria. One young writer has two published books and is working on a third. In sports, over 245 were captains of at least one sport team in high school. An amateur golfer holds multiple titles and the class has at least ten black belts. One young mountain climber has conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro and another is learning to fly a plane. Bryant’s varsity teams will welcome 150 players from this class.
Volume 13, Issue 1, Fall 2013
More than 68 percent of this class has spent time in service to others. They have worked with the elderly, underprivileged children, and children with disabilities in camps, soup kitchens, and nursing homes. They have supported Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A class member designs, creates and sells bracelets donating the proceeds to an orphanage while another worked to promote antibullying messages in local schools. We have two firefighters, political campaign volunteers, and environmental sustainability researchers.
Updated AAC Manual & Directory!
What drew these students to Bryant? Many of the Class of 2017 were attracted by the beauty of our campus, our sense of community, and our integrated curriculum. Others mentioned our committed faculty, with some naming a specific faculty member who influenced their decision to attend. Some feel Bryant is a place where they feel safe and where they will thrive academically. One member of the Class expressed it this way: “There was just something special about Bryant. I feel as though students at Bryant are valued and cared for as individuals and not just educated and shipped off into the workforce. It’s a place where character matters.”
Alumni-Admission Connection
The Character of Success Bryant University Office of Admission 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield RI 02917 Phone: 401-232-6100 Toll Free: 800-622-7001 admission@bryant.edu admission.bryant.edu
The Bryant Connection is published three times a year for the Alumni-Admission Connection members of Bryant University. Send comments on this newsletter or AlumniAdmission Connection activity to Rebecca Eriksen, Senior Assistant Director for Events and Volunteers, Bryant University Office of Admission, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917, 401-232-6957, 800-622-7001, or reriksen@bryant.edu.
4
A Newsletter for Members of the Alumni-Admission Connection
Bryant Student Center Named After Alumni ...continued from Page 2 Student music groups can rehearse in the music practice room which will accommodate Bryant’s larger ensembles, and the gaming area nearby will contribute to the living room feel of the building. Rich hues of vibrant red fabrics line the sleek couches and chairs students can use to sit and relax or do work in, reflecting the warmth of the environment created by the fireplace. Upstairs on the second floor a large opening looks down on the lower level, creating a spacious feel that maintains the modernity of the building’s interior composition. Various shades of blues and greens can be found in the furniture and paints surrounding the opening, which compliment and neutralize the fiery reds from the level below. The Commuter Lounge and Bryant University Bookstore have returned to the second floor with an entirely new and inviting design. Two new conference rooms are available as meeting spaces for student organizations and important offices such as the Women’s Center, LGBTQ Office, and the Intercultural Center have been relocated to this level for better accessibility and convenience. The third floor is entirely student-focused with activity offices, storage lockers, more work spaces and another comfortable lounge available for everyone’s use. The construction crew had been hard at work for months to make this vision a reality, evident in the approximate 1,840 hours a week that were put into the renovation. The Fisher Center is an environment unlike any other here at Bryant University, and has truly become the student living room of campus. Opening day was one to remember, and the building will be enjoyed by everyone who takes advantage of everything it has to offer, and the beautiful view will be appreciated by all.
Although many of you have indicated your wish to receive this newsletter electronically, we are sending everyone a hard copy of this issue because the mailing contains our updated AAC Manual and Directory. Please respect the information of your fellow alumni by not sharing the Directory in an inappropriate way. Then take a look at the Manual before filing it! Even if you are not formally representing Bryant at an event, it’s a good idea to have up-to-date information on the tip of your tongue for impromptu conversations. Prospective students and their families often ask questions concerning Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision. In fact, nearly half the Class of 2017 applied Early Action or Early Decision. The number of Early Action students is greater than the number of Regular Decision students. The detailed description of these along with a table showing Bryant’s deadlines for each, can be found on page 26.
Look for AAC ON
We hope this makes communication among us faster and easier.
Class of 2017 is Impressive! As we do each year, we acknowledge with gratitude the influence our AAC members have on young students and their families as they conduct their college searches. By informing them of Bryant’s unique characteristics and the way your lives have been shaped by your Bryant experience, you present information that is not available through any other means. Your stories give credibility to our message and your enthusiasm is infectious. We are grateful for your commitment to Bryant as an AAC member. Below you will see the fruits of our collective effort. Bryant’s 154th entering class impresses in many ways. Hailing from 30 different countries and 23 U.S. states, the 912 first-year students and 95 transfers are as diverse as they are accomplished. International students make up more than eight percent of the class and speak more than 42 different languages and dialects. Over 17 percent identify with African American, Latino American or Asian American backgrounds. The class is 57 percent male and 43 percent female. They are standouts in terms of academic interest, work and entrepreneurial pursuits, artistic accomplishment, extracurricular activities, and sports achievements. The Class is overwhelmingly interested in cross-discipline study and a wide variety of career paths. Accounting, actuarial math, finance, marketing, and communication are the top choices, but more than 18 percent are exploratory/undecided, having not yet decided on a major. They will be assisted by a new Bryant offering called MyPath@Bryant, a partnership between the award-winning Amica Center for Career Education and the Undergraduate Advising Office which will provide resources and programming to assist undecided students in making decisions about their area of study and career choice. Over 46 percent bring a fascinating array of work experience to campus. One is a park ranger and another is the IT manager for a Toyota dealership. We have a fencing instructor, a runway model and a Miss Teen Massachusetts. And the group is big on entrepreneurship. One member started a catering company, is a lobsterman and a bee keeper. Several own lawn care companies and photography businesses, one owns a car detailing business, and one started an eBay business. Another organizes office space, and yet another opened a store on Cape Cod selling toys and hobby supplies. Our students perform babysitting, dog sitting, construction, and disc jockeying. The class’s artistic pursuits stretch the imagination. One has a diploma in Byzantine music, one plays bagpipe in a police pipe and drum corps, while another plays bass drum and carries the American flag in a Civil War drum corps. One has taken a helicopter to the top of a glacier to take
Continued on Page 4… 1