October 10, 2003 marked the beginning of a new tradition at the URI College of Engineering – the annual Engineering Alumni Day. More than 100 former students and supporters of the College gathered on the Kingston campus to participate in the day-long series of events designed to celebrate alumni.

According to COE Dean Bahram Nassersharif, the day was an important step in the College’s strategic plan to foster stronger ties with its alumni. “Our alumni are our greatest asset,” said Dean Nassersharif. “Their efforts and achievements strengthen the reputation of our College, and their support ensures that future grads will have the same opportunities to succeed.”
The College will celebrate the Second Annual EngineeringAlumni Day on October 22, 2004.

Dedication of the Engineering Endowment Wall
To recognize the alumni who have given such exceptional effort and support to the College, the University dedicated an Engineering Endowment Wall. The first sight of the Wall, which features name plaques of the alumni and friends who have provided engineering scholarship and endowments, drew appreciative comments from the crowd, which lingered in front of it to read the many names inscribed.

 

Engineering Scholarship Breakfast
The day kicked off with a breakfast at the University Club in Kingston to celebrate donors and recipients of URI engineering scholarships. More than 75 students, alumni, and supporters attended the event.

Campus Tours
Alumni had a chance to stroll down memory lane when they toured the campus and went into the engineering classrooms, which were open to visitors throughout the morning.

 

Alumni Luncheon
College of Engineering alumni were feted at a lunch held in the Memorial Union Ballroom. More than 40 alumni and supporters attended the luncheon.

Open House
The day wound down with an open house, during which alumni visited engineering departments and talked with professors about their research work and educational efforts.

Engineering Scholarship Breakfast
The day kicked off with a breakfast at the University Club in Kingston to celebrate donors and recipients of URI engineering scholarships. More than 75 students, alumni, and supporters attended the event.

Anthony Risica Lecture Series Inaugural Lecture
The highlight of the afternoon was the first presentation in the Anthony Risica Lecture Series. The inaugural lecture, “What Makes a Great Entrepreneur,” was delivered by Michael McMahon, executive director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, who talked about the requirements of a starting a successful company.

COE Advisory Council
The College of Engineering Advisory Council held its fall 2003 meeting on Engineering Alumni Day. President Robert Carothers, Provost Beverly M. Swan, and Dean Bahram Nassersharif presented the URI and the College of Engineering’s strategic plans to the Advisory Council. The meeting also focused on the role of the Advisory Council and mutual expectations. The next meeting of the advisory council will take place in April 2004.