Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island exceeds $300 million campaign goal ahead of schedule
KINGSTON, R.I.—June 3, 2024—The University of Rhode Island has surpassed its elevated campaign goal of $300 million ahead of the official end date of June 30, 2024. Conducted by the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement (URIFAE), Big Ideas. Bold Plans. The Campaign for the University of Rhode Island, a comprehensive effort to advance the University through philanthropic gifts, was publicly launched in 2020 with an initial goal of $250 million. More than 34,000 individuals, including alumni, family, friends, faculty, staff, corporations, and foundations contributed in large and small amounts to reach the goal.
“The tremendous success of this campaign is proof of what we can do when we work together,” said URI President Marc Parlange. “The University of Rhode Island’s students, faculty, and staff are exceptionally hard-working, talented, and innovative, and thanks to this effort, we can provide them with what they need to make a difference here on campus, in our community, and around the world.”
“The University of Rhode Island was foundational to my career,” said Alfred J. Verrecchia ’67, MBA ’72, Hon. ’04, current chair of the URIFAE Board of Directors, “and because of this campaign, today’s generation of students will find new opportunities to succeed. I am grateful to everyone who supported this effort and to all of those who continue to be involved. This is a significant achievement, but we are not done yet.”
An extensive planning process involving alumni, volunteer leaders, faculty, and staff defined a strategic effort that spanned five pillars: student access, the URI learning experience, transformative faculty leadership, innovative and distinctive programs, and strategic opportunities.
“URI has advanced significantly in recent years with the support of alumni and the state,” said Margo Cook ’86, chair of the URI Board of Trustees. “We are executing on our vision and strategy to provide excellent educational opportunities, advance our research mission, and grow as Rhode Island’s premier higher education institution.”
“During the planning phase, we saw this as a chance to elevate the whole University,” said Thomas M. Ryan ’75, Hon. ’99, who was chair of the URIFAE Board of Directors at the campaign’s launch. “The achievements made possible by this campaign have inspired students and faculty and brought well-earned recognition to the exceptional quality of our teaching, research, and athletics programs.”
The campaign has set historic marks for URI in terms of overall participation as well as transformative individual gifts. Some of the highlights include:
- Thomas M. Ryan ’75, Hon.’99 and his wife Cathy Ryan made a $35 million gift to expand research and teaching capacity in neuroscience, create a scholars program to attract high-performing students, and support athletics.
- Alfred J. Verrecchia ’67, MBA’72, Hon.’04 and his wife Geraldine Verrecchia made a $15 million gift in support of the College of Business that creates a scholarship for high-achieving students, a fund for students pursuing competitive internships, a faculty chair as well as a professorship in artificial intelligence and business analytics, and an emerging technology fund.
- Michael D. Fascitelli ’78, Hon. ’08 and his wife Elizabeth C. Fascitelli made a $10 million gift for advanced equipment and dean’s priorities in the College of Engineering.
- S. Kent Fannon ’74 and Diane Chace Fannon ’74 made a $6 million gift to advance the renovation of Ballentine Hall and support the Center for Student Success at the College of Business.
- $8 million in campaign gifts from Richard J. Harrington ’73, Hon. ’02 and his wife Jean Harrington supported the renovation of Ranger Hall and other priorities for the Harrington School of Communication and Media.
- More than 22,000 individuals gave varying gifts to RhodyNow, providing immediate-use funding for the University’s most timely priorities.
As a result of these gifts and many others, URI has raised more than $71 million for financial aid, brought in cutting-edge scientific equipment, built and renovated classrooms and labs for enhanced teaching and learning, upgraded athletics facilities, expanded experiential learning opportunities for students to launch their careers, and more.
“The campaign has really accelerated growth across the University,” said Richard J. Harrington ’73, Hon. ’02, campaign chair. “Along with helping students and faculty, it brings recognition to the areas where URI already excels while helping newer programs scale up.”
During the campaign, the University has seen its global profile rise while also receiving substantial investment from the state through increased allocations in the budget. In the same timeframe, URI received voter approval for two state bonds, one that supports renovations and construction on the Fine Arts Center and one for improvements to the Narragansett Bay Campus.
“This is the biggest campaign in URI’s history, and what we have achieved is remarkable,” said URIFAE President Lil Breul O’Rourke. “I want to thank our extraordinary community of alumni and friends who got involved, attended events, offered their support, and who altogether embody Rhody pride. Together, we are transforming URI into a leading global research institution driving positive social, cultural, and environmental change.”
The campaign will continue through its planned end date on June 30, 2024. While the achievements of the campaign elevate URI to a new tier among flagship public research universities, it also lays the foundation for continued growth and improvement for years to come.
Bravo cameras will be rolling in Rhode Island once again this summer.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island has officially been renewed for season two—and honestly, it’s no surprise. The newest addition to the Housewives franchise quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to strong ratings and early award buzz.
READ MORE: RHORI Earned Two Critics’ Choice Award Nominations
Still, not everyone may be celebrating this news.
It didn’t take long for viewers to get hooked on the Ocean State edition, especially with the intense drama that unfolded just a few episodes in.
The Infidelity Allegations That Drove the Season
At the center of it all? The allegations of infidelity involving Rulla Nehme Pontarelli’s husband, Brian—a storyline that quickly became the season’s biggest talking point.
The situation even left Rulla questioning her future on the show, saying she would have to “think very long and hard about” returning for another season.
Will Rulla Return for Season 2?
Now that season two is officially happening, the big question is: will Rulla be back?
Fans certainly hope so. Rulla has been one of the most talked-about cast members on social media, and her storyline has driven much of the conversation around the show.
READ MORE: Fans React to First Look at Real Housewives of Rhode Island Cast
As of now, Rulla is expected to return alongside Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.
Bravo via Facebook
When and Where Filming Will Begin
If production follows last year’s schedule, filming will likely kick off in mid-June and run through mid-September—once again showcasing Rhode Island at its summer best.
For now, fans seem thrilled. The announcement sparked more than 100 excited comments on Facebook, with viewers eager for more drama, more glamour, and more Ocean State moments.
So don’t be surprised if you spot Bravo cameras popping up around Rhode Island again very soon.
40 Photos Of Real Housewives Of Dallas Stars Home For Sale
Built & owned by actress, celebrity chef & Real Housewife, D’Andra Simmons-this stylish & stunning award winning two story,5 bedroom modern is on a corner lot in prestigious Highland Park and its on sale for $5.2 Million.
Gallery Credit: Christine McKenny, Agent/ Allie Beth Allman & Associates
A Real Housewives Star Just Made $7.7M On Her Ridiculous Colorado Home
Kyle Richards, from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, just sold this ridiculously gorgeous home in Aspen, Colorado, for $7.7 Million. You’ve gotta see these pix…
Gallery Credit: Aspen MLS
The Gorga’s of The Real Housewives of New Jersey Put Their Jersey House Up For Sale
It has 7 bedrooms 5 bathrooms and a pool but really it will be better if we show you this celebrity home that is up for sale in the Jersey Shore.
Gallery Credit: EeE
A new era for State Troopers in southern RI
Closing the State Police barracks facilities in Wyoming and Wickford marks the end of an era in community policing
Republican candidate for lieutenant governor John Loughlin wants the office to become the Rhode Island inspector general his party has been seeking in vain for years.
Loughlin, a former state representative, said on May 11 that, if elected, he would staff the underutilized office with people who would help him expose “fraud, waste, abuse, and government corruption.”
“Rhode Islanders are sick and tired of watching their tax dollars disappear into a black hole of inefficiency, cronyism, and outright corruption while the General Assembly talks a big game but delivers nothing − year after year after year,” Loughlin said in a news release. “For more than two decades, the legislature has failed to create a true Inspector General with real investigative power. Enough is enough. If they won’t do it, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office will − starting on day one.”
Why turn the lieutenant governor into an inspector general?
The Rhode Island Constitution gives the lieutenant governor little to no authority beyond being available in case the governor is unable to finish their term. That’s prompted some to call it a “do nothing” office and others to propose abolishing it.
“Frankly, the current workload of the office leaves ample time and resources to do far more for taxpayers than ceremonial appearances and ribbon-cuttings,” Loughlin said in his news release. “Rhode Islanders deserve a Lieutenant Governor’s Office that works every day to protect their money and hold government accountable.”
The lieutenant governor’s office has a budget of $1.4 million, which Loughlin said is enough to staff and run an effective investigative team made up of “certified auditors, investigators, and compliance professionals” to review state agency spending and contracts.
He acknowledged that the lieutenant governor does not have subpoena power, but believes that investigations can be completed utilizing public records requests and gathering publicly-available data.
Loughlin, who ended his talk radio show earlier this year when he announced his campaign for governor, said he would communicate his findings through “RI Report” publications, news briefings and podcasts.
He said he would also make the office’s resources available to city and town leaders.
Republicans have been fighting for an inspector general
Rhode Island Republicans have for years promised to lower state spending by rooting out government waste, fraud and abuse. The last GOP Rhode Island governor, Donald Carcieri, launched a “Fiscal Fitness” program that aimed to save money and find efficiencies.
Democrats criticized Carcieri’s tenure for featuring exorbitant privatization and outsourcing.
Since Carcieri, the idea of creating an independent inspector general similar to those in other states has become a holy grail for Rhode Island Republicans, but the Democratic General Assembly has had little interest in it.
“If our office saves just 1% from Rhode Island’s bloated state budget, the savings would return more than ten times the entire cost of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to taxpayers – and that’s only the beginning,” Loughlin said in the news release.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 10, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from May 10 drawing
Midday: 9-9-9-0
Evening: 5-5-0-9
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from May 10 drawing
01-13-14-16-32, Extra: 02
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 10 drawing
01-03-20-35-46, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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