Members of the Oliver Watson Society show their appreciation for the URI in a variety of ways. Read their stories below.
It’s Time To Give Back
Chas Chesler ’78 is a practical man who assesses his strengths, weighs his options, and commits to his decisions. That’s how he chose to enter the University of Rhode Island College of Engineering. It’s how he moved his career path from systems engineering to computer hardware sales to software sales. More
Making a Lasting Impression
How do you want to be remembered? It can be a challenging question, and a difficult one to answer. For Denise ’82 (Joaquim) and Steven ’82, ’83 Van Tassell, that question led them to make a bequest that will endow a scholarship for students in the College of Arts and Science. More
“Every Kid Needs a Lift and a Push”
The late Peter Madden ’61 M.A.’70 worked with thousands of people to help them set up estate plans to protect themselves, their families, and beloved charitable organizations. His mantra was “No probate!” More
Supporting the Home Team
Christopher Yun '88 and Lisa Rodier '87 know when students are given the opportunity, they will pursue success. That's why they support multiple areas on campus today—and have created a gift in their will to benefit future Rams tomorrow. More
A History Teacher Looks to the Future
Caroline Ricci ’72 credits her URI education for her success as a high school history teacher. Ever the educator, she is paying it forward through the creation of an endowed scholarship. More
Accounting for the Future
Craig Steeneck ’80 developed a deep appreciation for URI and the value of education during his time on campus. That is why he and his wife, Sandra, are helping secure a brighter future for URI students and improving the URI campus though their estate plan and donor advised fund. More
It Started With a Conversation
A phone call and lunch with an old friend in the early 1990s reconnected Mark Ross ’64 with his URI roots. Since then, Mark and his wife, Donna, have supported the University in many ways. Uncover the easy way they are building on that support to help future URI students. More
Jim Hopkins Puts His Money Where His Heart Is
When Jim Hopkins '62 makes a commitment to a person, an employer, or an organization, he is all in. Hopkins began a multi-year pledge commitment using his IRA as a funding source, notifying URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement so his gifts can be counted toward the Big Ideas. Bold Plans. campaign goal. More
A Love Story Legacy
This is a love story that spans more than 70 years. Wayne '50, M.S. '53 and Bernice (Anderson) '49 Durfee met at URI, made a "second home" on campus, and established three charitable gift annuities (CGAs) with URI to support outstanding public education. More
From GI Bill to Ph.D.
The GI Bill helped pay for James E. Masterson to finish college, and URI gave him the tools he needed for a successful career. See how he is giving back. More
A Librarian's Librarian: Gift to URI Celebrates the Work of a Lifetime
Sharman E. Prouty, a librarian, inspired colleagues with her professionalism and commitment to libraries. She further demonstrated that commitment upon her death by leaving a substantial portion of her estate to URI's Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (GSLIS). More
Ross L., '64, G'76 and Renate E.P. Aker: Experiencing the Joy of Giving Now
Larry and Renate Aker believe there's no time like the present to start a legacy. The Exeter couple recently established an endowed scholarship fund at the University of Rhode Island to support graduating seniors in the Exeter-West Greenwich (RI) School District. The scholarship will be further funded with a substantial gift from their estate upon their deaths. Deeply rooted in his hometown, Larry values the education he received at URI and wants to share his success with others. Renate says now is the time to experience the rewards of giving back. More
Creating a Legacy of Giving
For Paul and Amey Larrat, there is a common thread woven through the rich tapestry of their lives together: the University of Rhode Island. Paul, dean of the College of Pharmacy, and Amey first met as undergraduates in 1980. Since then, the Larrats' connection to the University has not only endured, it has grown stronger. More
Alumni Couple Makes an Impact With Ongoing Generosity
The greatest gift the University of Rhode Island gave Kent and Diane Fannon was bringing them together. But that's just one of many reasons they love their alma mater and have given back so generously. More
