Hawks Flock to Bristol Campus for 2024 Reunion Weekend

June 28, 2024By Jordan J. Phelan '19

Nearly 400 alumni returned to Roger Williams University for Reunion Weekend, held May 31 to June 2. Image Credit: Kayla Ebner '19

BRISTOL, R.I. -The beautiful spring weather and scenic campus backdrop set the stage for an unforgettable Alumni & Reunion Weekend filled with joyous gatherings and renewed connections between hundreds of Roger Williams University alumni and their alma mater.

From May 31 to June 2, the three-day event brought together close to 400 alumni including those celebrating their reunion years ending in "4" or "9," who revisited cherished memories with former classmates and explored their favorite campus spots, as well as new facilities and academic spaces that showcase RWU's continued growth and commitment to student success.

To make the weekend special, RWU's Office of Alumni Relations - led by Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations Kelly Scafariello '99 - built on beloved traditions and bold new initiatives that resonated with graduates to create a vibrant and engaging experience that strengthened the bonds within the RWU community. Attendees took part in a myriad of activities, including the 17th Annual Ray Cordeiro Alumni Golf Classic, a Hawk Family & Friends "Taste of the South" BBQ Buffet and Beer Garden, the 3rd Annual Family Celebration with the Alumni of Color Network, and movie nights. The weekend also featured a special brunch celebrating the classes of 1970 through 1975 (with a special tribute to the 50th reunion class of 1974), a reunion celebration for classes ending in "4" and "9," and family-friendly activities including making s'mores, a campus scavenger hunt, and a special visit from RWU's mascot, Swoop.

"Alumni & Reunion Weekend was a wonderful time to reconnect, share memories and stories, and meet new Hawks on the Bristol campus - the place where it all began," said Scafariello, who celebrated her 25th reunion year with the Class of 1999. "I am humbled by the support from our alumni who love RWU at their core. I was able to watch our alumni Hawk family come back to campus and celebrate lifelong friendships that started at Roger Williams."

Throughout the academic year, the Alumni Relations team launched new initiatives designed to engage RWU graduates, including hosting gatherings of alumni across the country from New England to California as part of Hawks Take Flight. They also revived an Alumni Spotlight Speaker Series that highlights the achievements and experiences of RWU alumni working in various fields in an effort to inspire current students and foster connections between them and alumni.

The alumni community can look forward to all these events again during the 2024-25 academic year. Alumni & Reunion Weekend is held on the weekend following Memorial Day, so set your calendars for May 30 to June 1, 2025. The schedules for Hawks Take Flight and the Alumni Spotlight Speaker Series will be posted soon on the Alumni Events webpage.

2024 Alumni & Reunion Weekend

Celebrating Alumni Excellence

Alumni & Reunion Weekend also provided the opportunity to celebrate alums who were recognized for their community and professional contributions during the Alumni Association Awards.

Debra Stokes '79, a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for her exceptional career in financial advising spanning over 35 years. The Rye, N.Y., resident was recently named to the 2024 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State list for New York.

Eileen (Korney) Pollina '16, founder and operator of Eileen Graphics and Sincerely, Eileen, was honored with the esteemed Young Alumni Achievement Award for her notable strides in graphic design and entrepreneurship. A Portsmouth, R.I., resident, Pollina has made significant contributions to the community, lending her design skills to nonprofit initiatives and local fundraisers.

George Hemond '72, of Corpus Christi, Texas, received the Roger Williams Hawk Award for his outstanding commitment to school spirit and engagement. A Navy veteran and retired AVP at FM Global, he served on RWU's Alumni Board and the School of Engineering's Professional Advisory Board. With his late brother Albert '70, he established a scholarship to support engineering students from Rhode Island.

Harry Templeton '72, of Pawtucket, R.I., was awarded the esteemed Roger Williams Lifetime Hawk Award for his significant contributions and lifelong dedication to Roger Williams University. Templeton, who retired from a distinguished career at Narragansett Electric Company and served in the U.S. Coast Guard, exemplifies outstanding achievements in his professional life, personal integrity, and service to the university.

Ray Cordeiro, of Bristol, R.I., received the Roger Williams Honorary Hawk Award for his over 30 years of exceptional dedication to the university and profound impact as a coach, administrator, and ambassador for RWU Athletics. He previously held a distinguished career in professional baseball and remains active in Bristol, currently serving as Vice Chairman of the Town of Bristol Housing Authority.

Walter Ramos '83, President and CEO of Rogerson Communities, was honored with the prestigious Alumni Advancing DEI Award. Under his guidance, the Boston resident has implemented transformative initiatives within Rogerson Communities and beyond, enhancing organizational culture and empowering individuals to contribute to a more inclusive society through promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.