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BRISTOL, R.I. – Generations of Hawks flocked back to �Ӱ���Ƶ University as the 2025 Alumni & Reunion Hawk Weekend transformed campus into a vibrant celebration of shared stories, friendships, and school spirit.

From May 30 to June 1, the three-day event brought together 425 alumni, family, and friends of all class years in what became the university’s most attended alumni celebration since before the pandemic. A special tribute was paid to reunion classes ending in “0” and “5.” Among the largest groups was the Class of 1980, who turned out in record numbers and embodied the lasting connection shared by alumni who first came together as students at �Ӱ���Ƶ College.

��±�’s&�Բ�����;Office of Alumni Relations, led by Assistant Vice President Kelly Scafariello ’99, crafted a weekend that honored tradition and offered alumni a dynamic mix of events that rekindled old memories and sparked new ones. Campus-wide activities included a self-guided scavenger hunt, a display of historic newspapers and alumni-authored books in the University Library, and family-friendly tours of the Aquaculture & Aquarium Science Wet Lab, featuring marine creatures like seahorses and corals.

“Watching alumni interactions, it was evident that �Ӱ���Ƶ University brought our alumni together back from their days as students,” Scafariello said. “No matter if they graduated 5 years or 45 years ago, our alums have grown up together through the years and clearly built a special bond among each other, the campus, and the town of Bristol – all because of �Ӱ���Ƶ. As an alum, I am proud to be a part of this special alumni Hawk family.”

Signature events drew enthusiastic crowds. The 18th Annual Ray Cordeiro Alumni Golf Classic welcomed more than 120 golfers, the largest tournament turnout since 2019. The 2nd Annual Wine Tasting with the AVP offered a global wine tour paired with RWU trivia. Alumni also reunited at the 4th Annual Alumni of Color Network (AOCN) Family Reunion, where Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Joanna Ravello Goods joined as a special guest.

The alumni community can look forward to all these events again during the 2025-26 academic year. Alumni & Reunion Hawk Weekend is held on the weekend following Memorial Day, so set your calendars for May 29 to May 31, 2026. The schedules for upcoming Hawks Take Flight events and the Alumni Spotlight Speaker Series will be posted soon on the Alumni Events webpage.

Celebrating Alumni Excellence

Alumni & Reunion Hawk Weekend also served as a time to recognize and honor �Ӱ���Ƶ University graduates and community members who have made meaningful contributions to their professions, communities, and the RWU community through the annual Alumni Association Awards.

The Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award honors an alumnus with over a decade of professional experience who has achieved long-term success and demonstrated meaningful public service.

Robert Engel Jr. ’80, P’13, who earned his Bachelor of Business Management, is the owner and president of API of New Hampshire & Delta T Distributors, was recognized for more than 40 years of leadership in the HVAC industry. Under his guidance, the company earned a place on the national Top 100 HVAC Distributors List by Wholesaler Magazine.

“There’s a lot of sacrifice along the way, but you put time and effort into every day by working hard and caring for people and good things happen,” Engel said. “We will all face stressful adversity in our lives, but it’s how we channel our collective energies and solve it that matters.”

The Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes a recent graduate for significant early career accomplishments within ten years of graduation, honoring their contributions to their profession and public service.

Robert Clarke ’14, M’16, who earned both a Bachelor and Master of Architecture, is a designer, educator, and theorist, received this year’s award for his work at the intersection of culture, identity, and aesthetics. Through his practice, R A L X, and his role as a faculty member at California State Polytechnic University – Pomona, Clarke challenges conventional design narratives and reclaims overlooked histories in architecture.

“RWU is a place where one, probably for the first time in their life, can intentionally and independently start to make life choices that create the reality they need, want, and envision for their life through learning about themself and others in an environment that’s new, wonderful, and challenging,” Clarke said.

The �Ӱ���Ƶ Impact Hawk Award honors alumni or current students who promote camaraderie, school spirit, and connection within the RWU community, especially during reunion years.

Earnest Offley ’07, who earned a Bachelor of Psychology, is Chief People and Patient Officer at AiCure, was recognized for his leadership in workplace diversity and inclusion in the health tech sector. He was recently named to the  and the  lists.

“�Ӱ���Ƶ is the embodiment of what the college experience should be for everyone,” Offley said. “We were able to fail and learn from our mistakes in a safe environment… It was by far the best four years of my life.”

Tyler Price ’08, who earned a Bachelor of Communications/Journalism, is Vice President of Content Development and Production at Bleacher Report, also received the award. Based in Atlanta, Price brings years of media and sports content experience through roles at Turner Sports and Relevant24.

“My time at �Ӱ���Ƶ University was defined by meaningful relationships that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally,” Price said.

Nicole Verdi, Esq. ’11, L’14, who earned a Bachelor of Legal Studies and Political Science and a Juris Doctor, is an attorney and civic leader in Rhode Island, was honored for her commitment to public service, legal excellence, and community engagement. Verdi serves as Rhode Island’s Democratic National Committeewoman and has held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

“�Ӱ���Ƶ University offered the space to explore new ideas, connect with people who challenged and inspired me, and build the foundation for both my career and personal growth,” Verdi said.

The �Ӱ���Ƶ Honorary Hawk Award is presented to a faculty or staff member who, though not an RWU graduate, has made a lasting impact on the university community through mentorship and spirited engagement.

David Melchar ’76, P’94, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, is Professor Emeritus of the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business, was honored for his 28 years of service to RWU, where he twice received the university’s “Teacher of the Year” recognition and served in various academic leadership roles, including interim dean of the business school.