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Gap CEO Urges Readiness to Confront Change, Extols Adaptability at RIC’s 164th Commencement
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island College celebrated its 164th undergraduate commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 12, at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence.
RIC conferred 1,336 undergraduate degrees in the morning ceremony, attended by R.I. Gov. Gina Raimondo, U.S. Representative James Langevin, R.I. State Treasurer Seth Magaziner, R.I. Board of Education Chair Barbara Cottam, R.I. Board of Education Chair of Postsecondary Council William Foulkes, Commissioner Brenda Dann-Messier, and Mayors Scott Avedisian, James Diossa, Jorge Elorza and Charles Lombardi.
Presiding over the ceremony, RIC President Frank D. Sánchez lauded the graduates for improving communities by empowering others as well as being truly invested in the health and well-being of citizens throughout the state. “Your degree is a powerful catalyst for change,” Sánchez said. “Your RIC education will propel you to do great things” as the economic base powering Rhode Island, he said.
Former President and CEO of Gap Inc. Jeffrey Kirwan ’93 delivered the remarks during the undergraduate ceremony, urging the Class of 2018 to work hard, take risks and do things that scare them. “Say ‘yes’ to opportunities,” he said, “there’s no substitute for tenacity.”
“You always have to be prepared to meet change," Kirwan emphasized. “Stay curious and stay current in your field. Connect with people who are unlike you. This will help you see what’s coming and help you prepare for it.” Kirwan encouraged graduates to remain agile and take risks. "Playing it safe is for wimps. I challenge all of you – what might scare you might be the most rewarding. Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away."
Dean of the Rhode Island College School of Nursing Jane Williams received an honorary doctorate of humanities for her four decades of dedication and leadership to the school, which has earned the college’s nursing programs national recognition.
RIC Senior Class President Mia Palombo addressed the Class of 2018, imploring her fellow graduates to “be kind to one another…listen…and learn to speak with intention and respect. Our global community is in desperate need of people who care,” she said. “Be the change you wish to see in our shared world.”
Representing the RIC Class of 1968, Class President Cynthia DiSano presented a monetary gift to Rhode Island College from the Golden Anniversary Class.
Later in the day, Rhode Island College conferred 250 advanced degrees in a graduate commencement ceremony at which Rhode Island College Associate Vice President for Community, Equity and Diversity Anna Cano Morales, M.S.W. ’99 served as speaker. She praised the college for investing in inclusive excellence work, which is critical to creating a culture “that is welcoming to all students at RIC.” Cano Morales also encouraged students to “do a little, good, old-fashioned listening. Therein lies the essence of human existence,” she said. “We are here to serve others and improve lives.”
RIC graduated 467 students with honors: 84 summa cum laude, 149 magna cum laude and 234 cum laude.
A webcast of the 2018 commencement ceremonies can be viewed online at www.ric.edu.
Established in 1854, Rhode Island College serves approximately 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students through its five schools: the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the School of Business, the School of Nursing and the School of Social Work. For more information, visit www.ric.edu.
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