There are a number of committees that work to plan events and further the goals of the Alumni Association. If you are interested in learning more about any of these groups, check with the contact person designated below.

Alumni Association Awards	Planning
Alumni Golf Tournament	Publications
Audit	RI Rams Athletic Association
Finance	Reunion
Funding Request	Volunteer Recruitment
Government Relations	Winter Gala
Nominating	Young Alumni

Purpose: This committee works closely with University administration, faculty, and alumni to solicit nominees and select the recipients of the Ram and Honorary Alumnus/a Awards. The Ram Award is the highest tribute that can be paid to an individual, whether an alumnus or not, who has over an extended period of time unfailingly dedicated his/her efforts toward the betterment of the Alumni Association and/or the University as a whole. The recipient must have exhibited meritorious and distinguished service to the Alumni Association and/or the University for a minimum of 25 years. The Honorary Alumnus/a Award is presented to a non-alumnus who has made an extraordinary effort to advance the goals of the University of Rhode Island.

Meetings: Two to three meetings a year, or as necessary.

Membership: Membership is representative of the colleges and is at the invitation of the chair or President with Board approval.

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496, or Lisa Harrison, Executive Assistant/Office Manager, at lharrison@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-4962.


Alumni Golf Tournament Committee

Purpose: This committee is responsible for planning and helping to execute the Alumni Golf Tournament held annually, usually in June. The tournament is held at municipal golf courses and is followed by an awards banquet the evening of the tournament.

Meetings: The committee meets on a regular basis (monthly) beginning some time in the fall.

Membership: Membership is by invitation of the chair or appointment by the President.

Contact: Gina Dei Simonelli, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, at gmdei@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5808.

Purpose: This committee assists the Alumni Association Executive Board in overseeing the integrity of the Association’s financial statements; the Association’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence; and the performance of the Association’s internal audit function and its independent auditor.

Meetings: A minimum of three meetings, or as frequently as circumstances require.

Membership: The Committee shall consist of four to five members. Each member must have some background in accounting, finance, business, or a general understanding of financial statements.

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496.

Chapter Liaison Committee

Purpose:    This committee works in conjunction with the Alumni Relations Office to help motivate local URI chapter leaders to work more closely in creating and implementing local event and communications programs that will, in turn, encourage local alumni to become more involved with the University and its Alumni Association.

Meetings:  In general, the committe will meet every other month or otherwise, as needed.

Membership: Membership is at the invitation of the chair or President, with Board approval.

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496.

Purpose: This committee is responsible for overseeing the annual budget-planning process for alumni funds raised through the annual giving campaign. The group sets policy and guidelines related to funding requests, which are submitted to the Executive Board for approval. In addition the committee oversees the budget each fiscal year and makes recommendations related to prudent expenditures. The Finance Committee ensures that expenditures remain "true to spirit" in advancing alumni-related activities in quality support of the University's mission of teaching, research, and community service.

Meetings: The committee will meet periodically as needed throughout the funding year.

Membership: Membership is at the invitation of the President with Board approval.

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496.

Purpose: This committee sets policy and guidelines to then approve or deny requests for funding. The budget for this committee is set by the Board.

Meetings: The committee meets at least quarterly.

Membership: Membership is at the invitation of the chair or President with Board approval.

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496, or Lisa Harrison, Executive Assistant/Office Manager, at lharrison@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-4962.

Purpose: This committee is comprised of alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Its purpose is to function as an effective lobbying group to advance the goals of higher education and URI in the State of Rhode Island. It participates in mobilizing all interested parties, including families, friends, faculty, administration, students, and alumni in letter-writing campaigns, hosting receptions with the legislature, etc. The group has an ongoing agenda but may assemble as determined by legislative issues affecting higher education and the University.

Meetings: The committee will meet periodically throughout the year and more often in smaller groups as lobbying efforts increase.

Membership: Membership is at the invitation of the chair or President with Board approval. The membership is not limited to alumni but includes representatives of all the University's constituencies. This committee will strive for a large membership with representatives from all geographic areas of the state.

Purpose: This committee is charged in the By-laws of the Alumni Association with carrying out the directives for creating a slate of officers for election at the annual meeting. The members recruit and review alumni who have participated in alumni activities and are willing to give further of their time and expertise in setting policy for the Alumni Association.

Meetings: Meets three to five times between November and January.

Membership: The 11 members are defined by the by-laws of the URI Alumni Association

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496.

 

Marketing Communications Committee

Purpose: This committee works in conjunction with the Alumni Relations Office to increase membership in and involvement with the Alumni Association, as well as to improve Association affinity marketing programs. The committee dovetails with the University's current branding and marketing initiatives.

Meetings:  In general, will bi-monthly or otherwise, as needed.

Membership:  Membership is at the invitation of the chair or President, with Board approval.

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496.

Purpose: This committee works on short- and long-range plans of the Alumni Association. This process will be ongoing to ensure that the organization grows and remains vibrant to address the needs of our alumni populations of the future. The highlight of the planning process is a day-long session for all Board members to plot out the mission, goals, and values of the association.

Meetings: The committee will meet as needed through the year.

Membership: Membership is at the invitation of the chair or President with Board approval.

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496.

 

Purpose: This committee is responsible for providing direction to alumni staff related to alumni publications, primarily Quad Angles magazine. The group recommends magazine content while the staff is responsible for creative layout, writing, research, etc. The committee will work toward putting the magazine on a self-funding status by developing plans for advertising and subscription.

Meetings: The committee meets on a quarterly basis in advance of the publication of QUAD ANGLES.

Membership: Membership is by invitation of the chair or presidential appointment with Board approval.

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496

Rhode Island Rams Athletic Association

Purpose: The purpose of this committee is to promote interest in and financial support for the URI athletic program. It has its own by-laws, chartered under the Alumni Association.

Membership: Defined by the by-laws of the RIRAA

Purpose: Each year the Alumni Association looks for individuals interested in working to plan their 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, and 50th class reunions (or to plan a reunion for their affinity group.) The 50th Reunion Committee begins the planning of its reunion approximately two years prior to the event.

Contact: The Alumni Relations Office at 401-874-2242.

Purpose: The committee works on ways to recruit volunteers and provide them with meaningful volunteer experiences in order to broaden their active participation in alumni programs and activities. The three areas in which volunteers may help are through the regional, college, and special-interest clubs, special events such as Homecoming, and various Alumni Association committees.

Meetings: The meeting schedule is at the discretion of the chairman.

Membership: Membership at the invitation of the chair and the President.

Contact: Michele Nota, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at mnota@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5496

Purpose: This committee plans the Winter Gala, an event initiated in the Centennial year by the Annual Fund Office to raise funds for scholarship. There are several subcommittees to handle each aspect of the event, including acquisition of auction items, music, decorations etc.

Meetings: The committee meets monthly, more often during the months immediately prior to the event.

Membership: Including its several subcommittees, there are many alumni comprising this committee. Membership is by invitation of the chair or appointment of the President.

Contact:Jessie Kenyon, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, at jkenyon@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-4853.

Purpose: This committee helps to plan all aspects of Young Alumni Weekend. Committee members help to select weekend activities and are responsible for marketing, promotion, and all logistical aspects of the weekend.

Meetings: Once a month from August through March.

Membership: Any alumnus/na who has graduated from the University within the last decade and who is interested in helping to plan the event.

Contact: Gina Dei Simonelli, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, at gmdei@advance.uri.edu or 401-874-5808.