The URI Women’s Council for Development was established in 2005 to enhance the role of alumnae and women students at the University. With women now constituting more than 50% of both the student and alumni bodies, the opportunity to strengthen the leadership, involvement, and engagement of URI alumnae and female students has never been greater.

The Council seeks to increase the influence of URI alumnae and female students in all aspects of life at the University, and in the larger world, through:
• Enhanced opportunities for alumnae to interact with, and act as role models for, students and one another.
• Meaningful programs to generate lasting relationships with URI among students and alumnae.
• Greater participation of alumnae at all levels of University life, including fundraising.
• An annual scholarship awarded to a female student who holds a leadership position on campus, demonstrates financial need, and maintains a 3.00 grade point average.

Members of the Council include URI alumnae, faculty, and staff members who:
• Serve as mentors to students and fellow alumnae, offering work-life advice and career resources.
• Support programs by planning, sponsoring, and attending events and encouraging fellow alumnae to participate.
• Contribute financially to programs such as the annual scholarship and Council events.

Special Events

Recent Event: On April 9, the Women's Council for Development hosted Career and Life Coach Dr. Adele Scheele, the author of Launch Your Career in College, for a reception, presentation and book-signing.

Recent Event: On February 11, The Women's Council for Development hosted an evening of Speed Networking at the Alumni Center. The event was sponsored by Lefkowitz, Garfinkle, Champi & DeRienzo of Providence. Sixteen students participated in this opportunity to interact with 15 alumni mentors in a fast-paced networking environment.