uri quadangles summer 2010

The Sustainability

Issue

Oyster Farmer Perry Raso ’02, M.S. ’07

QUADANGLES ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2010 VOLUME 17, NO. 4

QUADANGLES

COMMENCEMENTJohn King ’85, anchor of CNN’s new evening program, John King, USA, and CNN’s chief national correspondent, returned to his alma mater to deliver the Commencement address at URI’s 124th undergraduate Commencement. Comments about the occasion were included on John King, USA, on Monday, May 24th.

uri.edu/commencement

2010

QUADANGLESFEATURESDEPARTMENTS

ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2010 VOLUME 17, NO. 4

COVER AND IFC: NORA LEWIS | CONTENTS: NORA LEWIS;

COURTESY U.S. COAST GUARD; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

10 ENERGY FELLOWS: BRIGHT IDEAS FOR SAVING ENERGY IN RHODE ISLAND By Todd McLeish The Energy Fellows Program enables researchers and students to collaborate on developing locally based solutions to energy issues

13 GULF OIL SPILL PUTS URI EXPERTS IN THE HOT SEAT By Todd McLeish The oil rig explosion and resulting oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico placed URI right in the middle of a major international news story

14 URI HELPS SET STANDARDS FOR OFF SHORE WIND FARMS By Peter B. Lord ’92 Rhode Island officials decided two years ago to follow a non-contentious route in planning a wind farm for waters off Rhode Island

16 A DIFFERENT WAY OF GROWING THINGS By Jennifer Sherwood ’89 Jack Algiere has cultivated a wealth of experience working on farms from Rhode Island to Costa Rica to Colorado to California to Connecticut and now New York

18 THE WORLD IS HIS OYSTER By Rudi Hempe ‘62 Perry Raso has created a South Kingstown oyster farming business that today ships shellfish to several states

22 FARMING IN RHODE ISLAND: A GROWTH INDUSTRY By Rudi Hempe ‘62 Plant Sciences will be offering a new undergraduate track with courses in vegetable and fruit growing, soil management, and composting

PRESIDENT’S VIEW 3

UP FRONT 4News and views

PRESS BOX 8

ALUMNI CHAPTERS 26 Upcoming events

and contacts

CLASS ACTS 30News from your

classmates, photo wrap-ups,

and alumni profiles

BACK PAGE 40 The Durfees: A Three

Generation Legacy Family

INSIDE BACK COVERDistinguished

Achievement Awards 2010

BACK COVERHomecoming 2010

WEB EXTRAS

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SENIOR PROM

RAPTORS ON THE QUAD

INAUGURATION

POETS AND WRITERS

AND MORE…

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2 QUAD ANGLES SUMMER 2010 | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES NORA LEWIS; ISTOCKPHOTOS.COM; ©WIKIPEDIA.COM; DENNIS COWLEY

The ideas and opinions expressed in QUADANGLES do not necessarily reflect those of the Alumni Association, the editor, or the University. QUAD ANGLES is published four times a year for alumni and friends of the University of Rhode Island;

standard postage paid at Burlington, Vt. QUAD ANGLES is printed at The Lane Press, South Burlington, Vt., and is recyclable. URI is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of affirmative action.

QUADANGLESQUADANGLES is a publication of the University of Rhode Island Alumni Association, Division of University Advancement, 73 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881. p: 401.874.2242.Vice President for University Advancement Robert M. BeagleExecutive Editor Michele A. Nota ’87, M.S. ’06Editorial Committee Paula M. Bodah ’78 Jodi Hawkins Mike Laprey Dave Lavallee ’79, M.P.A. ’87 Liz Prager O'Brien ’83Managing Editor Vida-Wynne Griffin ’67, M.A. ’72Associate Editor Barbara Caron, Online Edition Jan Wenzel ’87Art Director Kim RobertsonInterim Director of Publications Russell KoltonDirector of Communications Linda Acciardo ’77Contributing Editors Gigi Edwards, Online Edition Mary Ann Mazzone, Class Acts Nicki Toler, Alumni Online & ChaptersContributing Designers Johnson Ma Bo Pickard Verna Thurber Photographer Nora LewisAlumni Relations Staff Michelle Fontes-Barros ’96, Assistant Director Kathleen Gianquitti ’71, M.S. ’82, Assistant Director Lisa Harrison ’89, Executive Assistant Sarah Howard ’96, Associate Director Brittany Manseau ’08, Program Assistant Jess Raffaele ’04, M.S. ’09, Program Assistant Kate Serafini ’08, Program Assistant Gina Simonelli ’01, M.S. ’03, Assistant DirectorAlumni Association Executive Board Donald P. Sullivan ’71, President Joseph M. Confessore ’96, Vice President Susan R. Johnson ’82, Vice President Gary W. Kullberg ’63, Past President Louise H. Thorson, M.B.A. ’85, Treasurer Michele A. Nota ’87, M.S. ’06, SecretaryCouncilors-at-Large William M. Dolan III ’81 Carlos M. Ferreira ’89 Allison E. Field ’95 John Finan ’80 Ronald P. Joseph ’67 Kelly J. Nevins ’90, M.S. ’02 Kathleen P. O’Donnell-White ’90 Benjamin W. Tuthill ’04 Andrew W. Wafula ’01 Raymond L. Watson ’02, M.C.P. ’05Representatives Arts and Sciences: Jerome H. Kritz ’76 Business Administration: Laurel L. Bowerman ’77, M.B.A. ’84 Continuing Education: Edward Bozzi Jr. ’68 Engineering: Leo Mainelli ’58 Environment and Life Sciences: Wayne K. Durfee ’50 Human Science and Services: John Boulmetis ’71, M.S. ’73 Nursing: Denise A. Coppa ’72, Ph.D. ’02 Student Alumni Association: Bobby Randall ’10 Student Senate: David Bedard ’10 URI Foundation: George Graboys, Hon. ’99

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To subscribe to our email news lists, go to Member Services at alumniconnections.com/rhodeisland. Select Email Preferences to opt in or out of our email news lists.

SUPPORTING URIGiving news and announcements about gifts to URI, including gifts to the endowment, the Fund for URI, planned giving, and more.

RIRAA ONLINEInformation about athletic events, special ticket offers, priority points, gifts to RIRAA, and more.

ALUMNI NEWS AND EVENTSUpcoming alumni programs, such as Homecoming, chapter events, reunions, cultural events, and member events.

QUADANGLESONLINE uri.edu/quadanglesHere are some of great videos included in this issue of QuadAngles Online. Sign up for a subscription to QuadAngles Online by going to advance.uri.edu/subscriptions.

URI PHARMACY PROFESSOR BONGSUP CHO discusses the issue of toxic cleanup chemicals in relation to the Gulf oil spill on WPRI Providence.

PERRY RASO ’02, M.S. ’07, owner of Matunuck Oyster Farm, talks up oysters

and the local food movement on the Fox Rhode Show.

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER JULIA GLASS inspires writers in her keynote address at the recent URI Ocean State

Summer Writing Conference.

URI PHARMACY STUDENTS host a senior prom for residents of South Bay Manor in Wakefield, R.I.

“BIRDS OF PREY,” a demonstration organized by URI Wildlife Society president Christina Knoll ’11, takes flight on the Quad.

ALUMNIONLINE advance.uri.edu/alumniNo matter where you live, you can stay connected to URI. Take a look at these upcoming events, and register online. What could be easier?

PRIDE IN URI NIGHT AT MCCOY STADIUM is coming up on August 18! Bring the

family and enjoy this popular Rhody tradition—food, camaraderie, and a great evening of PawSox baseball. Go to advance.uri.edu/alumni/pridenight.

BIG THINKERS EVENTS IN LOS ANGLES AND NEW YORK CITY, featuring URI President David M. Dooley, are planned

for late September. Get all the details by going to advance.uri.edu/bigthinkers.

COME BACK TO URI FOR HOMECOMING 2010, which will be held October 22–24. See the weekend schedule of events at advance.uri.

edu/alumni/homecoming.

URI DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS CELEBRATION will be held at the Westin Hotel in

Providence on October 23. To learn more, go to advance.uri.edu/programming/daa.

Here is a picture of me with my daughter, Samantha, from the summit of Kilimanjaro—the highest point on the continent of Africa. We reached the summit at 6:50 a.m. on June 10. I took a few days off between URI-related trips to Cape Verde and India to make the climb.

Allow me to share a couple of reflections on the climb. There was a lot about the climb that I will always remember and treasure, but far beyond the beauty of the mountain and the challenge of the climb, the most important thing was the time I got to spend with Saman-tha. On Father’s Day nothing means more to me than the time I have shared with Samantha and with our son, Chris.

—David M. Dooley

PHOTOS BY NORA LEWIS AND COURTESY OF DAVID M. DOOLEY

PRESIDENT’SVIEW

Inauguration of David M. Dooley April 8, 2010

Video highlights include:

President Dooley’s speech

Guest speaker Greg Boyd’s speech

Professor Peter Covino’s reading of his inaugural poem

Professor Eliane Aberdam’s inaugural musical arrangement

uri.edu/quadangles

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 3

4 QUAD ANGLES SUMMER 2010 | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES TOP PHOTOS BY JOE GIBLIN AND BOTTOM LEFT BY NORA LEWIS.

Watching After Our Watersheds

Did You Know That …• 18 percent of the food served at URI comes come from

local or organic sources?

• URI won a CASE silver award for its 2008 Honors Colloquium poster promoting the lecture series, “People and Planet: Global Environmental Change.” Created by the URI Office of Publications and Creative Services, the poster prompted research into eco-friendly printing techniques and led to a major shift in paper stocks, inks, and vendors used.

• The Princeton Review, in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, included URI in its Guide to 286 Green Colleges, published this spring. The guide profiles the University as one of the nation’s most eco-friendly campuses and credits us with establishing a Council on Sustainability in 2007 to provide guidance on the green-ing of URI to reduce our carbon footprint.

Each week from May to October, 350 Rhode Islanders get out their thermom-eters and other monitoring equipment to test the health of hundreds of lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, and beaches throughout the state.

The volunteers, an integral part of the University’s Watershed Watch Pro-gram, monitor more than 250 different sites for water clarity and temperature. They also check algae concentrations and dissolved oxygen levels every two weeks. URI provides the equipment and the training.

On scheduled dates volunteers collect water samples that are analyzed in the URI Watershed Watch labs. Not all volun-teers test for the same things in the same way or in the same timeframe. Some test chloride levels to determine runoff of road salts; others, such as a surfing group, test the water for bacteria year-round.

Some volunteers dangle a Secchi disk from their boats or canoes to determine water clarity; others wade into the water or collect samples from a dock.

Watershed watchers come from all age groups, occupations, and educational backgrounds. They include retirees, middle school and high school students, and parents and children. All share a passion for the environment and a desire to protect it.

The watershed program, part of URI’s Cooperative Extension Water Quality Program, began in 1988 with just 24 vol-unteers, according to Watershed Watch Director Linda Green ’75, M.S. ’83.

“Rhode Island has compiled one of the most extensive databases of water quality in the nation, thanks in large part to the volunteers,” says Elizabeth Herron ’88, M.A. ’04, program coordinator.

NEWS&VIEWS

PHOTOS BY NORA LEWIS.

Green Biotech Building Earns the GoldWhen URI’s $54 million Center for Biotechnol-ogy and Life Sciences opened last year, it was hailed as a state-of-the-art facility that would advance scientific research and serve as a hub for education, research, and job creation in the life sciences.

This year, the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit trade organization, named the URI facility a Leadership in Energy and Envi-ronmental Design (LEED) Gold building.

The structure’s sustainable features include a ‘green’ roof that is partially covered in vegetation that filters pollutants and reduces heating and cooling needs; a rain garden and storm water treatment feature with a sophisticated drainage and detention system; daylight harvesting technologies that brighten rooms and warm the floors; and an energy efficient heating and cooling system. One hundred percent of the wood used in construction was certified by the For-est Stewardship Council to have come from forests managed in a sustainable way. About a third of the materials used in the build-

ing had been previously recycled. Speaking of recycled, 79 percent of construction waste was recycled.

The energy efficiency measures installed in the building save about $135,000 per year in utility costs

“The award is the result of a determined team of design archi-tects, building committee, capital planning and capital projects staff and many more that worked on the design and construction,” said Robert A. Weygand ’71, ’76, vice president for Administration and Finance. “It is very difficult for a research and teaching laboratory building to reach this status. Complicated ventilation systems can be very energy consuming. We were able to put in the most energy efficient system, and as a result we were able to construct a sustainable building.”

Bagging the Plastic Everyone needs groceries, but what do Ameri-cans do with the estimated 100 billion plastic carrier bags they use annually? Plastic bags, especially high-density polyethylene ones, can remain on our planet for up to 1,000 years.

Although a growing number of environmentally-conscious consumers now carry their groceries in reusable cloth bags, Armine Tahmassian ’10, found a different way to recycle plastic bags to make an environmental point.

With advice from Lilla Samson, a painting and printmaking instructor in the Department of Art and Art History, the 21-year-old chose to look at the envi-ronment through art for her senior honors project. She was motivated by Natural Resource Science Professor Tom Husband’s environmental ethics class and by the 2008 Honors Colloquium on global climate change.

Tahmassian cut the bags into strips, twisted the strips with her father’s drill, rolled the twisted strips into a yarn-like ball, and began to knit. Her artwork begins with tight stitches, gradually opens to looser and looser stitches creating larger holes, and eventually unwinds so completely that it returns to plastic bags. The completed piece hung with three others works with accompanying text in Lippitt Hall this spring. Tahmassian called the plastic bag art Entropy.

“Entropy measures how disorganized/organized a system is,” she ex-plained. “As stated in the second law of thermodynamics, entropy (or disorder) will increase over time in an isolated system. Therefore this piece portrays that principle. In other words, we, as humans, are increasing the amount of disorder on the Earth, which follows with this law; the conflict is that we are increasing this disorder at an escalating rate.”

Plastic bags were also incorporated in two of her three other 3-foot by 4-foot art pieces entitled “Land, Air, and Water,” all composed mainly of recycled materials such as bottle caps, dryer lint, red netting from fruit and vegetable bags, and styrofoam. They called attention to climate change, deforestation, and water pollution.


TOP PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDY ACLUSKY.

Investing in $aving EnergyURI entered into an $18 million energy performance contract in 2007 with NORESCO, one of the nation’s leading energy services companies. The program was designed to reduce the University’s energy usage. NORESCO guaranteed that energy savings from the improvements during the three-year contact would pay for the entire project in a dozen years.

So far, so great! Here’s a sample of yearly savings: 8.6 million per kilowatt hours, 14,500 gallons of fuel oil, 7.7 million cubic feet of natural gas, 54 million pounds of steam, and 7.9 million gallons in water and sewage. All of this was accomplished by the installation of:

• 15,000 new light fixtures

• 68,000 energy efficient light bulbs

• Lighting sensors throughout the Kingston Campus

• 3,000 steam traps to limit steam waste and provide more

consistent heat

• Energy efficient air conditioners in the Memorial Union and

Coastal Institute

• A new heating system in the Horn Building, Bay Campus

• Major HVAC changes, including seven new air-handling units

in the athletic center

• New windows in Keaney Gym

• Updated energy management controls in more than 100 buildings

• 2,000 water saving fixtures in residence halls

As a result, the University’s carbon footprint has gotten smaller—we’ve reduced our carbon dioxide emissions by more than 18 million pounds. URI estimates it saved $1.6 million for the July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 year—when the project was only 75 percent complete--and estimates that it will save $30 million in 12 years.

6 QUAD ANGLES SUMMER 2010 | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES

Our Man In Abu DhabiNick Healey ’03 is “our man in Abu Dhabi” in the United Arab Emirates.

For the last two years, the landscape archi-tecture graduate has been part of a four-person design team working in a part of the world noted for its progressive architecture and in-novative development.

He is heavily involved in two major projects. Both are managed by his employer, Boston’s Carol R. Johnson Associates, Inc, which also employs seven other URI alumni.

The Shams Abu Dhabi Central Park and Public Landscapes project, a mixed-use devel-opment off the main island of Abu Dhabi, will ultimately house 55,000. Shams Island is about the size of downtown Boston, and its central park is about the size of Boston Public Gardens.

The Johnson firm was also awarded the design for the entire public realm of the island, including four kilometers of canal and adjacent amenities, coastal walks, and streetscape design.

“We won the project largely because of the introduction of passive cooling techniques where cold seawater is pumped through heat exchangers to release cooled air onto the outdoor walkways and plazas in the park. While the country enjoys moderate temperatures a few months of the year, it can hit 120°F in the summer,” explained Healey.

The smaller project, Marasy Harbor, is a residential waterfront development, located on

two plots in one of the oldest, most culturally sensitive areas of Abu Dhabi. The area, originally a boatyard, will maintain a nautical concept.

Before he was sent to the UAE, Healy worked on the Boston Chinatown project developing design and construction documents, the Ridge Road Project in Rochester, N.Y., doing a visual impact assessment for the artery that links the city with its suburbs, and a highway inter-change project in Chicago.

As a student, he played a design role in the building of Hope Commons and the University’s three newest residence halls. He also assisted the team that prepared a fea-sibility study for the LEED designation for our Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences (see accompanying story).

“Abu Dhabi is doing its best to implement sustainability standards, similar to the LEED program in the U.S., to reduce its current carbon footprint, which remains one of the highest in the world,” said Healy.

Healy enjoys his work. “The boundaries are being pushed at all times, which seems to be the reason Abu Dhabi and Dubai are on the world stage of development,” he said.

Still he misses his family back home. He’s able to visit a few times each year. “My phone bills have certainly been interesting,” he added.

By Rudi Hempe ‘62



Athletics Department Honors Four SeniorsOn May 3, four senior student-athletes were honored at the 2010 Senior Awards Banquet, held at Quidnessett Country Club.

Shayna Daugherty (women’s track & field) and James Whalen (men’s track & field) received the Elizabeth Holmes Award presented to the male and female graduating seniors who combine exceptional scholastic achievement with out-standing athletic talent.

Daugherty holds both the URI and Atlantic 10 records in the indoor pentathlon, outdoor heptathlon, and outdoor high jump. A six-time Atlantic 10 individual champion competing in the high jump, pentathlon, and heptathlon, she was named the A-10 Field Performer of the Meet on two occasions—outdoor in 2009, indoor in 2010. Academi-cally, Daugherty was the 2010 Atlantic 10 Indoor Student-Athlete of the Year and also earned U.S.

Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Academic All-Division and ESPN The Maga-zine Academic All-District honors. She had a 3.72 grade-point aver-age and received her degree in communicative disorders.

Whalen has scored in the hep-tathlon, decathlon, and pole vault at the Atlantic 10 Championship in each of his four years of competi-tion. A two-year team captain, he also set a conference record in the heptathlon and received the A-10’s 2009 Indoor Field Performer of the Year award. A member of the 2009 Atlantic 10 Academic All-Conference team, he compiled a 3.66 grade-point average and graduated with a degree in history and secondary education.

Becky Cotreau received the Winifred Keaney Award while

Oliver Palmer took home the Albert LeBoeuf Award. The awards are presented to the most

outstanding female and male student-athletes.

Cotreau is a two-time Atlantic 10 All-Conference selection in rowing as well as an All-New England Region honoree. She has the best 2,000-meter ERG score on the team and has guided the Rams to the best single-season record in school history with a 25-5 mark. Cotreau had a 3.17 GPA and gradu-ated with a degree in sociology.

Palmer helped lead the URI baseball team to a record-setting 37 wins in 2009. He was an All-New England selection, as well as an Atlantic 10 All-Conference and All-Championship team honoree. Academically, Palmer was named to both the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District I First Team and the Atlantic 10 All-Academic squad a season ago. He had a 3.60 GPA and graduated with a degree in communication studies.

Shayna Daugherty

James Whalen

Oliver PalmerPHOTOS BY MIKE SCOTT

Becky Cotreau

PRESSBOX

Women’s Rowing Captures Atlantic 10 ChampionshipThe team won the 2010 Atlantic 10 Championship on April 17 on the Cooper River in Pennsauken, N.J. Rhody’s conference championship is its second in the last three years. The Rams won the regatta with 53 points, defeating defending champion Massachusetts, which finished second with 40 points.

Rhody’s varsity eight and second varsity eight each won its race, clocking times of 6:37.08 and 6:46.06, respectively. The Rams varsity eight has claimed first in the last four races. URI also clocked a winning performance in the novice eight with a time of 7:10.07.

Seniors Jenna Hetzell, Becky Cotreau, and Raejean Pearse-Theroux were each named All-Conference First Team, while junior Jenessa Redfern earned All-Conference Second Team honors. Head coach Shelagh Donohoe earned her third Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honor.

Head Coach Joe Trainer and the Rhody football team held their second annual bone marrow registry drive on April 28 on the Quad. Trainer and the football program have partnered with the National Marrow Donor Program to take their efforts to the national level. Over the past two years, URI’s football team has generated over 500 new individuals for the national registry.

Football Team Holds Bone Marrow Drive

Woodley Named A-10 Top Track & Field Rookie PerformerFreshman Ronald Woodley was named the Atlan-tic 10 Most Outstanding Rookie Performer after helping lead the Rams to a third place team finish at the A-10 Outdoor Track & Field Championship. Woodley, a native of East Providence, won the triple jump with a leap of 46 feet, 11 inches. He fol-lowed that with a seventh place finish in the long jump (22-5 ¼ feet) and ran a leg on URI’s 4x100m relay squad, which finished in third place.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE URI ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 9

10 QUAD ANGLES SUMMER 2010 | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES10 QUAD ANGLES SUMMER 2010 | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES PHOTOS BY NORA LEWIS

ENERGY FELLOWS:

Bright Ideas for Saving Energy in Rhode Island

R E N E W A B L E E N E R G Y


On the first day of her freshman year, Hannah Morini ’08 examined a list of student clubs and immediately decided to join the Renewable Energy Club. Her father had been a solar panel inspector in the 1980s, and she suspects that probably had something to do with her interest. She soon became vice president of the club, and when she heard that the University was launching an Energy Fellows program, she was first in line to apply.

“I really liked the interdisciplinary focus of the Energy Fellows program,” said Morini, who has appeared in URI television commercials for the last two years standing in front of a wind turbine declaring “my big idea is green energy.”

The Energy Fellows Program is an outgrowth of the University’s Energy Center in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, which was launched in 2007 to enable researchers and students to work with government agencies, energy providers, and the business community to develop locally based solutions to energy issues. Now in its third year, the fellows program provides students with a wide range of hands-on experiences examining energy issues in the state.

“It’s exciting to see how rewarding the program has been for both our students and the University’s community partners,” said Marion Gold, who directs the Energy Center with Chemistry Pro-fessor Brett Lucht. “The students have the opportunity to put their academic training to work on the complex energy challenges we face, and our community partners gain access to stellar young professionals, supported by URI faculty and staff.”

During her year as an Energy Fellow, Morini helped prepare a major report for the Rhode Island Energy Efficiency Resource Management Council on what she called non-utility scale renewable energy opportunities.

“Our job was to identify potential areas, from an economic and natural resource standpoint, where the state should focus its money on renewable energy projects,” Morini explained. “I worked especially on small-scale hydro projects. There hasn’t been much research done on that in Rhode Island. There are many dams in the state, so we proposed generating electricity from structures that are already there, rather than building new dams and disturbing habitat.”

After graduation, Morini went to work for Alteris Renewables, the fastest growing renewable energy company in the Northeast, which designs and installs solar and wind energy systems. She works on the wind power side of the business, representing the company in southern New England by conducting site visits with customers, talking with legislators, planning events, and preparing proposals.

“The Fellows Program has helped prepare me for everything I’ve done afterwards,” she said. “Because of the interdisciplinary focus, it improved my research, my writing, my speaking, and it gave me basic knowledge in so many different areas that are critical once you get a job in the real world. You can go and do anything in this field after having been a fellow.”

The second class of Energy Fellows diversified its activities considerably, with two teams of students working on biofuels and two other teams focused on energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.

Chemistry major Mike Bailey became an Energy Fellow after becoming inter-ested in building a biodiesel lab in the Department of Chemistry and later learning that he could continue that work and receive a stipend as well through the program: “I was trying to find my niche in the Chemistry Depart-ment, and I found that the biodiesel lab

was something that I could really get into while also doing some meaningful work,” Bailey said.

The URI student spent the spring semester of 2009 building the reactor, which he describes simply as a hot water heater and a cone tank, and using it to convert waste oil from the dining halls into a certified fuel. Last summer the fuel was used to power campus lawn mowers and other equipment operated to maintain campus facilities.

The challenge Bailey has found with the biodiesel process is an unfortunate scheduling anomaly: the greatest demand for biodiesel on campus is during the summer when the dining halls are at a reduced capacity with little waste oil to convert into biodiesel. But that doesn’t mean the project isn’t proceeding.

“We are actively pursuing a proposal as part of the URI climate action plan to purchase biodiesel for use in campus vehicles and giving our waste oil to a company that will use it in the biodiesel process,” explained Bailey, who runs his Volkswagen on biodiesel.

At the same time, he is spending his second year as a Fellow preparing an energy plan for the Washington County Regional Planning Council in southern Rhode Island.

In a somewhat related initiative, Sarah Sylvia ’10 spent last year helping the Naval War College in Newport plot a strategy for saving energy to meet a Department of Defense directive. Working with two other Energy Fellows, she spent last summer analyzing the College’s energy bills, conducting energy audits of its buildings, and researching appropriate renewable energy options that will achieve the goal of reducing energy consumption by 30 percent below 2003 levels by 2015.

The students found a wide variety of inefficiencies in energy use, including areas that had more lighting than

Video | uri.edu/quadangles


necessary, outdoor lights that were on during daylight hours, occupancy sensors that were not working properly, and computers that were never turned off. They proposed the installation of two small-scale wind turbines that will each generate two kilowatts of electricity and the installation of a solar thermal heating system and a small, rooftop photovoltaic system.

The students presented their recommendations last fall to Rear Admiral Phil Wisecup, president of the War College, who enthusiastically endorsed the plan and encouraged the students to continue working with his staff to immediately implement the plan.

“This project wasn’t the same kind of research that I’ve done before,” said Sylvia, the first student in the Universi-

ty’s Blue M.B.A. program, which merges a traditional graduate business degree with an oceanography degree. “I got to see more of the business side of things. Energy is the new hot topic, and to see how that works from the ground up was very interesting.

“The Energy Fellows Program has built a collaborative process, getting people of different ages and back-grounds to work together for multiple interests and have an outcome that is needed and well respected,” Sylvia said. “It’s a group effort, and it’s been a tremendous experience.” When Sylvia graduated in May, she passed along the next step of the implementation process to the next class of Energy Fellows, including Yida Yang, a native of China who is studying electrical engineering

and German through URI’s International Engineering Program.

Yang’s first job as an Energy Fellow was to focus on finding energy efficiency opportunities at URI, starting with the offices, classrooms, and laboratories of the College of the Environment and Life Sciences. This summer he is turning his attention to helping local communities save energy in their municipal buildings.

“Saving energy is a really urgent issue today,” Yang said. “It’s also one of my top career choices. I applied to become an Energy Fellow because I wanted to get a strong background on energy issues, and at the same time it has helped me with my communication with all different kinds of people.”

– By Todd McLeish

The students found a wide variety of

inefficiencies in energy use, including areas

that had more lighting than necessary,

outdoor lights that were on during day-

light hours, occupancy sensors that were not working properly, and computers that were

never turned off.

Energy Fellows, clockwise from the upper left,

Hannah Morini ’08, Mike Bailey, Sarah Sylvia ’10, Yida Yang.

PHOTOS BY NORA LEWIS

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 0013 QUAD ANGLES SUMMER 2010 | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. COASTGUARD

Gulf Oil Spill Puts URI Experts in the Hot SeatThe oil rig explosion and resulting oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico placed the University of Rhode Island right in the middle of another major international news story.

Coast Guard Rear Admiral Mary E. Landry, M.M.A. ’95, oversaw the initial Coast Guard response to the disaster and served as the federal government’s chief spokesperson in the Gulf. She worked closely with officials from oil company BP and federal regulators to try and find a way to stop the flow of oil and remediate its effects without causing further damage to the fragile coastal environment.

Efforts to track the spread of the oil and assess its potential impact on the environment were conducted using software programs developed by Applied Science Associates, a Narragansett-based company that was started by Ocean Engineering Professor Malcolm Spaulding ’69, Ph.D. ’73. The company’s efforts are being led by Deborah French McCay, Ph.D. ’84, who testified before Congress in May about the oil spill response efforts.

Spaulding, who was quoted about the spill by newspapers and television stations throughout the country, said in May that chances are remote that the East Coast would be affected by the spill, noting that if the oil made its way around Florida it would be carried out to sea by the Gulf Stream. “We shouldn’t spend time worrying about the East Coast, we should worry about the Gulf Coast,” he said.

Spaulding said that his company’s oil spill modeling system programs,

OILMAP and SIMAP, are the most widely used models in the world for tracking the movement and assessing the impact of oil spills. Many countries around the world have adopted OILMAP as part of their national oil response system. SIMAP has been routinely used to assess damages from most major oil spills, and it has been in use for the Gulf of Mexico spill since the beginning of the incident through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Natural Resources Damage Assessment Office.

As the effort to fight the oil spill disaster continued, URI’s research vessel Endeavor departed for the site of what many experts are now calling the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.

According to Sam DeBow, URI’s marine superintendent in charge of operations of the Endeavor, the vessel left the Narragansett Bay Campus on June 8 with a team of scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The purpose of the mission, which is funded by the National Science Foundation, is to track, characterize, and sample subsurface oil in the Gulf.

Among the Woods Hole scientists is marine chemist Christopher Reddy, Ph.D. ’97, who conducted research on Rhode Island’s 1996 North Cape oil spill when he was a GSO graduate student.

While no researchers from URI made the trip, there are 13 URI staff members on board, including 12 crew members and a marine technician.

By Todd McLeish

S U S T A I N A B L E E N E R G Y

Video | uri.edu/quadangles


Before a handful of people one rainy night at the state Administration Building in

Providence, Tiffany Smythe told the story of the thousands of freighters, tankers, barges, and tugs that ply the waters of Narragansett Bay and Block Island Sound every year.

Smythe, a marine research associ-ate at URI’s Coastal Resources Center, illustrated her talk with slides of big ships and maps depicting complicated navigation routes, undersea cable pathways, and locations of unexploded depth charges and bombs.

When she was done, there were no questions, just comments of approval and support from members of the state’s Coastal Resources Manage-ment Council, the body that regulates all coastal activities. “Another job well done,” said CRMC chairman Michael M. Tikoian. And that’s just the way all involved wanted things to go.

Casting a leery eye on the emo-tional, nine-year, multi-million dollar battle over the proposed Cape Wind energy complex in Nantucket Sound, officials in Rhode Island decided two years ago to follow a far less conten-tious route in planning a similar wind farm for waters off Rhode Island.

Instead of picking a site and hiring consultants to draft an environmental impact statement to defend that choice, Rhode Island officials decided to make use of homegrown talent, some 60 scientists, engineers, and graduate students at the University of Rhode Island, to study the state’s off-shore waters and call on the collective

URI Helps Set Standards for Off-Shore Wind Farmswisdom to pick the best sites. The idea was to invest the time now to study all the relevant issues and potential prob-lems so that when a site is finally picked, the choice can be justified with research and data as one that won’t create harm to other users, be they people, marine life, or birds.

The state’s Coastal Resources Management Council used a similar strategy to study and “zone” various parts of Narragansett Bay and other coastal waters over the previous decades. It is analogous to the zoning communities use to plan their devel-opment. The Ocean Special Area Man-agement Plan would be a similar zon-ing effort on a much grander scale. Its price tag is approaching $10 million for studies that account for 1,467 square miles of Rhode Island’s coastal waters.

CRMC executive director Grover Fugate recalls his first meeting about the plan with Malcolm L. Spaulding ’69, Ph.D. ’73, a professor of ocean engineering at the Bay Campus, and former state energy commissioner Andrew Dzykewicz. Fugate recalls that Spaulding and Dzykewicz wanted to use experts at URI to do an environ-mental impact statement while he proposed the broader planning study of a vast area of state and federal off-shore waters. The idea was to involve stakeholders such as fishermen, ship-ping companies, and birdwatchers to gain their input from the beginning.

Spaulding recalls that Daniel L. Mendelsohn, author of an early wind power survey for Rhode Island with

his company, Applied Technology Management, was at the meeting. Spaulding says Mendelsohn also favored utilizing the “enormous capa-bilities” at the University rather than hiring a consulting company. “It’s one stop shopping here at URI,” Spaulding said. “We’re collecting an enormous amount of information useful to the project.”

Once approved by CRMC and Governor Donald Carcieri, a structure was quickly put into place for the proj-ect, now called Ocean SAMP.

Fugate is project manager. Senior advisors are Spaulding and Dennis Nixon, associate dean for research and administration at The Graduate School of Oceanography. Principal investigators are Jennifer McCann, leader of the Sustainable Coastal Communities Program for Rhode Island Sea Grant and URI’s Coastal Resources Center, and Sam De Bow, manager of research operations and special projects at GSO. Kate Moran, an ocean engineering professor and associate dean at GSO, also played a key role before leaving to join Presi-dent Barack Obama’s Council on Envi-ronmental Quality.

The team invited former state Senate policy advisor Kenneth Payne to host informational meetings with such stakeholders as fishermen, com-munity officials, environmental advo-cacy groups, Native Americans, and business leaders.

CRMC legal counsel Brian Goldman took charge of a legal advisory task force while two veteran scientists,


S U S T A I N A B L E E N E R G Y


URI Helps Set Standards for Off-Shore Wind FarmsURI’s Scott Nixon and Carlton Hunt of Battelle, chair a science advisory task force. Teams are also assigned to do outreach and to collaborate with other federal and state agencies.

The planning process was broken down into 11 chapters. Each one pro-ceeds on its own timeline so delays in one area will not affect others. Chap-ters on recreation and tourism as well as marine transportation, navigation and infrastructure have already pro-ceeded through eight steps of public review and adoption by CRMC. Other chapters still being completed include ecology, global climate change, cultural and historic resources, fish-eries resources and uses, renewable energy, other future uses, and new and existing policies.

Spaulding said the study is making use of experts from URI’s College of Engineering, Graduate School of Oceanography, and College of the Environment and Life Sciences.

Working on a separate track, the Carcieri administration selected a company called Deepwater Wind to develop a small wind farm just off Block Island and later a $1.5 billion wind farm further offshore, probably someplace south of Block Island. Deepwater is committed to paying some of SAMP’s costs, but state offi-cials insist there is a firewall between Deepwater and the state’s planning efforts. After the planning is done, Deepwater still has to get the neces-sary state and federal permits.

There was a significant setback at the end of March, when the state

Public Utilities Commission voted against a purchase agreement for Deepwater’s eight-unit project near Block Island. With a proposed price for its electricity of about three times the going rate, the PUC said the proj-ect was not commercially feasible. Gov. Carcieri and a Deepwater spokes-man have both vowed to pursue other options to move the project forward.

Because the researchers have no interest in priorities set by Deepwater Wind, Spaulding says they are free to create useful data that can be benefi-cial for science. “I tell Deepwater my agenda is to make sure offshore wind development is being done in a responsible fashion,” Spaulding said. “If that means we disagree on some things they want to do, so be it. We have no skin in the game. URI ends up being the repository of all this infor-mation that advances the science and engineering agenda of the University.”

The project has allowed URI to set up two offshore buoys to collect surface data, take measurements of waves, and collect data from the seafloor.

“I think more research has been done in Rhode Island Sound in the last 24 months than over the last 25 years,” Spaulding said. Some of the newly collected data has already been fed into a regional ocean observing system called the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems. Spaulding is pres-ident of the non-profit, which provides ocean observation information to fishermen and shippers.

Despite the nearly $10 million price tag for the project, Spaulding said it’s cheaper to pay professors and graduate students than to hire consul-tants. By comparison, he said, Massa-chusetts is looking for more coastal wind farm sites, but most of its efforts are focused on coastal state waters, and there is little data collection: “There is no other state that has done the kind of work we have done in mov-ing forward on this comprehensive plan. For me it’s been very exciting— a wonderful marriage.”

Fugate, who says Rhode Island is getting a lot of attention for using such an innovative approach to plan-ning offshore wind farms, has received invitations from groups all over the country to describe the ocean- mapping project.

Last February Rhode Island’s efforts were recognized by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar when he gathered coastal state lead-ers in Washington, D.C., to talk about how his agency can do more to speed development of offshore wind energy: “None of that has been going on at the federal level,” Salazar said in a press conference with Gov. Carcieri and other coastal state leaders. “Now we hope to work together and learn from each other.”

Since then, Fugate and McCann have returned to Washington for more meetings to help federal officials set national standards for offshore wind farms. A good part of what the two had to offer, were lessons learned in Rhode Island.

By Peter B. Lord ’92

For more on the Ocean SAMP, go to: seagrant.gso.uri.edu/oceansamp/



been involved in the organic revolution since the 1960s. Algiere knew Amigo Bob from his days in California where both men were deeply involved with the Ecological Farming Association.

At the time, Algiere had been working in Lyme, Conn., with his wife, Shannon, who attended URI for two years in environmental science and who has worked alongside Algiere for the past 15 years; the couple have two sons. They were expanding a friend’s family estate vegetable garden into a working organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), eventually producing food for 75 member families. “I spent the spring working out details, finished my year in Connecticut, and then transitioned to Stone Barns. We built a half acre greenhouse, and we opened in May 2004,” Algiere recalled.

At this point in Stone Barns growth, Algiere feels that the organization has refined its focus: “We know for ourselves that this is a productive thing, but how do we let others know? We put our heads together about what we do at Stone Barns that is different and valuable. We’re not a research facility, and we’re not about advo-cacy, although we value both. What is differ-ent here is that we are tactile, and we can educate others.”

Thus, Stone Barns is a farm, a kitchen, a classroom, an exhibit, a laboratory, and a campus. It has a multi-level education program. More than 100,000 people, including 7,000 schoolchildren, visit the property each year. There is an ongoing

Well, if you’re Jack Algiere ’99, the answer is simple—but also complex: The cows instinctively understand that their pasture lacks minerals, so licking the road is an attempt to balance their diet. If only humans were as nutritionally intuitive.

“This is a reiteration of the late soil scientist Carey Reams who referred to this observation as the inspiration for his life’s work of relating soil minerals (electro-magnetism) to animal and human health,”explains Algiere.

As a farmer, Algiere needs to understand growing things. If the soil isn’t rich in minerals, then the plants aren’t either. If the plants are mineral- deficient, then so are the grazing animals. And if plants and animals aren’t healthy, then people aren’t either.

Algiere, who holds a degree in turf management and horticulture from URI, has cultivated a wealth of experience working on farms from Rhode Island to Costa Rica, to Colorado to California, to Connecticut and now New York. He can scrutinize with the eye of a scientist and implement with the hands and heart of a farmer.

He is now the four season farm manager for Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, N.Y. Based at a former Rockefeller family estate only 30 miles north of midtown Manhattan, Stone Barns is a cutting-edge, not-for-profit operation that is addressing one of the most important challenges facing people today—

producing food that is safe, sustainable, and nutritious. Stone Barns Center’s mis-sion is to celebrate, teach, and advance community-based food production and enjoyment from farm to classroom to plate.

Recently Algiere has become a spokes-person for Stone Barns. Media outlets that he has been featured on or interviewed by include WNYC Radio (New York City’s NPR affiliate), WGBH’s Victory Garden, The Today Show, The New York Times, Audubon Magazine, and The Atlantic.

Riding around the farm with Algiere and his steadfast companion, Lily, a working dog who, he says with a laugh, “doesn’t work much anymore,” is an eye-opening experience. Sheep graze in the pastures, pigs root in the forest, and a rolling hill is sprinkled with the remains of a harvested crop of greens. This stunningly beautiful space is a working farm. Algiere proudly shows off the 22,000 square foot green-house, the smaller sliding greenhouses that enable crop rotation, and a composter that uses a unique forced-air system that turns post-consumer materials and animal offal (discarded organs) into a nutrient-rich, pathogen-free product that nourishes the soil.

Algiere is entering his seventh growing season at Stone Barns. He came to the attention of Stone Barns Advisory Board member Eliot Coleman, who was heading the search for a four seasons gardener, through the recommendation of organic farming icon Bob Cantisano. Affectionately known as “Amigo Bob,” Cantisano has

S U S T A I N A B L E A G R I C U L T U R E

We’re all familiar with the old joke “why did the chicken cross the road?” But consider this riddle: “Why do cows lick the road?” Give up?

A Different Way of Growing Things

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 17PHOTOS COURTESY OF STONE BARN CENTER FOR FOOD & AGRICULTURE, ISTOCK PHOTOS

He can scrutinize

with the eye of a

scientist and

implement with the

hands and heart

of a farmer.

farmer’s market and a variety of educational classes. The celebrated on-site, for-profit restaurant, Blue Hills, works symbiotically with the farm.

Stone Barns has a robust volunteer program and a strong apprentice system. This is crucial given the sharp decline in the number of new farmers. In 1900, nearly 40 percent of Americans farmed full-time; today, less than 1 percent of the population is engaged in growing the food we eat. And most farmers are now over 60 years old. That doesn’t bode well for our future. As fuel costs continue to rise making long-distance food transportation impractical, who will grow our food?

If Algiere has anything to say about it, the answer is close at hand. Local, sustainable, organic and yes, even profitable food production: “The farm has a lot of different values—environmental, social, and monetary. If the farm can’t pay for itself, that’s a problem. If the economics aren’t valued, then the farm won’t be valued.”

Under his direction, Stone Barns grows and harvests approximately 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables in all four seasons, allowing the farm to generate income as well as healthy food year-round. The greenhouses and high tunnels covering crops in the field extend the growing seasons using very little energy aside from what the sun provides.

Algiere thinks these concepts hold the key to our future: “Originally I thought I’d go to school for music. But after working at a greenhouse in Westerly, R.I., my whole view of horticulture changed— I saw it as very pure work.

“As a young, inspired person I had lots of questions, but I was also frustrated because the industrial side of agriculture was so stark. I saw chemical use and weird consumer concepts that were driving food production. I wanted to explore a different way of growing things.”

So maybe that’s why cows lick the road—they’re trying to mootivate us.

—By Jennifer Sherwood ’89

The World isHis Oyster

S U S T A I N A B L E A Q U A C U L T U R E


erry Raso certainly knows how to nurture things. He started eight years ago creating an oyster farming business that today ships shellfish to several states. In the process, he has become an employer and mentor to URI students, a collaborator with URI researchers and alumni, the potential marketer of a unique “vegetable,” and, most recently, the owner of one of the most popular restaurants in southern Rhode Island.Talk about getting mileage out of his two URI aquaculture degrees.

Raso earned his undergraduate degree in 2002 and received his master’s four years later; he is one alum who has never forgotten his URI roots. Through his businesses and his interest in aquaculture he has forged an alliance with various elements of the University. His approach is quite in keeping with the initiative announced by URI President David M. Dooley, who envisions a partnership role between the University and the state’s small businesses.

Raso is owner of the Matunuck Oyster Farm in South Kingstown. Located in a shal-low section of Potter Pond, the farm covers seven acres and features a novel system of PVC pipe racks that are arranged on the salt pond’s sandy bottom. Heavy plastic net bags of oysters of various sizes are stacked on the racks. Raso buys the tiny oyster seed, about 1 mm across, from a Connecti-cut nursery. As the oysters grow they are shifted to larger size bags until they reach market size—about three inches across.

Tending the farm is a year-round pro-cess even in the dead of winter when heavy thermal wet suits are necessary to sort and harvest the shellfish and send them to res-taurants and stores in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Maryland, and Georgia.

Distribution of the oysters is handled by the Ocean State Shell Fish Cooperative that Raso founded in concert with fellow alumni Robert Reault ’95, John West ’94, and Graham Brawley ’02. Reault, who started and then sold Moonstone Oyster Farm, is now an advisor to the cooperative. West is the current owner of Moonstone, and Brawley is the former owner of Moonstone and currently general manager of the cooperative.

While Raso has forged links with other URI alumni, he is particularly enthused about maintaining connections with current URI students.

As an undergraduate, Raso was a URI Coastal Fellow, and he has never forgotten the experience. The Coastal Fellows is a program based in the College of the Environ-ment and Life Sciences that matches stu-dents with faculty and staff mentors for experiential learning experiences for nine months. The students typically help their mentors with research projects. At the end of the program, the students present posters that describe the projects and the findings. The program allows students to develop skills that are important for their majors and possibly for their future occupations.

Perry Raso heads out to check his Potter Pond oyster farm.

P

NORA LEWIS UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 19

VIDEO | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES

Ever since he graduated and founded his oyster farm, Raso has been a Coastal Fel-lows mentor, taking one student under his wing each year. “The program means a lot to me,” he says.

Most recently, Raso had Ariel Tobin, a fisheries and aquaculture major who graduated in May, on his farm working on a unique project—growing certain seaweed that Raso thinks has potential to be developed and marketed as an edible “vegetable.”

“I regard seaweed as a sea vegetable,” says Raso who notes that certain types of edible seaweeds are popular in Asia.

The seaweed Tobin and Raso were experimenting with is gracilaria. Tobin, who hails from Florida but now lives in Middle-town, R.I., says gracilaria is “crispy with a slight briny flavor.” Raso, who would like to grow the seaweed alongside his oysters, has charged Tobin with exploring the opti-mum growing conditions. She has also worked part-time in the oyster operation.

Raso says getting the seaweed approved for human consumption is a bit of a chal-

lenge, but he has allies on the URI faculty helping him: Chong Lee, a nutrition expert in the Department of Nutrition and Food Services, and Carol A.Thornber, an assis-tant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences who does research on macroalgae. In addition, Raso has enlisted help from a researcher at the University of Connecticut.

Raso admits getting people to dig into seaweed on their dinner plates or in their salads will be a challenge, but he knows one restaurant that would be willing to put it on its menu—his own.

In March 2009, Raso noticed that a piece of waterfront commercial land with a res-taurant on it was for sale in Jerusalem, adjacent to his oyster farm. He bought it and the oyster farmer became a restaurateur.

“I always thought I would never want to be in the restaurant business, but I lived across the road from this place and saw it change hands three times. The way the economy was last year, I got a lot of advice not to open it.”

But open it he did. Today the Matunuck Oyster Bar is one of the busiest seafood res-

taurants in South County. The signature fea-ture is an oyster bar whose wooden surface is a map of Narragansett Bay showing the location of numerous oyster farms; Matu-nuck is about the sixth biggest in the state.

The restaurant employed 50 last sum-mer, half of them part-time, and was open seven days a week. With the addition of a patio, Raso has a capacity to seat well over 100 diners at a time, and he has tentative plans to expand the inside seating because he wants the restaurant to be open year-round. Last winter he was open four days a week. This summer he plans to drop break-fast—“it was just so crazy”—and concen-trate on lunch and supper. As expected, the menu is heavy on shellfish—oysters not only from his farm but from several other local oyster farms. The few meat dishes feature grass-fed beef from a South County farm. Raso’s mother and grandmother make all the desserts.

Among Raso’s current employees with URI connections are Thad Chappel, a student who works at farmers’ markets and at the restaurant; Ryan Davis, an aquacul-

NORA LEWIS20 QUAD ANGLES SUMMER 2010 | URI.EDU/QUADANGLES

ture student who works at the Coastal Growers Farmers’ Market in North Kings-town; and Chris Andrikos, who works with Professor Lee on the seaweed project and at farmers’ markets. And Raso regularly hires restaurant servers who are from URI.

Raso participates in farmers’ markets throughout the state, from Providence to Newport. In addition, his restaurant offers another feature—tours of his oyster farm.

School groups, guided by URI students, take visitors literally into the farm. “I have about 60 waders,” says Raso, noting the tour starts right off from his waterfront patio.

“I started the tours with the help of Sea Grant,” he explains. The grant has expired, but Raso appreciates the educational opportunities that the tours have provided and so continues them.

What’s next is anyone’s guess. Raso has devoted his life to sustainable local aqua-culture and also hopes to go international: “What I really want to do is someday be able to help start aquaculture farms in develop-ing countries.”

— By Rudi Hempe ’62

Above The view from the deck of the Matunuck Oyster Bar restaurant and, below, a serving of farm fresh Rhode Island oysters on the half shell.

Opposite page, clockwise from left, Perry Raso checks the progress of his oysters, net bags of maturing oysters in Potter Pond, Raso ties up at dockside, and a basket of market-ready oysters.


S U S T A I N A B L E A G R I C U L T U R E

Farming in Rhode Island A G R O W T H I N D U S T R Y

Plant Sciences will be offering a new

undergraduate track with courses in

vegetable and fruit growing, soil

management, and good old-fashioned

composting.

he term “sustainable” probably wasn’t used much in 1888 when the State Agricultural School, forerunner of the University of Rhode Island, was founded, but the founders likely would be pleased with a new academic venture that still has the word “agriculture” in its title.

Pending approvals, come spring 2011 the Department of Plant Sciences in the College of the Environment and Life Sci-ences will offer a set of courses to prepare students to address a growing world prob-lem—finding sustainable, energy efficient ways of feeding people in an era of declin-ing farmland and increasing energy costs.

“Sustainable agriculture” is to the 21st century what “the College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts” was to the 19th when the old State Agricultural School underwent a name-change in 1892—a giant leap forward in technology.

But any resemblance of today’s agricul-ture to that of the 19th century is tenuous. While you still need soil, sunlight, and

water to grow vegetables, today you also need knowledge of how to efficiently har-ness and manage those basic elements—and that involves a lot of science.

To accomplish that, Plant Sciences will be offering a new undergraduate track with courses in vegetable and fruit growing, soil management, and good old-fashioned com-posting. “We are a land grant institution and have a responsibility to keep training students to work the land,” says Brian Maynard, a horticulturalist who also chairs the department.

In recent decades, turfgrass and orna-mental plants have been the most visible teaching and research thrusts in the department. Using those high–tech horti-culture sectors as a foundation, Plant Sciences faculty are embarking on sustain-able agriculture as a third track to prepare students for issues such as food security, cost, safety, and availability.

Young people, says Maynard, strongly relate to today’s issues of energy, global warming, and healthy food and are inter-

T


ested in careers that will provide solutions. “The main thing that precipitated this change was that we started to think further out in the future—10 to 20 years out—and we realized that there are a lot of people concerned about our ability to feed our-selves when we are no longer able to ship food all over the place because of the rising cost of fuel,” says Maynard.

“We recognize that one of the greatest threats to food security is the loss of agricul-tural land, so we are really concerned about what we can do to educate people about the importance of land resources to our survival.”

Maynard, who is active in community vegetable gardening, said farmers in the state are excited to see URI move into sus-tainable agriculture.

Maynard’s colleagues in Plant Sciences didn’t need any convincing. Some faculty members who work with turf and ornamen-tals also have agricultural expertise. Rebecca Brown, who works on turf genet-ics but is trained in vegetable genetics, is already teaching some vegetable growing

courses; Nathaniel Mitkowski is a turf pathologist with a background in vegetable pathology; and Steven Alm is an entomolo-gist who has been responsible for the apple orchard and blueberry field at East Farm for several years.

In addition there are faculty in other URI departments who can offer courses in soil management and microbiology, nutrition, food safety, and animal husbandry (a lot of small farms have animals).

“It’s not a stretch for us to retool to some extent to meet this demand,” says Maynard, who notes that URI will be able to take full advantage of its three farms (East, Peckham, and agronomy) and give students hands-on experience in raising fruits and vegetables.

Maynard thinks the new track will attract more students to URI. He notes that even though the sustainable agriculture curriculum is not fully in place yet, there are several students currently enrolled at CELS whose career goals lie in farming and market gardening.

Figures released last year by Kenneth Ayars ’83, M.S. ’85, (see his profile on page 35) chief of the state Division of Agriculture, show that there is a marked increase in the number of farming operations in the state, and the majority of the startups are worked by young people interested in sustainable farming methods—especially organically raised produce. Statistics also show that the number of women farmers is growing in the state.

Earlier this year, Brown landed three grants to help her with sustainable agricul-ture endeavors, including one to construct three “high-tunnels”—plastic-covered structures that look like greenhouses but have no heat or electricity. Her plan is to have students gain experience in the high tunnels by raising salad greens in the cool weather months and melons in the summer.

The structures will be used as a demon-stration for commercial growers who are interested in extending their growing sea-sons. In Rhode Island, for example, melons get off to a slow start and don’t mature until

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 23NORA LEWIS

Rebecca Brown, assistant professor of plant sciences, surveys a recently planted field.


late summer—just when consumer interest in melons wanes. By raising melons in high tunnels, growers could get produce to mar-ket earlier when demand is at its highest.

Brown’s students and staff, assisted by URI Master Gardeners, are already growing vegetables at the agronomy fields for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and other charities. Efforts are also under way to expand the fruit orchards at East Farm. The existing orchards are harvested by URI Master Gardeners along with church and youth group volunteers, and the produce is donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Brown will also be exploring different tilling methods and growing cover crops to boost soil fertility and structure and to address weed issues. “The number one problem for organic farmers is weed con-trol since they cannot use herbicides,” notes Brown, who hopes to find some solu-tions. The high tunnels and tilling trials at agronomy will provide experiential learning for students while also providing demon-strations and research for farmers.

Brown is enthused with the direction of Rhode Island agriculture and cites the for-mation of the Rhode Island Agricultural Partnership, which involves a number of

groups including conservation districts, a foundation, the Rhode Island Division of Agriculture, and URI.

CELS Dean Nancy Fey-Yensan is thrilled with the decision to pursue sustainable agriculture as an area of study for under-graduates and sees possibilities for expanding these programs: “The College of the Environment and Life Sciences is focused on the health of the planet, the environment, and its people. This direction for Plant Sciences fits into this theme per-fectly. We are already seeing potential part-nerships with small businesses, grass roots agencies, and even within the college and across the University.”

Fey-Yensan is talking to URI’s director of dining services about serving locally pro-duced foods in the dining halls. And May-nard has been in contact with the URI Slow Food Club about starting a student-run organic farm that would produce food for both the dining halls and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

A few years ago, says Fey-Yensan, “the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences and the Department of Fisheries, Animal, and Veterinary Science developed a gradu-ate course on sustainable food production, and students are clamoring to enroll.

Beginning last year, an interdisciplinary course for undergraduate students focused on these issues as well.”

There are both short-term and long-term benefits to training students in sus-tainable agricultural science and practices, and the college can provide the perfect lab-oratory for study on its three farms, notes Fey-Yensan:

“The development and growth of these programs sends a clear message that the University recognizes the importance of sustainable practices on improving the economy; reducing the use of pesticides, thus improving the health of the environ-ment; reducing land and water use, thus conserving natural resources; and most importantly, in supporting innovative food production methods so that we can better feed a hungry world.”

“There is global significance to pro-grams of this nature,” says Fey-Yensan. “This type of curriculum develops students as global citizens, discussing and seeking solutions to some of the most fundamen-tally daunting issues of the 21st century—preservation of scarce agricultural resources while producing healthful, acces-sible, and affordable food for everyone.”

— Rudi Hempe ’62

NORA LEWIS

Clockwise, Brown supervises students working with seedlings; “high-tunnels”—plastic-covered

structures that look like greenhouses but have no heat or electricity;

heading out to the fields.


Join with alumni, family, and friends for this popular Rhody tradition and enjoy a great summer evening at McCoy Stadium. The Alumni Association and URI Athletics take over right-center field with Rhody the Ram, Paws, and Sox, and a fantastic URI raffle. Enjoy a barbecue and cheer on the PawSox from your seats in the 3rd base line bullpen area!

advance.uri.edu/alumniREGISTER

NOW FOR

PRIDE IN URI

NIGHT!

PRIDE IN URIAUGUST 18, 2010


FUN WITH ALUMS Chapter events are open to all

alumni, family, and friends of the University. Contact your local

chapter rep and join the fun!

advance.uri.edu/alumni/chapters

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Upcoming EventsAugust 14 Join the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter for a Frisco Rough Riders baseball game and all-you-can-eat din-ner. Cost is $16, which includes game ticket (bullpen area seats) and dinner. A parking pass is available for $3. Game time is 7 p.m. For questions, contact David Nicolato ‘98 at [email protected] or 214-341-6369.

August 14 The Phi Kappa Psi RI Beta Alumni Chapter is holding its annual Pop Top Golf Open at Beaver River Golf Club in Richmond, R.I. There will be a 1 p.m. shotgun start with a putting contest immediately after golf and before dinner. Registration is $100, which includes golf, cart, and a chicken dinner buffet. Brothers and guests are invited to participate. For more information and to register, contact Mike Chmura ’71 at [email protected] or Andy Marcoux ’72 at [email protected].

August 30 Join the URI Texas Rhode Horns Chapter at the Houston Astros game! The cost of this event is $20 and includes a game ticket and all-you-can-eat ballpark fare. Game time is 8:05 p.m. For questions, contact Kate Serafini at 401-874-4679 or [email protected].

September 23 The Rhode Island Chapter is holding a networking breakfast at the Waterman Grille in Providence. For details, contact Gina Simonelli at 401-874-5808 or [email protected].

September 29 Join fellow Massachusetts Chapter alumni and friends for the second annual “Winesday” at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy fine wines and hors d’oeuvres, followed by complimentary admission to the Museum of Fine Arts galleries. For more information about the Massachusetts Chapter, contact Chapter Leaders Mike Sams ’90 at [email protected] or Nicholas G. Chigas ‘03 at [email protected].

October 4 Join the Phi Gamma Delta Kappa Rho Chapter for its fourth charity golf classic to be held at the Donald Ross-designed Metacomet Country Club in East Providence. Registration is $150 and includes lunch, golf, cart, and din-ner with awards ceremony. Brothers and guests are invited to participate. For more information and to register, contact Peter Miniati ’85 [email protected] or Doug Whyte ’83 [email protected].

October 22 The Theta Chi Chapter is holding its annual Homecoming Weekend dinner at the University Club for Theta Chi alumni and their guests. For more information and to RSVP by October 16, contact John Eastman ‘62 at [email protected].

Events Gone ByOn March 10, the Southwest Florida Gators got together in Fort Meyers for a barbecue and a Red Sox–Tamp Rays spring training game.

The Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter hosted its first official event at Humperdinks Restaurant and Bar in Dallas on March 11.

The Arizona Rhode Runners Chapter held its popular annual Surf and Turf picnic in Scottsdale on March 13.

On March 18, the New Hampshire Chapter hosted a Rhody Rush Hour in Concord at the Red Blazer Restaurant.

The Southwest Florida Gators Chapter held its Annual Steak Out in Port Charlotte on March 27.

The Connecticut Chapter gathered for a Rhody Rush Hour in Middletown on April 15 at First & Last Tavern.

Members of the Villages (Florida) Chapter gathered for their Spring Festival on April 29.

On May 1, alumni hosted a gathering for the A10 Champion- ship Golf Tournament in Eustice, Florida.

The Massachusetts Chapter Professional Club hosted URI President David M. Dooley on May 5 at the Union Club in Boston.

On May 8, Connecticut Chapter alumni, family, and friends took in a New Britain Rock Cats game.

The Arizona Rhode Runners got together at Handlebar J’s Restaurant and Saloon in Scottsdale on May 13.

On May 15, New Hampshire Chapter alumni took in a Fisher Cats game in Manchester.

On May 26, RIDOT Chapter alumni gathered after work at the Waterplace Restaurant in Providence.

The Theta Chi Chapter hosted its annual golf tournament and clambake in Jamestown on June 1.

New Jersey Chapter alumni gathered on June 5 for a com-munity service project at a food bank in Hillside.

On June 8, Ohio Chapter alumni got together for a Red Sox–Indians game in Cleveland.

The Rhode Island Chapter hosted a networking evening at the Dunes Club in Narragansett on June 24.

On July 17, New Jersey Chapter alumni held a special “Welcome Freshmen” event in Bridgewater for incoming URI students.

Massachusetts Chapter alumni spent the morning sailing in Boston Harbor on July 17.

URI alumni chapters —organized by both

location and affinity—are a great way

to stay connected with URI, to see old

classmates, and to meet new friends. Are

you a writer or poet? The newest URI alumni

affinity chapter is our Writers Affinity Group.

If you are interested in learning more about

this or other chapters, see our chapter

contact list on page 28.

ALUMNICHAPTERS


A PERFECT RHODE ISLAND AFTERNOONThe Rhode Island Chapter held a networking reception at the Dunes Club on June 24.

ARIZONA SUNThe Arizona Rhode

Runners celebrated

in Scotsdale on

March 13 at their

annual Surf and

Turf Picnic.

ALL ABOUT COMMUINTYNew Jersey Chapter alumni got together on June 5 for a community service project at a Hillside food bank.


REGIONAL CHAPTERSArizona Rhode Runners

Julie Griffin ’99 Scottsdale, AZ p: 480.634.1950 (h) 480.754.6147 (w) e: [email protected]

California

LA Rams

Craig Weiss ‘89, Valley Glen, CA p: 661.713.2492 e: [email protected]

Northern

Pat Ludes ’79 & Greg Passant ’78, Pleasanton, CA p: 925.227.1878

Southern

Jeff Bolognese ’02, p: 760.945.4560 e: [email protected]

Colorado Mile High Rams

Christy L. Gallese '03 Denver, CO p: 303.561.4979 e: [email protected]

Connecticut

Tara Blumenstock ’96, Wallingford, CT p: 203.294.0246 e: [email protected]

Janet Sisson ’87, Middletown, CT p: 860.214.7998 e: [email protected]

Florida

Southeast

Riki Greenbaum ’01, Homestead, FL p: 305.978.2023 e: [email protected]

Southwest Gators

Richard Boldt ’64, Naples, FL p: 239.417.0375 e: [email protected]

The Villages

Al Bateman ’59, The Villages, FL e: [email protected]

Illinois: Chicago

Jimmy De La Zerda ’04, Orland Park e: [email protected]

Louisiana/Mississippi

Dee Canada ’62, Slidell, LA p: 985.643.8801 (h) e: [email protected]

Phyllis DelFiore ’68, Slidell, LA p: 985.847.1609 (h) e: [email protected]

Massachusetts

Nicholas G. Chigas ’03, Waltham, MA p: 978.505.7161 (h) 781.672.5170 (w) e: [email protected]

Michael P. Sams ’90, Westborough, MA p: 508.665.4299 (w) e: [email protected]

Michigan

David Diana ’84, Warren, MI p: 586.268.0048 e: [email protected]

Minnesota

John ’92 & Kristen Turcotte ’95, Saint Louis Park, MN p: 952.285.1148 e: [email protected] [email protected]

New Hampshire White Mountain Rams

Clarissa M. Uttley ’04, M.S. ’06, Ph.D. ’08, Rumney, NH p: 603.786.5035 (h) 603.535.2915 (w) e: [email protected]

New Jersey

Lauri Pietruszka ’84, West Paterson, NJ p: 973.890.1623 (h) e: [email protected]

New York: Albany

Cindy Ladd Anderson ‘80, Clifton Park, NY p: 518.373.9440 (h) 518.527.4195 (c) e: [email protected]

New York: Metro

Janet Irlander ’78, New York, NY p: 917.612.7276 e: [email protected]

North Carolina

Ed Doughty ’93, Charlotte, NC p: 704.995.9300 (h) 704.552.5200 (w) e: [email protected]

Ohio

Tom Noyes ’67, Wooster, OH p: 330.345.6516 (h) 330.264.8722 (w) e: [email protected]

Danielle Pray ’88, Walton, KY p: 859.485.6790 e: [email protected]

Bill ’74 & Betty ’74 Sepe, Hudson, OH p: 330.650.6715 e: [email protected]

Rhode Island

Allison Field ’95, Providence, RI p: 401.808.9463 e: [email protected]

Kelley Warner ’02, Scituate, RI p: 401.528.2622 e: [email protected]

Texas Dallas/Ft. Worth

Cortney ’01 and David Nicolato ‘98, Dallas, TX p: 214.341.6369 e: [email protected]

Texas Rhode Horns

Jeffrey A. Ross ’75, Houston p: 713.668.3746 (h) 713.791.9521 (w) e: [email protected]

Washington, D.C./ Baltimore

Hank Nardone ’90, Laytonsville, MD p: 301.803.2910 (w) 301.482.1062 (h) e: [email protected]

Brooke Bondur ’93, Baltimore, MD p: 443.756.3977 (h) 410.527.9328 (w) e: [email protected]

Brina Masi '01 p: 401.261.5416 e: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL CONTACTSIf you attended URI as an international student, please contact the Alumni Office and let us know your current address. If you're traveling abroad,feel free to contact one of our alumni to say hello.

GERMANY

Robert John Ellwood ‘06, Braunschweig, Germany p: +49 17676311971 e: [email protected]

GREECE

Irene Kesse Theodoropoulou '69 44 Achileos Pal Faleron 17562, Athens, Greece p: 011.30.1.981.3559 (h)

AFFINITY CHAPTERSAlpha Chi Omega Gamma Sigma

Shanon Whitt Horridge '86 Cranston, RI p: 401.383.4657 e: [email protected] alpha phi

Alpha Phi

Laura McMahon Kovacs ’01, Waxhaw, NC p: 704.843.6977 e: [email protected]

Chi Phi

Douglas Bennet ’77, Providence, RI p: 401.351.3522 (h) e: [email protected]

Community Planning

Mike DeLuca ’80, M.C.P. ’88, Narragansett, RI p: 401.789.6888 (h) 401.461.1000, ext. 3137 (w)

Continuing Education

Joyce Dolbec ’95, Slatersville, RI p: 401.766.2209 (h)

Delta Zeta

Nancy Lundgren ’54, Tiverton, RI p: 401.624.6364 (h)

Graduate School of Library and Information Studies

Liisa Laine '09 Saunderstown, RI p: 401.339.4746 e: [email protected]

Sybil Akins '08 Wakefield, RI p: 401.783.0953 e: [email protected]

Hasbro

We are seeking chapter leadership in this area. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Gina Simonelli at 401.874.5808.

Italian

Alfred Crudale ’91, West Kingston, RI p: 401.783.3081 e: [email protected]

Remo Trivelli, Kingston, RI p: 401.874.2383

Lucia Vescera ’96, Lincoln, RI e: [email protected]

Lambda Chi Alpha

Jeffrey Hill ‘00, Shippensburg, PA p: 717.530.0188 e: [email protected]

Lambda Delta Phi

Linda F. Desmond ’68, North Andover, MA p: 978.687.7443 (h) 978.794.3896 (w) e: [email protected]

Martha Smith Patnoad ’68, Wyoming, RI p: 401.539.2180 e: [email protected]

Phi Gamma Delta

Richard Kingsley ‘71, Jamestown, RI p: 401.874.6693 (w) e: [email protected]

Phi Kappa Psi

Joe Hart ’85, Kingston, RI p: 401.783.4852 e: [email protected] www.ribeta.com

Phi Mu Delta

Jim DeNuccio ‘75, East Greenwich, RI p: 401.884.2993 (w) f: 401.885.2228 (w)

Phi Sigma Kappa

Kenneth Gambone ‘88, New York, NY p: 917.701.4631 e: [email protected]

Political Science

Al Killilea, Kingston, RI p: 401.874.2183 (w)

RIDOT

Christos Xenophontos ’84, Exeter, RI e: [email protected]

Charles St. Martin ’92, Coventry, RI e: [email protected]; [email protected]

ROTC

John Breguet ‘70, Smithfield, RI p: 401.232.2097 (h) e: [email protected]

Military Instructor Group, Kingston, RI e: [email protected] www.uri.rotc.alum.org

Schmidt Labor Research Center

J. Richard Rose M.S. ’06 p: 401.461.2786 (h) e: [email protected]

Sigma Chi

Mark Trovato ’89, Wakefield, RI p: 401.782.0064 (h) e: [email protected] www.rhodysig.com

Theta Chi

John Eastman ’62, North Kingstown, RI p: 401.295.1956 (h) e: [email protected]

Mike Testa ‘63, Jamestown, RI p: 401.423.8918 e: [email protected]

Theta Delta Chi

Eric Lalime ’95 e: 201.962.2001 (h) 347.739.7345 (cell) e: [email protected]

URI Difference Equations Association

Michael A. Radin ‘01, Rochester, NY p: 585.461.4002 (h) 585.475.7681 (w) e: [email protected]

Writers Affinity Group

Jan Wenzel '81, Tiverton, RI p: 401-714-6595 (c) 401-874-5190 (w) e: [email protected]


Big Thinkers Series: Shaping the Future

Special Big Thinkers Series events featuring URI President David M. Dooley

The University of Rhode Island is a community of discovery where big ideas flourish and shape the future.

Join President David M. Dooley to learn how big thinkers at URI are shaping the future around the globe.

advance.uri.edu/bigthinkers

Coming to Los Angeles and New York City

in September.

NORA LEWIS; DISNEY CONCERT HALL, LOS ANGELES © WIKIPEDIA.COM


`55 Leonard Judah Metz, ENG, of Saratoga, Calif., writes: “My wife, Sylvia, and I have lived in California for over 40 years. I am semi-retired. Our daughter is a psychologist who lives in San Francisco, and our son is head for the Fire Department in Albany, N.Y. He and his wife have a 2- year-old and another baby is on the way.”

`56 Richard F. Kane, CBA, of San Francisco, Calif., writes: “2010 marks my 50th year as a financial advisor. I have survived four merg-ers and acquisitions during the consolidation of the investment industry. Currently, my practice is with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, in San Francisco where I am first vice president-investment officer. I still enjoy my long-term relationships

`42 David Miller Sisson, CBA, of West-erly, R.I., celebrated his 90th birth-day in March. He keeps active by walking and bike riding and with YMCA activities. He is called a true role model by all who know him.

`51 William Francis Redding, A&S, of Grand Rapids, Mich., writes: “I have become a Master Gardener for the Michigan State Extension Services. I serve as an advisor to the Iris Society, Rose Society, and Daylily Society.”

`54 Joan Murdough Boucher, HS&S, of Warren, R.I., retired in 1998 after 27 years of teaching at The Wheeler School in Providence. This is a correction to her class note in the spring issue.

with clients and the challenges of the financial markets. My personal life has blessed me with a fine family and many friends.”

Barbara Loxley Norberg, HS&S, of Chepachet, R.I., writes: “My hus-band Ray M. Norberg ‘57 passed away in February 2008. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. I am a retired elementary school teacher. Every summer I enjoy a reunion with my Chi Omega sisters—we’ve had 20 reunions so far!”

`59 Robert Everett Wells, HS&S, of Kingston, R.I.,has published Sport and the Talented Tenth: African American Athletes in the Colleges and Universities of the Northeast, 1879-1920. Robert’s interest in African American athletes began when Jackie Robinson arrive in Brooklyn in 1947.

`64 Robert J. Marshall, CBA, of Encino, Calif., writes: “I have launched Mar-shallFace2Face, a new corporate-level franchising opportunity. The company’s Web is marshallface-2face.com.”

William J. Northup, HS&S, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, has retired from his position of director of sourcing at Hubbell, Inc.

`65 Chris L. Christie, ENG, of Bardonia, N.Y., writes: “Libby is a licensed real estate associate broker with Keller Williams in New City, and I’m a certified mortgage planning specialist with Continental Homes Loans, Inc. We are proud grandpar-ents of Zoe Eve, 3, and Ella Christie Gavzy, 5 months. Ken Conti ’64, M.B.A. ’69, and I found each other on Linked In.

`67 Alfred J. Verrecchia, CBA, of War-wick, R.I., has joined the board of data and records management firm Iron Mountain, Inc.

`71 Richard C. Davids, A&S, of West Kingston, R.I., writes: “In the last two years, I retired from Lockheed Martin (Sunnyvale, CA) after 34 years in systems engineering; married Julie Yingling ‘70, profes-

sor emerita of communications at Humboldt State University; and sold my house in Ben Lomond, Calif. We now live about five miles from URI.”

Mary Alexis Dow, CBA, of Port-land, Ore., was named a direc-tor of the 2010-11 board for the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Donna M. Walsh, HS&S, of Charlestown, R.I., has retired from a 36-year teaching career and is currently serving her second term in the Rhode Island House of Rep-resentatives.

`72 Elaine S. Rinfrette, NUR, of East Concord, N.Y., writes: “I have just completed my Ph.D. in Social Work. A lot of work, but I’m happy to have completed my degree; now on to my third career. I’m still living in western New York with my family; Daniel is 14, and Charlie is 16. Life is good!”

`73 Donald S. Delikat, A&S, of Chelms-ford, Mass., writes: “Living in Chelmsford with my wife, a local pediatrician, and son after retir-ing from the U.S. Coast Guard. I’m employed as a certified industrial hygienest. As past president of the New England American Industrial Hygiene Association, I have worked with URI alumni in the Boston area on environmental, health, and safety issues. I enjoy travel and support the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.”

Susan Wyckoff, A&S, of Oxford, Mass., has been apointed to a three year term on the American Council on Education’s Massachusetts Net-work of Women Leaders.

`74 Richard M. Larrabee, ENG, of Holmdel, N.J., director of the Port Commerce Department of The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, has received the 2010 Person of the Year Award. The award recognizes those who significantly impact the region’s global trade community.

`75 Cheryl A. Fain, A&S, of Washing-ton, D.C., has celebrated her 15th anniversary as the official transla-

CLASSACTS Read Class Notes Online at advance.uri.edu/quadangles/classnotesSubmit Class Notes Online at advance.uri.edu/eservices

ALUMNIDIRECTORYSTAY

CONNECTED

The Class of 1960 Visit the Inner Space Center: A lot has happened at URI since the Class of 1960 graduated 50 years ago. Among the most exciting changes is the development of the Inner Space Center at the Graduate School of Oceanography’s Narragansett Bay Campus. Working with NOAA, oceanographer Robert Ballard, Ph.D. ’75, discoverer of the Titanic, created the first ever command and control center for ocean exploration that stays constantly connected to three research ships at sea. “The oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth, but most of that has never been explored. We have better knowledge of Mars and the Moon than what’s a few miles away,” Ballard says.

PHOTO BY NORA LEWIS

QUAD ANGLESONLINE

advance.uri.edu/quadangles

READLISTENWATCH

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 31 NORA LEWIS, OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY PETE SOUZA

Victor Bell ’73, M.M.A. ’77 The Green Way to PackageVictor Bell travels the world one week a month advising corporations on how not to offend the environment. From a small house in Jamestown, R.I., his company, Environmental Packaging International, helps the likes of WalMart,

Nike, and Coca Cola find their way through a maze of international regu-lations on the packaging and disposal of consumer goods.

Bell studied resource economics at URI and directed Rhode Island’s statewide recycling program in the 1980s. He says the United States trails way behind Europe, Canada, Japan, and China in how it pays for the disposal of packaging and electronic products. Simply put, the

onus here is on communities and states while in Europe manufacturers pay disposal fees and must comply with sustainable packaging regulations. Thus, Microsoft and McDonald’s—clients of Bell’s 11-year-old company—have to know the ins and outs of sustainability or suffer a costly penalty.

Seven of Bell’s 18 employees are URI graduates and all of his staff members are multilingual by necessity. “It’s a lot easier to do what we do if you speak the other country’s language,” Bell says. “We track global requirements for companies and deal with officials and executives all over the world.”

EPI has written software programs, sustainability guidelines, and guidelines to prevent “greenwashing,” a subtle form of lying in which manufacturers claim their packaging is sustainable when it isn’t. Bell and others at EPI work closely with companies on the WalMart Scorecard, a set of sustainable packaging standards that WalMart requires its vendors to meet. Bell says WalMart has been a leader in the U.S. effort to catch up with the rest of the developed world.

EPI’s business has grown to the point where it needs new quarters, which Bell is erecting now at the rear of the current offices. This building will reflect the company’s environmental values as it incorporates geothermal, solar, and wind energy in an effort to reach a near-net-zero energy profile.

—John Pantalone ’72

Heather ’72 and Don Minto ’73The Farm Gate to the Dinner Plate The road to Watson Farm in Jamestown, R.I., runs up a wooded drive, past the farmhouse, through the farmyard with its resident sheepdogs, geese, and chickens and over the hill to open pastures that sweep down to Narragansett Bay. This land has been farmed for 400 years, the last 30 of them by Heather and Don Minto.

The Mintos met at URI where Don studied plant and soil science and Heather studied historic textiles and museum education. By the late 1970s, they had decided to farm and were reluctantly ready to move to North Carolina for affordable land when they heard that Historic New England was searching for a farmer to work Watson Farm, recently bequeathed to the organization with the stipulation that the 265 acres be farmed in perpetuity.

The deadline for applications was close, the Mintos had a new baby with another on the way, no money, and no plan, but inspired by their first walk across the “green paradise,” they worked up a proposal, wowed the interview-ers, and were offered the position at their first meeting.

While the 18th century farmhouse was being made habitable the Minto family lived in a tent, “a very nice tent” Don remembers, with a floor covered with sheepskins for the two babies. The young parents worked outside to bring the farm back to life.

These days Watson Farm is a beautiful working landscape open for trail walks and farm festivals. The Mintos, who pasture-raise Red Devon cattle and Romney cross sheep, articulate the benefits of grass fed meats while selling their beef and lamb at local farmers markets as well as directly from the farm.

The Mintos are champions of local sustainable agriculture intent on “raising awareness of the importance of rebuilding the decaying fabric of agriculture and soil sustainability.” Don emphasizes that sustainability must make economic sense for the farmer by “shortening the distance between the farm gate and the dinner plate” to make family farms viable once again.

For more information, see historicnewengland.org/visit/homes/watson.htm.—Bevan Linsley

Richard Piacentini ’77A Model GardenWhen President Barack Obama and other world leaders gathered in Pittsburgh for the G-20 Summit last September, they enjoyed dinner at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a 113-year-old institution that has reinvented itself under the leader-ship of executive director Richard Piacentini ’77.

More than 300 organizations bid on hosting G-20 events, and Phipps won three of them, including the lavish dinner served on tables made from locally reclaimed trees.

Phipps itself seems a metaphor for Pittsburgh’s recovery from post-industrial near-ruin. “The president chose Pittsburgh as the G-20 site because he saw it as a rejuvenated city,” Piacentini said. “Pittsburgh has done much better than most of the country during the reces-sion. It’s a city that has reinvented itself.”

Since Piacentini took over in 1994, Phipps has become a model of envi-ronmental leadership and efficiency in everything from its new visitors center to educational programs and greenhouses. Piacentini has led a $36.6 million expansion marked by environmentally sensitive designs such as the first

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building in a public garden in the country.

A pharmacy major at URI, Piacentini, who later earned an M.B.A. and a botany degree on his way to a career change, has traveled the world to impart advice on energy efficient development. He is currently working with URI’s College of Pharmacy in designing a medicinal plant conservatory as part of the college’s new campus facility.

“The impetus for LEED came to us from architect Bill McDonough,” Piacentini explains. “We were preparing for our expansion in the ’90s, and he started talking to us about green

buildings. It made a lot of sense; we thought we should reflect our values. Now we are recognized internationally for exactly that.”

The expansion isn’t complete yet. Piacentini is putting the finishing touches on fundraising for Phipps’ Center for Sustainable Landscapes, a multi-million dollar project designed as a “living” building with net zero energy consumption.

—John Pantalone ’71

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet Richard V. Piacentini, Executive Director, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens; his wife, Janice Steckle and children: Richard and Anastasia, at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Sept. 24, 2009.


tor and editor of German, French, and English at the Embassy of Switzerland. In 2009, she received a performance award from the ambassador of Switzerland to the United States, Urs Ziswiler. Cheryl’s biography was published in the most recent edition of Who’s Who in America.

F. Randy Vogenberg, PHM, of Sharon, Mass., presented a continuing education program on technology affecting the role of a pharmacist at the Youngken Seminar 2009 in Warwick, R.I. He is executive director of the Bio-logic Finance & Access Council, a program at the Jefferson School of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University.

`76 Marie M. Younkin-Waldman, A&S, of Narragansett, R.I., has published To Hear The Birds Sing, Conversa-tions with My Heart, a memoir about life before and after her cochlear implant.

`77 Marilyn Cox Devoe, CBA , of Southlake, Texas, a member of CBA’s Business Advisory Council, has been named vice president of American Airlines’ Miami hub.

`78 Anthony J. Rafanelli, ENG, of Jamestown, R.I., has been named a Fellow of ASME.

`79 James J. Cunha, CELS, of Newport, R.I., has assumed command of the Naval Academy Preperation School in Newport.

`80 Mark E. Colozzi, A&S, of Cranston, R.I., supervisor of music education for the Cranston public schools, has taught music for 24 years at Cranston High School East and is currently co-director of bands and director of vocal music. He is president of the Rhode Island Music Educators Association, a music minister at Holy Apostles Church in Cranston, and performs regu-larly with the Ocean State Follies. In 2008, Mark was recognized in School Band & Orchestra Magazine as one of 50 Directors Who Make A Difference. He and his wife, Joanne ‘80, an elementary school teacher in Warwick, have two daughters; Alicia, a junior kinesiology major at URI, and Jenna, a dance major at Dean College. The Colozzis are big Rhody basketball fans who traveled to New York to see the Rams play in the NIT.

Brian G. Morrissey, A&S, of Mansfield, Mass., is assistant

vice president, regional marine claims manager for Chartis Marine Adjusters, Inc., of Boston. His wife, Mary-Ellen (Chabot) ‘83, NUR, is nurse coordinator & research nurse for the GU Oncology Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Their 19-year-old son, Kyle, is a freshman at Babson College, where he is a member of the 2009 NEWMAC championship soccer team that played in the Divi-sion III NCAA tournament last fall. Their 14-year-old son, Brendan, will be attending Bishop Feehan High School in September.

`81 Dorothy H. Mora, A&S, writes: “After receiving my B.S. and M.S. in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, I moved to a remote area of the Navajo reservation in Northeastern Arizona where I am a certified nurse-midwife at Chinle Comprehensive Care Facility. Chinle is very different from Rhode Island—high altitude (5,500ft), arid, and riddled with dust storms in the spring! Nonetheless I love my job and my four rez cats.

`82 Eric Salander, CBA, of Barrington, R.I., has become the vice presi-dent and chief financial officer for Cessna Aircraft.

`83 Ahmed Shihadeh, ENG, of Coventry, R.I., engineering manager for the Rhode Island Airport Corp., over-sees the design and construction of capital improvement projects for six airports.

`84 Dawn M. Mattera, ENG, of Ray-mond, N.H., has published La Bella Figura: Italian Secrets about Being Happy, Healthy, and Hot!

`85 Stephen R. Marks, A&S, writes: “I am involved in efforts to recover the remains of a decorated American WWII B-17 bombardier, Lt. Ewart Sconiers. Not only was he responsi-ble for saving the first B-17 to suffer a fatality in the campaign over Germany, but as a POW in Stalag Luft III he was also involved in plan-ning the famous Great Escape from that camp in March 1944. I happen to work in the building in Lubin, Poland, where in January 1944 Lt. Sconiers died, being buried not far away in what is now a municipal park. His remains are still there, and his family is actively seeking his recovery. His Web site is bringsco-niershome.com. I would like to hear from anyone who may also have a relative who remains unrecovered

from the European ETO, as we are attempting to expedite the recovery of all of the thousands of Ameri-cans who remain unrecovered from that conflict in Europe.

Deborah Doucette O’Brien, NUR, of North Kingstown, R.I., is chief operating officer of the Provi-dence Center.

`92 Carolyn N. Belcher, A&S, of White Oak, Ga., writes: “I”m living in coastal Georgia working as a biolo-gist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division. I finished my Ph.D. in Forest Resources at the Uni-versity of Georgia last December.”

Suzette M. Decastro, CELS, of West Palm Beach, Fla., has been included in the 2010 edition of The Presidential Who’s Who Among Busi-ness and Professional Achievers.

James R. Messier, CBA, of Cov-entry, R.I., is chief financial officer at Isis Biopolymer in Providence.

`93 Christine M. Carr, HS&S, of Wake-field, R.I., is author of Mother Daze... Tales from the Imperfect Playground. Check out her Web site at christine-carr.com.

`94 Thomas P. Fay, CBA, of Barrington, R.I., has joined Citizen’s Financial Group, Inc., as chief investment officer and director of wealth man-agement services.

Steven V. Michaud, CELS, of New Ipswich, N.H., vice president of Doucet Survey, Inc., has been licensed to practice land surveying in the state of Rhode Island.

`95 Christine E. Whitmarsh, NUR, of Sparks, Nev., contributed a chap-ter on “Reflections on Nursing an Older Person” to Why the World Needs Nurses: A Collaborative Insight into the Importance of Nurses (Ausmed Publications).

`97 Jason C. Murray, ENG, of Ver-sailles, Ky., has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for dem-onstrating leadership, dedication, and excellence in printing services.

`98 Darran A. Simon, A&S, was recently hired as a police reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. Darran is a freelance writer for QUAD ANGLES; his first story “The Hip-Hop Activ-ist,” ran in the spring 2010 issue.

`00 Jennifer K. Frank, CBA, of Fort Reilly, Kan., is an associate with

ALUMNI OF THE GAME

The Alumni of the Game program, which is held during half time at every men’s basketball home game, recognizes URI alumni who demonstrate the best of what our graduates are all about—successful careers combined with service to their communities and to the University. Seen on court with President David M. Dooley and Vice President for University Advancement Robert M. Beagle are three honorees for 2010. They are, top to bottom, Kathleen O’Donnell-White ‘90, John Palumbo ‘76, and Todd Kenney ‘04.

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 33 NORA LEWIS, COURTESY OF ROBERT HANSEN

Golden Grad

Weekend50th Reunion

For more photos, go to advance.uri.edu/photoalbums/50threunion/1960/index.htm

For more photos, go to advance.uri.edu/photoalbums/goldengrad/2010/index.htm


Mark D. Gertrudes ‘03 to Katelin Mullen, on August 22, 2009.Miguel R. Hernandez ‘03 to Amy Iluminada Veloz, on August 30, 2009.Kristina M. Kimatian ‘03 to Kenneth M. Tracy, on September 5, 2009.Kristen M. Piccerelli ‘03 to Gregory R. Antonelli, on August 29, 2009.Alyssa R. Jeschke ‘04 to Ryan S. Cournoyer ‘04, on October 11, 2009.Meredith L. Nixon ‘04 to Christo-pher A. Donato, on November 7, 2009.Meghan E. Sweet ‘04 to Christian R. Therrien, on July 18, 2009.Daniel M. J. Taylor ‘04 to Megan R. Stefano ‘06, on November 8, 2008.Bryan W. Ferguson ‘05 to Meghan E. Mollohan, on September 5, 2009.Brian S. Maksymowicz ‘05 to Keri Melino, on September 6, 2009.Timothy M. Fater ‘06 to Amy Lash, on August 21, 2009.Michael R. Haskell ‘06 to Jacque-line M. Kemp ‘07, on July 1, 2009.Kristen M. Pollock ‘07 to Chris-topher J. Young, on December 10, 2009.Brianna J. Germani ‘08 to Michael J. Tasca, on February 6, 2010.Andrew J. Overton ‘08 to Vanessa L. Ralph, on March 1, 2010.Daniel P. Labrador ‘09 to Tracy Shaw, on November 4, 2009.Daniel R. Mournighan ‘09 to Leigh Kelly, on October 17, 2009.

BIRTHSLaura and John V. Powell ‘71, a daughter, Devin Rose, on January 2, 2010.Jamie and Peter R. Duchesneau ‘85, a son, John Adam, on April 17, 2009.Kenneth and Heidi Fleischer Moltner ‘85, twins, Jenna and Maxston, on December 9, 2009.William and Melissa Perry McQuilkin ‘92, a daughter, Magda-lena Grace, on June 25, 2009.Kimberly A. ‘98 and Thomas M. Rielly ‘94, a daughter, Bridget Elizabeth, on March 4, 2010.Bearee Henglatsamy ‘04 and Cody Reed ‘95, a son, Hunter Colton Reed, on October 13, 2009.Raymond N. and Kathryn Grimaldi Bianchi ‘96, a son, Nicholas Lawrence, on December 9, 2009.

Reunite with Your Friends and ClassmatesWhen was the last time you made plans to get together with your URI friends?

Has it been too long? NOW is the time to start planning for a 2010 class or affinity reunion.

You will need volunteers from your class or group who are willing to help plan, promote,and attend

the reunion gathering. The Alumni Relations Office will help you plan and promote your event with a listing on

the Alumni Web site and in QUAD ANGLES, with electronic notices, and

with the printing and mailing of your reunion

invitations.If you are interested in working on an event for your class or affinity group

and would like to find out more about getting started, please visit the Alumni Web site at advance.uri.edu/alumni/reunions

or call the Alumni Relations Office at 401.874.2242.

the law firm of Menter, Rudin & Trivelpiece.

`03 Michael J. Camara, A&S, of Orland Hills, Ill., has received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.

`04 Felix J. Guiffra, A&S, writes: “I just graduated from the U.S. Military School of Music in Virginia Beach, Va.,(Little Creek Base). I enlisted to play in the U.S. Army Band as percussionist/drummer and will be stationed at the Ft. Bliss Base in El Paso, Texas under a three -year contract with the Army. I’m engaged to Christine Vinton with wedding plans to be announced at a later date.”

`06 John H. Beausoleil, HS&S, of Cum-berland, R.I., has been sworn in as an officer with the Smithfield Police Department.

Michelle L. Cangiano, CELS, of Winooski, Vt., graduated from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in May and will be enter-ing a Family Medicine residency program this summer. In March she will be working in a hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She will then spend six weeks traveling in Southeast Asia.

Andrew C. Rogers, A&S, of Wyo-ming, R.I., has been named opera-tions manager for the Westerly Community Credit Union.

`08 Sarah Reed, HS&S, of Nashville, Tenn., was promoted to junior staffer at McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations. Sarah also com-

pleted an internship with MP&F before joining the firm in 2008.

WEDDINGSKevin M. Messier ‘93 to Kristen DiPrete ‘01, on October 17, 2009.Susan Russell ‘93 to Douglas W. Brown, on August 22, 2009.Damon J. Palagi ‘98 to Bethany A. Lardaro, on July 13, 2009.Stephen A. Cybulski ‘00 to Jennifer Cianciolo, on July 9, 2009.Kyle S. Bober ‘01 to Jeanette Saccoccio, on August 15, 2009.Cindy J. Christian ‘01 to John W. Nadworny, on June 5, 2009.Lisa A. Iadevaia ‘01 to Alan J. Devlin, on June 5, 2009.Richard M. Gallagher ‘01 to Katherine Loranger, on March 30, 2010.David R. Laprise ‘01 to Jessica L. Kent, on October 17, 2009.Melissa L. Paiva ‘01 to Clifford Salisbury, on September 5, 2009.Colin E. Studds ‘01 to Rina Aviram, on May 9, 2009.Julie A. Brown ‘02 to Michael J. Lepore, on October 18, 2009.Amanda L. Carlson ‘02 to Michael I. Schnipper, on June 20, 2009.William C. Johnson ‘02 to Erin E. Richard ‘03, on October 10, 2009.Melanie Carr ‘03 to Christian Reeves ‘02, on September 12, 2009.Jonathan D. Alvarez ‘04 to Kath-leen W. Wall ‘02, on July 9, 2008.Rebecca A. Dean ‘03 to Luke Baril, on September 19, 2009.Shyla M. Dyl ‘03 to Travis P. Mollo, on September 20, 2009.

A Special Thank You to ourAlumni Association Scholarly Golf Tournament Sponsors

Silver Sponsor: Marsh Campus Connexions

Beverage Sponsor: PAETEC

Tee Sponsors: Amica InsuranceCitizens BankCarousel IndustriesCoastway Community BankElite Physical TherapyGilbane Building CompanyGlobal SpectrumGreg WhiteheadHampton InnLiberty Mutual GroupNationwide InsuranceRDW GroupRobert RainvilleSouth County OrthopedicSullivan & Company Trane Parts CenterURI BookstoreURI Dining ServicesURI Health Services

Product Donation: Pepsi Beverage CompanyPrize Donation: Steve Lombardi ‘74


Ken Ayars ’83, M.S. ’85Local HeroA poll of South County farmers results in wide grins and a flurry of anecdotes about the way Ken Ayars has supported the growth of sustainable agriculture since becoming chief of the state’s Division of Agriculture (part of the Depart-ment of Environmental Management) 12 years ago.

Noted for his ability to bring diverse interests “to the table,” Ayars is credited with stewarding many new business-to-farm partnerships, such as

Rhody Fresh Milk and Rhody Warm Blankets, in addition to supporting the recent explosion of local farm-ers’ markets.

After graduating from URI with a dual Bachelor’s in Zoology and Agriculture followed by a Master’s in Agriculture, Ayars joined the division in 1987, working his way through its branches and learning how to help farmers increase production while also protecting

the environment. “If you look at the ills of society,” he says, “you can see that agriculture, more than any other industry, has the potential to play a role in achieving health.”

Ayars has worked tirelessly to promote awareness of food sources and to develop an infrastructure that allows the public to be involved in local agricul-ture: “If the business climate supports agriculture, then viability is possible,” he says.

After decades of decline, the number of Rhode Island farms has increased dramatically to more than 1,219, and agriculture has grown from a $38 mil-lion industry in 1980 to more than $65 million today.

“There’s an increased focus on local agriculture due to concerns about where food comes from,” says Ayars. “People are worried about the safety and purity of their food, the environmental cost of factory farms, and the contribution of long-distance transport to global warming.”

Ayars hopes to foster a collaboration of partners looking to the future in terms of a regional food supply and energy sources. He says that URI, the RIDEM’s Department of Agriculture, local businesses, and not-for-profits must all offer leadership in “preserving our ability to produce food locally, an important goal for Rhode Island.”

—Bevan Linsley

Gil ’80 and Sandie Barden ‘91 The Fruit of the EarthGil Barden’s grandparents, John and Hazel, founded Barden Family Orchards in North Scituate in 1931. Despite John’s brilliant freshman year at URI (he won an award for his essay on “Chemistry in Agriculture”) the family was unable to fund his education. John couldn’t graduate and always had a full time job in addition to running the farm.

Gil helped his grandparents on the farm from the age of 12 but didn’t get the farming bug himself until his early twenties.

After graduating, Gil (forestry and wildlife management) and Sandie (wildlife biology) both held jobs at DEM until seven years ago when they tried selling their now famous peaches at a farmers’ market in Central Falls.

Sold out before lunchtime, they realized that selling directly to the public could generate sufficient income to make the farm their livelihood. They eventually quit their jobs and are now growing the business together—a symbiosis of skills that works well for them, “She’s the idea person and I’m the doer,” says Gil.

Gil is passionate about their farm and growing new crops: “I love everything about growing food: it defines me.” They have recently diversified their crops, adding berries and vegetables and building a farm store (and a new home after their farmhouse burned down). And they enjoy a loyal customer base at Rhode Island’s many farmers’ markets.

Gil and Sandie share a strong interest in developing sustainable farm prac-tices to produce their crops in the safest and most environmentally conscious way. At the moment, all their fruit is grown with the lowest spray possible, and they are currently preparing soil for new organic orchards in response to customer requests.

The Bardens plant with care and take a long-term view of our food future. “I love it when people tell me they love our produce. I’m done for the day then,“ Gil says.

For more information about the Bardens’ produce and seasonal harvesting times, please go to bardenfamilyorchard.com/

—Bevan Linsley

Rhode Island is blessed with a huge coastline, but that blessing can come with a host of problems when it comes to people living on the waterfront. Kate Venturini ’06, a graduate of the Landscape Architec-ture Department currently working towards her Master’s degree in Marine Affairs, is trying to address these issues.

Venturini’s main interest is land-scape restoration, which covers a lot of territory including how people deal with invasive plants, use native vegetation, manage storm water, protect water quality, and still have an aesthetically pleasing water view.

The challenge is not easy, especially when it comes to places like Greenwich Bay in Warwick that is composed of small residential

lots. The rules of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Manage-ment Council, which has jurisdiction over the state’s coastline, simply don’t work well for small lot areas. For example, Venturini cites a regulation that states a half-acre lot has to have a 50-foot buffer, but in Greenwich Bay that buffer boundary “could end up in someone’s living room.”

So Venturini is busy writing a Native Plant Design Manual that will make more sense for areas like Greenwich Bay. The manual’s guide-lines are less extensive but there

are still requirements for handling storm water and using appropriate native plants.

In addition, she spends much of her week as an outreach agent for the College of the Environ-ment and Life Sciences educating landscapers, developers, URI Master

Gardeners, non-profit groups, and the general public.

When it comes to landscape restoration, Venturini says she is not only interested in aesthetics, habitat, storm water management, and resource protection but also in meeting the expectations of the home owner, the designer, and coastal officials. It’s a tall order con-sidering the emotions that can arise when state regulations are applied to private property.

When her workday is done, Venturini relaxes by writing songs and performing with her Providence band, Royal Jelly.

—Rudi Hempe ’62

PHOTO BY NORA LEWIS

Kate Venturini ’06Protect the Coastline: Use Native Plants


Sean R. ‘00 and Christina Vincent Martin ‘00, a daughter, Reese Noelle, on January 17, 2010.Katherine Kelly Orr ‘01 and Frank Toce ‘02, a son, Logan John, on March 9, 2009.Carter W. ‘01 and Danielle Thiry Quigley ‘01, a son, Andrew, on October 31, 2009.Jamie and Jennifer A. Bates ‘02, a son, Colby Ross, on January 17, 2010.Scott R. and Michelle B. Levitt Goldman ‘02, a son, Joshua David, on February 8, 2010.Krystin and Greg Taylor ‘02, a daughter, Annalise Ruth, on April 28, 2010.Jonathan D. ‘04 and Kathleen E. Wall Alvarez ‘04, a daughter, Magdalena Eleanor, on January 21, 2010.Matthew O. ‘04 and Kate Laberge Harrington ‘05, a daughter, Lily Grace, on April 12, 2010.Daniel M. J. ‘04 and Megan R. Taylor ‘06, a daughter, Stephanie Rose, on February 11, 2010.

IN MEMORIAMErnestine Greene Woodmansee ‘36 of Simpsonville, S.C., on April 27, 2009.Beatrice Lowry Edmond ‘37 of Westerly, R.I., on February 14, 2010.Janice Donaldson Arnold ‘39 of Bloomfield, Conn., on February 16, 2010.Marguerite Stoddard ‘39 of Need-ham, Mass., on January 15, 2010.Katherine Delekta Wales ‘39 of Palm Springs, Fla., on April 29, 2010.Theresa Ferrazzoli Salter ‘41 of Newport, R.I., on April 26, 2010.Mary King ‘43 of East Providence, R.I., on March 11, 2010.Ruth Brief Schweser ‘43 of Boil-ing Springs, Pa., on February 9, 2010.O. Robert Pansa ‘44 of Solon, Ohio, on January 23, 2010.Sybil Bramwell Bibeault ‘46 of Attleboro, Mass., on February 20, 2009.Barbara Brown Dickenson Dierolf ‘47 of Jackson, N.J., on January 19, 2010.

Kenneth Jorjorian ‘48 of Crans-ton, R.I., on March 9, 2010.Beverly Harkness McElroy ‘48 of Hamden, Conn., on March 5, 2010.Robert Roske ‘48 of Seekonk, Mass., on February 2, 2010.Arthur Aubrey ‘49 of Corea, Maine, on November 17, 2009.Virginia Pennine Delgizzo ‘49 of Narragansett, R.I., on January 24, 2010.John Doonan ‘49 of Warwick, R.I., on February 14, 2010.Charles Eastwood ‘49 of Middle-burg Heights, Ohio, on January 9, 2010.Jacob Fradin ‘49 of Cranston, R.I., on April 2, 2010.August VanCouyghen ‘49 of Nar-ragansett, R.I., on January 16, 2010.Fred Bristol ‘50 of Vero Beach, Fla., on March 8, 2010.Ann Winter Greer ‘50 of East Greenwich, R.I., on March 20, 2010.Carol Wood Avery ‘51 of Winter Park, Fla., on January 18, 2010.John Cashman ‘51 of Barrington, R.I., on March 20, 2010.

Mark ’96 and Kira Edler Jastive ‘00, a son, Alex Jay, on September 12, 2009.Patricia E. ‘96 and James Monk ‘97, a daughter, Makayla Ellen, on September 17, 2009.Valerie and James G. Marini ‘97, a daughter, Camille Beryl, on April 14, 2010.Johnathan Mangano and Shannon O’Riordan-Mangano ‘97, a son, Brody James, on June 22, 2009.Matthew H. Daly and Kimberly L. Germain-Daly ‘98, a daughter, Erin White Daly, on March 9, 2010.Stephen and Julie Shevchuk Griffin ‘99, a daughter, Jacklyn Barbara, on July 27, 2008.Max and Courtney Jean Danner Kieba ‘99, a son, Wyatt Grant, on March 9, 2010.William and Melissa J. Pareti Van Lenten ‘99, a daughter, Keira Elizabeth, on January 16, 2009.Heidi H. and Stephen C. Holyfield ‘00, a daughter, Olivia Judith, on February 8, 2010.Jamie and Tracy L. Hutt ‘00, a daughter, Zoey Lynn, on February 26, 2010.

The First URI Music Department Alumni Day held in the Fine Arts Center on May 1 was a celebration of student and alumni excellence. There was plenty of time to visit, several presenta-tions, a banquet, and an evening concert in the Recital Hall featuring our talented alumni.


Are you an alum searching for a job or looking to change your career path?

Contact Karen Rubano at URI Alumni Career Services.

A job search or a career change endeavor takes time, discipline, and mental toughness. Success does not happen

overnight, yet it is important to acknowledge successful steps along the path. Below I share two categories of success “along the path” expressed by URI alumni.

Congratulations URI 2010 graduates! You have now joined an active, caring community of URI alumni.

Career Services invites you to continue using our services. The URI Career Services Web site has a wealth of information including a connection to RhodyNet’s job board. Visit our Web site and take time to navigate: career.uri.edu/alumni.shtml. Career advisement is available to you throughout your career; we will assist you either on campus or by phone in all aspects of your career development.

Through the Career Services Web site, URI alumni can access the RhodyNet calendar where we post information about career fairs to which URI alumni are invited. Such fairs, which may be at URI or at other locations, are held at various times throughout the year. Be sure to stay in touch with the RhodyNet calendar. Career fairs are excellent events that allow you to network easily with employers and professional peers.

I personally networked with employers at the recent URI Spring Career Fair and asked them many questions. Here is a summary of advice and facts that they graciously offered for this article. I hope you find this information helpful as you consider prepping for future career fairs:

• Prior to a career fair, identify which organizations will attend and prioritize those you wish to visit.

• Prepare three or four questions for your priority organizations.

• Use a small pad to take notes and review your questions; employers are impressed with candidates who prepped and who document their notes.

• Customize your résumé to the organizations attending; you may need several versions, each aligned to the companies you intend to visit.

• Most organizations will accept your résumé at a fair; only a few have moved to a strict on-line application procedure.

• Recruiting folks like résumés and will read them on the spot! You and your résumé are often numerically rated, so stay on your toes!

• Some organizations will email a post-career fair acknowledgement to you; others will contact you only if your résumé is of high interest to them.

• Organizations think highly of candidates who follow-up by email or phone shortly after the career fair; this often moves the résumé forward quickly.

• After submitting your résumé to an organization, you may be directed to the organization’s Web site to apply for a job or to build an on-line profile; make sure you follow through!

• After applying on-line, you should follow-up with a phone call or email instead of mailing an additional résumé.

• Organization’s have prepared information for you; listen carefully and don’t hesitate to ask additional questions.

• Résumés are often filed by category and reviewed upwards to a year for open positions.

• Staffing representatives realize you are interviewing the organization and will try to serve you as best they can.

Karen RubanoAlumni Career Services228 Roosevelt Hall90 Lower College RoadKingston, RI 02881p. 401.874.9404f. 401.874.5525e. [email protected]. advance.uri.edu/alumni/careerservices/advisor.htm


Harold Melkonian ‘52 of Warwick, R.I., on April 27, 2010.Webster Palmquist ‘52 of Thou-sand Oaks, Calif., on March 6, 2010.Douglas Potter ‘52 of Berwyn, Pa., on January 3, 2010.Alexander Hutcheon ‘53 of Fal-mouth, Maine, on February 3, 2010.Michael Szwed ‘53 of Palmer, Mass., on March 3, 2010.James Abberton ‘54 of East Greenwich, R.I., on January 11, 2010.Harvey Schwartz ‘54 of Boynton Beach, Fla., on March 22, 2010.Thomas Champlin ‘56 of Wake-field, R.I., on January 5, 2010.Jean Gencarelli Horton ‘56 of Westerly, R.I., on March 26, 2010.Fred Dinger ‘57 of Largo, Fla., on February 1, 2010.Robert Lanyon ‘57 of Parkers-burg, W.Va., on March 19, 2010.Edward Vigliotti ‘58 of East Greenwich, R.I., on March 31, 2010.Ronald Denham ‘59 of Fredericks-burg, Va., on February 10, 2010.Donald Gauthier ‘61 of Somerset, Mass., on April 18, 2007.Katherine Duffy ‘62 of Sherman, Conn., on November 9, 2009.

David Delisle ‘81 of Tiverton, R.I., on April 13, 2010.Mary Gaffney ‘82 of Providence, R.I., on March 19, 2010.Shirley Freedman Waterman ‘83 of Middletown, R.I., on April 22, 2010.Brenda Corbett Margraf ‘84 of Cherry Hill, N.J., on April 6, 2010.Gregory Pellicano ‘84 of Warwick, R.I., on March 10, 2010.James Mulligan ‘85 of Punta Gorda, Fla., on January 30, 2010.Jacqueline Desroches ‘86 of Providence, R.I., on April 30, 2010.Anthony Donatelli ‘86 of Boston, Mass., on February 24, 2010.Mary Ellen Murtagh Merlino ‘91 of Warwick, R.I., on January 25, 2010.Richard Petricig ‘96 of Hager-stown, Md., on December 10, 2009.Jeremy Hamilton ‘97 of Mattituck, N.Y., on March 15, 2010.David Sheldon ‘00 of Kingston, R.I., on March 17, 2010.Lewis Woodward ‘02 of Bar-rington, R.I., on February 14, 2010.Ross Kiely ‘08 of Bristol, R.I., on December 21, 2009.

Joseph Mellone ‘62 of Kenne-bunk, Maine, on January 29, 2010.A. Marvin Rosene ‘62 of Niantic, Conn., on December 3, 2009.John Kenyon ‘63 of Wyoming, R.I., on January 10, 2010.Francis Faubert ‘65 of North Smithfield, R.I., on February 6, 2010.Barbara Richards Romanoff ‘66 of South Burlington, Vt., on March 5, 2010.Robert McMahon ‘67 of West War-wick, R.I., on June 10, 2009.Elizabeth Bolton Roque ‘67 of Saunderstown, R.I., on February 6, 2010.Anthony Grello ‘68 of Narragan-sett, R.I., on January 4, 2010.Charles Livingstone ‘68 of Pasadena, Calif., on November 12, 2009.Jean Messer Grebb ‘70 of Arling-ton, Va., on February 8, 2010.Alice Rothwell O’Reilly ‘70 of Smithfield, R.I., on April 26, 2010.Thomas Rochefort ‘70 of Morgan-ton, N.C., on December 3, 2008.Steven McGanka ‘71 of Buffalo, N.Y., on April 26, 2010.Marjorie Laflin Berthiaume ‘72 of North Smithfield, R.I., on February 9, 2010.

William Chauvette ‘72 of West Warwick, R.I., on September 5, 2009.F. Gloria Checrallah ‘72 of Crans-ton, R.I., on January 11, 2010.Wayne Swanson ‘72 of East Greenwich, R.I., on April 11, 2010.Eric Flescher ‘73 of Olathe, Kan., on March 2, 2010.Chester Houston ‘73 of Urbana, Ill., on February 8, 2010.Janice White ‘73 of Warwick, R.I., on February 3, 2010.Jean Baum Mair ‘74 of Bloom-field, Conn., on February 27, 2010.Thomas Maloney ‘75 of Lenox, Mass., on January 4, 2010.Robert Beauchamp ‘76 of Marl-borough, Mass., on January 3, 2010.Bruce Wallace ‘76 of East Provi-dence, R.I., on March 30, 2010.Claire Bentley ‘77 of South Yar-mouth, Mass., on March 9, 2010.James O’Malley ‘77 of Westerly, R.I., on March 26, 2010.Ronald Pepler ‘77 of Charlestown, R.I., on April 11, 2010.Patricia Baytala Loderstedt ‘78 of Cranford, N.J., on October 27, 2009.Ralph Oliva ‘78 of Wakefield, R.I., on March 28, 2010.

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Mail to: Membership Program, P.O. Box 1820, Kingston, Rl 02881-2011

Indicate type of membership:

Individual @ $35 per year

Couple @ $50 per year

Golden Grad @ $15 per year

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URI Alumni Association Membership Application Form


CLASSnoteLet us know what’s new in your life. Send your class note to:

Class Acts Editor, URI Alumni Association, Alumni Center,

73 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881-20011

Fax: 401.874.5957, Email: [email protected]

Enter your class note online at:

www.advance.uri.edu/eservices/classnotes

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n Check here if new address

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ONLINE!

SHARE YOUR RHODY PRIDE WITH THE NEXT GENERATION!

Would you like your child or grandchild to receive informa-

tion from the URI Admission Office? Simply visit our new and improved URI Web site at uri.edu/admission. On the admission homepage you’ll find a link to a secure online form, Request Information.

Encourage your family member to complete the form, and provide us with an email address. We’ll

send information about the University, the admission process, and even specific academic programs. Your family member will be invited to online chats and special events—maybe he or she will even look for you on our alumni site!

We also invite you to spread the word about URI to prospective students who live in your community. Please contact us if you are interested in helping us by covering college fairs in your area. For more information about becoming an Alumni Admission Representative, contact Ray Kung at 401.874.4903.

IN MEMORIAM FACULTYThomas J. Gunning, 85, profes-sor emeritus of education, died February 22, 2010, at South County Hospital. He was instrumental in the development of URI’s Guidance and School Counseling Program. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in Europe. He graduated from Providence College in 1950 and began his career as a teacher and guidance counselor at Tolman High School in Paw-tucket. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from Boston University. He is survived by his wife, Frances, and seven children: Mary Ellen Keiser, Thomas M. Gunning ’74, Elizabeth F. Gunning, Mark B. Gunning ’77, Michael J. Gunning ’86, Paul M. Gunning ’84, and Kristen A. Gun-ning; 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to either the Hallworth House Patient/Family Terrace and Garden Fund, 66 Benefit Street, Providence, RI; Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island In-House Patient Resident Program at South County Hospital or Visiting Nurses of South County In-Home Patient Care Service Program, both at 100 Kenyon Ave., Wakefield, RI 02879.

Robert Lepper Jr. ’36, M.S. ’37, professor emeritus of botany, died at his Kingston home on March 6, 2010. He would have been 96 on April 13. A 1932 graduate of West-erly High School, he earned a B.S. in biology and an M.S. in genetics at Rhode Island State College. He was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1940. During the invasions of Sicily; Salerno, Italy; and Normandy, he captained an amphibious assault ship, experi-ences that have been recorded in the Navel Historical Collection at the Naval War College, Newport, R.I. He returned to the United States in 1944, married Lt. j.g. Rita Connor, USNR, and became assistant professor of naval sci-ence and tactics at NROTC at the University of North Carolina. In 1946 he returned to Rhode Island as assistant principal of Lockwood High School; in 1947 he was named assistant principal of Gorton High School where he was also head baseball coach. In 1948 he returned to Rhode Island State College as instructor of botany. In 1953 he was named chairman of the Botany Department, a posi-tion he held until 1972. He also completed his Ph.D. in cytology at the University of Connecticut. He served as interim dean of Arts and Sciences from 1973 to 1978. He was a student athlete in college who earned eight varsity letters in football and baseball. An avid sup-

porter of URI athletics, he served as chairman of the Athletic Council and as acting director of Athletics. In 1966 he received the Alumni Association’s Ram Award and was drafted into the URI Athletic Hall of Fame in 1976. He is survived by four daughters: Frances L. Johnson ’68, Julia L. Murphy ’69, Patricia L. Young ’71, and Mary L. Sutphen; 10 grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. Memorial donations may be sent to the South Kingstown Land Trust, 313 Main St., Suite C, Wakefield, RI 02879 or to the Animal Rescue League of Rhode Island, P.O. Box 458, Wakefield, RI 02880.

Gino D. Silvestri, professor emeri-tus of history, died in Wakefield, R.I., on April 25, 2010, the day after his 82nd birthday. A gradu-ate of State College for Teachers, Albany, he earned his Ph.D. at Syracuse University and joined the URI History Department in 1965. His specialty was European his-tory. Survivors include his three daughters: Helen Ann, Victoria ’85, and Stephanie Silvestri; a grandson, Hunter C.J. Silvestri; and his former wife, Clarice Coleman. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Rhode Island, 143 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.

Walter “Chris” Heisler, Hon. ’90, age 93, professor emeritus of education, died at his Wake-field, R.I., home on June 6, 2010, exactly 66 years after his plane crashed in Normandy as he tried to land in occupied territory on D Day. Heisler parachuted to safety but was captured by the Germans and was held as a POW. His family will honor his wishes to return his ashes to Normandy where they will be buried near the place where his plane crashed. He was a 1940 graduate of Western Michigan Uni-versity and returned to academia after the war, earning an Ed.D. from Michigan State University in 1956. He joined the URI faculty in 1964. He is survived by his wife, Gloria deCastro Heisler ’71, M.A. ’75; a son, Walter C. Heisler Jr. ’89; a daughter, Jill Heisler; and a grandson, Kyle Livererios. Memo-rial donations may be made to Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, South Team,, 143 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02880.

Irving A. Spaulding, 92, professor emeritus of sociology, died on May 12, 2010, in Portsmouth, N.H. He was a longtime resident of Wick-ford, R.I. A graduate of Iowa State College, he earned his M.S. at the University of Kentucky and his Ph.D. at Cornell University.

NORA LEWIS; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

URI Runs in the Durfee Family BloodlineWayne Durfee ’50, M.S. ’53, a URI professor emeritus of fisheries, animal and veterinary science, celebrated his 60th class reunion this year. His wife, the former Bernice Anderson ’49, whom he met on campus, holds a botany degree. Their son William “Will” Durfee ’88 earned his second degree, an M.B.A., at Graduate Commencement on Saturday, May 22, while Will’s daughter, Heather Durfee, earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences summa cum laude at the undergraduate exercises on Sunday, May 23. Will’s younger daughter, Alexis, has just completed her freshman year. And the Durfees’ daughter Bonita “Bonnie’ Durfee ’84 teaches high school science in Warwick.


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For more information on table and program sponsorships, please contact us by calling 401.874.5569,or email Paul Witham, associate vice president for Advancement, at [email protected]/programming

Fifth AnnualDistinguished Achievement Awards

Saturday, October 23, 2010At the Providence Westin Hotel

BIG THINKERS.BIG IMPACT.

SavetheDate

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

2010 DEAN’S LIST RECIPIENTS

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Nonprofit Org

US Postage Paid

Permit No. 28

Burl., VT 05401

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OTO

BY

NO

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IS

advance.uri.edu/events/homecoming

A variety of activities

are being planned

for the weekend.

For an updated listing

of events, please visit

our Web site.

Homecoming Weekend HighlightsFRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010 • Rhody Rally, hosted by the Student Alumni Association, an evening

pep rally in Keaney Gymnasium followed by a bonfire and fireworks• Theta Chi Alumni Chapter Annual Homecoming Weekend Dinner at

the University Club; RSVP by October 16 to John Eastman ’62 at [email protected]

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010• 5K Road Race

• Football, Rams vs. University of Maine

• Rhodyville, our pre-game Homecoming tent village located outside Keaney Gymnasium

• Volleyball, Rams vs. Fordham in Keaney Gymnasium. After the match, volleyball alumni are invited to dinner at Brick Alley Pub in Newport; RSVP Head Coach Bob Schneck at 401.874.5231 or [email protected]

• Distinguished Achievement Awards Celebration at the Providence Westin

Alumni Center73 Upper College RoadKingston, RI 02881 USA

Homecoming 2010

SAVE

THE DATE

October 22–24

For more information, contact

the Alumni Relations Office

at 401.874.2242.

uri quadangles summer 2010

Documents

rhode island officials

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