Roger Williams University: A Legacy of Accomplished Alumni

Roger Williams University (RWU) prides itself on its accomplished alumni, who have made significant contributions across various fields. From law and politics to business, entertainment, and community service, RWU graduates have consistently demonstrated the values of innovation, leadership, and service instilled during their time at the university. The Alumni Association plays a crucial role in connecting alumni with each other and with the University, fostering a lifelong relationship and providing opportunities for engagement.

Staying Connected with Roger Williams University

The Roger Williams University Alumni Association is dedicated to keeping graduates informed and connected. Membership is automatic upon graduation, offering access to a range of programs and resources. Alumni can reconnect with RWU through various avenues, including supporting specific schools or campaigns, volunteering time, and joining alumni chapters. These chapters provide a platform for alumni to connect with fellow graduates, foster lifelong learning, support local communities, and build connections with the University, serving as a valuable resource for those relocating to new cities. The Alumni & Reunion Weekend (May 30- June 1, 2025) is a key event for alumni to reconnect.

Alumni Association Initiatives

The Alumni Association actively engages with the University through various initiatives. These include assisting prospective students, providing career guidance to current students, mentoring young alumni, and volunteering for special events. Their contributions are highly valued and demonstrate a strong commitment to the University's success. The Office of Alumni Relations has partnered with PCI to create the Roger Williams Oral History Project, which aims to memorialize the history of the campus experience through the years.

Awards and Recognition

Roger Williams University recognizes and celebrates alumni who have made a beneficial impact on society and the campus through various awards. These awards highlight the dynamic excellence of a Roger Williams education and the importance of service.

Distinguished Alumni of the Year

This prestigious award, bestowed by the RWU Alumni Association, recognizes graduates with over 10 years of experience who have demonstrated exceptional professional excellence and groundbreaking work. Recipients have made significant contributions to their field, showcasing innovation, leadership, and dedication. Notable recipients include:

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Dr. Michael Reuter '03 (2023)
Vernon H. Stafford, Jr. '80 (2022)
Sharon Castelli '86 (2020/2021)
Rebecca J. McWilliams, Esq. ’04 (2019)
Scott Avedisian M'11 (2018)
Melissa M. Husband '00 (2017)
Mark Fallon '78 (2016)
F. Michael Ayles (2015)
Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin '88 L'98 (2014)
Pamela M. (Pinskey) Fernandes '76 (2013)
Steven D. Ricciardi '82 (2012)
Harry S. Kinch, Sr. '77 (2002)
Timothy B. Yeaton '80 (2001)
Major General Reginald A. Centracchio '86 (2000)
Thomas F. Hudson '76 (1999)
Louis W. Gingerella, Jr.' 75 (1998)

Young Alumni Achievement Award

This award recognizes recent graduates who, within their first ten years since graduation, have made outstanding contributions to their chosen profession and have rendered distinguished service to the public welfare. Recipients have honored Roger Williams and the Alumni Association through their accomplishments. Notable recipients include:

Eileen Korney Pollina '16 (2024)
Alexandra Skerry Apito '11, M' 12 (2023)
Brian Knowles M'15 (2022)
Omar Bah '10 M'14 (2020/2021)
Timothy LeBel '15 (2019)
Lorin H. Richardson '09 (2018)
Ashley K. Emanuele '09 (2017)
Theresa M. Agonia '13 (2016)
Kaitlyn Baird '06 (2015)
Contessa M. Brown '06 '13M (2014)
Meghan Grady '08M (2013)
Meghan Rothschild '06 (2012)
Lisa N. Cisero '99 (2002)
Karl Daubman '95 (2001)
Jeffrey A. Quinn '93 (2000)
Colin Hynes '92 (1999)
Michael P. Turner '92 (1998)

Roger Williams Hawk Award

Formerly the Roger Williams Spirit Award, this award is presented to an outstanding RWU student who has school spirit and has fostered engagement among peers to participate with the Roger Williams Alumni Association. The student has exemplified the Hawk spirit and has shown an interest in being involved and contributing to the Alumni Association’s mission. Recent recipients include:

George Hemond '72 (2024)
Alli Schoenfeldt '24 (2023)
Class Officers - Classes of 2020 and 2021 (2020/2021)
Jim Kelley '16, Jamie Warner '15 and Mackenzie "Mack" Doyle '15 (2020/2021)

Roger Williams Honorary Hawk Award

This award recognizes an exemplary member of the Roger Williams University faculty or staff who has a positive and spirited relation to the University. The individual fosters friendship and/or mentorship in the Roger Williams community and is always a positive light for students and alumni, regardless of their place of graduation. The first recipient of this award was Carol Sacchetti, Assistant Dean of Student Programs, Leadership & Orientation.

Alumni Advancing DEI Award

This award recognizes an individual Roger Williams graduate or Roger Williams graduates working to recognize and advance work in the field of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging. Their work has a proven track record of creating an inclusive culture in their workplace or community and empowering other individuals in working towards the goals of diversity and inclusion. The first recipient of this award was Dr. Mike Hoffshire '03.

Alumni Service Award

This award recognizes a graduate for outstanding service to Roger Williams University. Their voluntary contributions, either directly or through activity in the Alumni Association, have been over and beyond the normal call of duty. Notable recipients include:

Walter Ramos '83 (2024)
George N. Bolden Sr. '74, '98, PM'05 (2019)
Alexander Rudkin '14 (2018)
Spencer McCombe '97 (2017)
Megan Alves '91 (2016)
Daniel M. Gumb '08 (2015)
Ashley Gingerella O'Shea '07 (2014)
William Geraghty '78 (2013)
Michael La Scala '83 (2012)
Paul K. Williams '89 (2002)
Jennifer E. Samolyk '92 L'96 (2000)
Evelyn I. Bain '85 (1999)
Richard D. Rohleder '85 (1998)

Additional Awards

Other awards presented in the past include the Class Leadership Award and the Pioneer Award, recognizing contributions from specific graduating classes and pioneering alumni, respectively.

Notable Alumni

Roger Williams University boasts a diverse range of notable alumni who have achieved success in various fields.

Allen Allensworth

Born into slavery, Allen Allensworth (7 April 1842 - 14 September 1914) escaped during the American Civil War and became a Union soldier. He later became a Baptist minister and educator, and was appointed as a chaplain in the United States Army, becoming the first African American to reach the rank of lieutenant colonel. Allensworth founded the township of Allensworth, California, in 1908, intended as an all-black community.

Shane McMahon

Shane McMahon, a prominent graduate, is a minority owner of WWE, where he appears as an on-screen authority figure and wrestler. As a fourth-generation wrestling promoter, he began working in WWE at age 15 and has held various roles, including referee, producer, announcer, and Executive Vice President of Global Media.

Mark Allen Shepherd

Mark Allen Shepherd (born January 7, 1961) is an actor best known for his role as Morn on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He also appeared as Morn in one episode each of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager.

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Joseph S. Almeida, Jr.

Joseph S. Almeida, Jr. (born September 23, 1957) is a Cape Verdean American politician and the Rhode Island State Representative for the 12th District (Providence). He is a Democrat.

Peter F. Kilmartin

Peter F. Kilmartin (born 1962) served as the 73rd Attorney General of Rhode Island. He is also a retired police captain and a former member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

J. Patrick O'Neill

J. Patrick O'Neill (born January 14, 1971) is an American attorney and Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing the 59th District since 2005. He currently serves on the House Committees on Judiciary and Rules.

Melissa DuBose

Melissa DuBose L’04 has been confirmed by the US Senate to fill a judicial opening in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island.

Alisa Diakite

Alisa Diakite is a Principal of Nathan Bishop Middle School, a position she has held since 2019.

Edmicelly Xavier

Edmicelly Xavier is a Spanish 2 and Spanish 3 teacher and a 10th grade advisor at the Paul Cuffee Upper School in Providence RI, where she serves on both the Communications Council Committee and the Staff Members of Color Committee.

Jeremy Ogunba

Jeremy Ogunba attended Roger Williams Middle School and graduated from Classical High School in 2005.

Jose F. Batista

Representative Jose F. Batista (D) was elected on Nov. 3, 2020, to represent the people of District 12 in Providence’s South Side and Washington Park neighborhoods.

Pena

Pena was the Houston Astros draft pick in the 3rd round of the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Maine. He currently plays for the Houston Astros.

Lee Moses

Lee Moses went on to Bishop Hendricken where he was a multi-sport star athlete and won 4 state championships with the team.

Ty’Relle Stephens

Ty'Relle Stephens became the youngest School Board Member when his term began in February 2021.

Roger Williams University School of Law Alumni Association

The Law Alumni Association (LAA) strives to bring value to your professional career and opportunities to engage with classmates and the law school community. Traditions, such as, the LAA Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament raises funds for the Law Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, with alumni, faculty, staff, and students in attendance. Brett Beaubien serves as the President of the Roger Williams University School of Law Alumni Association. The LAA Scholarship provides two first-year students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need with a $6,700 scholarship.

The Alumni Association Board has welcomed new Directors for a three-year term, effective 01 July 2023 - 30 June 2026: Doris Adesuyi '20, Christina Behm '18, Sarah Boucher '20, Regina Curran '10, Max Daley '15, Jamie Gau '16, and Zachary Lyons '17.

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