Rhode Island College: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Rhode Island College (RIC), a public institution with a rich history dating back to 1854, has fostered a diverse community of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. From arts and media to politics and education, RIC graduates have consistently demonstrated the value of their education through distinguished achievements. This article highlights some of the college's most notable alumni and their remarkable accomplishments.
A Tradition of Excellence: Alumni and Honor Roll Awards
Rhode Island College has a long-standing tradition of recognizing the accomplishments of its graduates through the Alumni and Honor Roll Awards. These awards celebrate individuals who have brought honor to the college through their distinguished achievements in their respective fields. The Alumni Awards are presented annually to graduates and community leaders for their personal, professional, and community service achievements. The Honor Roll Awards recognize graduates of each Rhode Island College school who have made a significant contribution to their field.
Notable Alumni Spotlights
The following profiles showcase the diverse talents and accomplishments of Rhode Island College alumni:
Arts and Media
Viola Davis (B.A. 1988): A trailblazing actress and producer, Viola Davis is one of the most acclaimed performers of our time. She has achieved the "Triple Crown of Acting" and is an EGOT winner, signifying her success in Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012 and 2017, and The New York Times ranked her ninth on its list of the greatest actors of the 21st century in 2020. Davis received the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Her Rhode Island roots run deep, starting with her graduation from Rhode Island College.
Steven Scarpetti (B.A.): From a shy teen with big dreams to a seasoned performer, Steven Scarpetti found his voice and a lifelong career in theatre at RIC. After standout roles in college productions, he launched his career at Busch Gardens and Universal Studios, where he became one of Disney World’s original Gastons. Scarpetti has starred in numerous regional productions and wowed audiences as Bernadette in "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" for Norwegian Cruise Lines. After nearly four decades, Scarpetti continues to thrive, starring in "Le Cirque Arcanus" at Epic Universe in Orlando.
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Dante Bellini, Jr. (‘80): A former principal of RDW Group, Dante Bellini, Jr. is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker. Now retired, Bellini has delved into documentary filmmaking, establishing Hooligan Film Productions in 2020. His first solo feature was an Emmy-nominated short and Silver Telly Award winner titled, Ken Burns - Here & There. Bellini also created a documentary about the popular chain of Benny’s stores headquartered in Rhode Island that closed in 2017. Earlier this year Bellini received the prestigious Producer’s Circle Award from The Rhode Island International Film Festival.
Politics and Government
James R. Langevin (Class of 1990): The first quadriplegic elected to Congress, Jim Langevin represented Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district from 2001 to 2023. He graduated from Rhode Island College in 1990 and has remained active in the community, teaching at the University of Rhode Island and Brown University. Langevin's career began with his election to a student government seat during his first year at RIC.
Allan Fung (Class of 1992): An attorney and politician, Allan Fung served as Mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island, from 2009 to 2021. He ran for U.S. representative for Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district.
Sabina Matos (Class of 2001): Sabina Matos is currently serving as the 70th lieutenant governor of Rhode Island. Matos also holds the distinction of being the first Black statewide officeholder in Rhode Island.
Josh Estrella (B.A.): Josh Estrella is director of communications for Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, overseeing the strategic messaging, marketing, crisis communications and media relations of all city departments. As a RIC student, Estrella double-majored in political science and English, while serving as president of his class and editor-in-chief of the college’s independent newspaper, the Anchor.
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Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, Esq. (B.A.): Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, Esq. is an attorney, leader and advocate for equity and social justice. As executive director of the Economic Progress Institute (EPI), she champions transformational and equitable budget and policy changes to improve the well-being of Rhode Island’s low- and modest-income communities.
Education
Dr. Joanne Costello: Professor Joanne Costello has taught nursing at Rhode Island College since 1997. She is coordinator of the population/public health M.S.N. program and a faculty member in the D.N.P. program, teaching health policy and population health courses.
Mary Palombo (B.S. ’82, M.Ed. ’87): A special education teacher for the city of Warwick, Mary Palombo is about to begin the 44th and final year of her teaching career.
Sharon Galloway (’87 ’03 M.Ed. ’10 M.S.N.): Sharon Hall Galloway is a three-time degree recipient at RIC and a constant presence at the college over the past 37 years. As the current undergraduate Chairperson in the Onanian School of Nursing, Galloway is committed to improving processes that create healthy teaching and learning environments for faculty and students.
Healthcare
Ann Dugan (B.S.N. ’80): Ann Dugan exemplifies the excellence and compassion fostered by RIC’s nursing program. Dugan is recognized for advancing quality care and fostering supportive, patient-centered environments. Today, she is vice president of surgical services at CharterCARE Health Partners.
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Thomas Stegnicki (M.S.N. ’16): Thomas Stegnicki is a seasoned emergency department nurse leader with over two decades of experience in high-acuity emergency care, disaster response and operational management. He serves at The Miriam Hospital, where he leads patient flow initiatives; quality improvement programs; and clinical training for nurses, paramedics and EMTs.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Edgar Garzon Jr. (B.A. ’14, B.S. ’14): As partner and vice president of finance at the Armory Management Company, Edgar Garzon Jr. plays a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of one of Providence’s most respected real estate development and management firms.
Vanessa Ruggieri (B.S. ’18): Vanessa Ruggieri is associate director of admissions operations at Rhode Island College, where she leads data-driven enrollment strategies, streamlines workflows and optimizes admissions systems to expand student access and institutional effectiveness.
Community and Social Work
Shana DeFelice (B.S.W. ’08, M.S.W. ’10): Shana DeFelice is a dedicated clinical social worker and dynamic leader in Rhode Island’s nonprofit sector. She currently serves as programs and mission impact director at Meals on Wheels of RI.
Colton McAdams (B.A. ’19): Colton McAdams has dedicated his career to building connections and creating community. He now serves as academic advisor and liaison for RIC’s nursing school.
History and Writing
- Robert Grandchamp (B.A. ’08, M.A. ’10): Robert Grandchamp is an award-winning historian and author of 16 books on Rhode Island and American military history, with focus on 1846-1865. His work is considered essential reading in the field, and he’s often called on to lecture and consult nationwide.
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