The 2017-2018 Academic Year at a Glance: A Year of Firsts and Lasting Traditions

A look back at how our undergraduate students filled this past academic year with a number of exciting and groundbreaking moments.

Courtney Dell'Agnese '19
Roger Williams University main campus entrance

BRISTOL, R.I. – With a passionate and dedicated student body, the Roger Williams community went above and beyond in building from existing traditions, all while creating even more for future classes to follow. As the campus begins to prepare for the new school year, join us in looking back at how our undergraduate students and faculty made the 2017-2018 academic year – from move-in day in August to Commencement in May – a year to remember.

About 1,300 students moved their belongings into the place they will call home for the next nine months. August 25-26, 2017.
In a sea of blue, the class of 2021 makes their way towards the annual convocation ceremony where they officially join the Roger Williams University Community. August 26, 2017.
Each year on Feinstein Community Connections Day, our freshmen provide service to over 30 local non-profits across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. August 28, 2017.
With the opening of our new Commuter Lounge – equipped with a TV, computer, lockers, fridge and a microwave – now more than ever, our commuting students feel comfortable calling RWU a true home away from home. September 8, 2017.
RWU opened the Gender and Sexuality Center to serve as the central hub for students that are dedicated to advancing gender equity throughout our campus. September 28, 2017.
October was Social Justice Month at RWU. Students in our Visual Arts Center created Wish Flags that communicate ideas that students wish to bring a greater awareness to, whether it be social, political or personal. October 3, 2017.
From October 19-21, 2017 students, family and alumni enjoyed events, athletic games, and other activities for our annual Homecoming and Family weekend.
RWU’s Women’s soccer team celebrated as they took home the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship. November 4, 2017
The RWU community collected and donated a record 2,648 pounds of food for distribution by the East Bay Food Pantry during our annual Turkey Basket Contest. November 16, 2017.
This year’s winner of the Mr. RWU Pageant, Skyler Moncada and his personal assistants Tori Davis and her service dog Toni. After 15 years, the Mr. RWU pageant has raised over $260,000 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. December 2, 2017.
To kick off the holiday season, the RWU community joined RWU’s mascot Swoop to view the annual campus tree lighting. December 6, 2017.
More than 300 students, faculty, staff and community members came together to co-create our vision and direction for equity, inclusion and diversity at Thriving RWU 2030: A Summit on Diversity and Inclusion.
On January 30, 2018, U.S Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg took part in a “fireside chat.” Justice Ginsburg’s visit marked the eighth time that a sitting or retired U.S Supreme Court Justice has addressed RWU School of Law students.
RWU’s campus isn’t just pretty when the flowers are blooming. January 30, 2018.
For the second consecutive season RWU’s Men’s swimming & diving claimed the New England Intercollegiate Swimming & Diving Association Championship. February 19, 2018
On March 5, 2018 the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business released the opening of its newly renovated Center for Advanced Financial Education (CAFE). It’s now equipped with state-of-the-art technology for students to gain more hands-on training in securities analysis and portfolio management.
A handful of students devoted their spring break to working with the East Bay Community Action Program to take a public health and psychology-focused look at food insecurity issues in Rhode Island. March 12, 2018.
Well-known for its water views, springtime at RWU makes for the perfect photo op. March 29, 2018.
Everyone becomes a professional cake decorator during the Inter-Class Council’s annual cake-off. This year’s theme was “Stars, Stripes, and Frosted Pipes.” All money raised went to Rhode Island Veteran’s Home right here in Bristol. April, 14, 2018.
Senior Lianna Gerardi presents her research on the relationship between domestic violence and the Latina community at the annual Student Academic Showcase and Honors. This event represents our collective intellectual accomplishments as a university during the academic year. April 16-18, 2018
Who celebrates Earth Day without a cow? Not us. Each year the RWU Eco-Reps and Bon Appétit coordinate Earth Fest to celebrate Mother Earth and the ways in which we can have fun on campus in an environmentally friendly way. April 20, 2018.
On April 28, 2018 RWU’s Men’s and Women’s Track & Field teams both attained the Commonwealth Coast Conference title.
This month marked the launch of RWU’s first social justice focused digital magazine, New and Dangerous Ideas. The launch featured readings and performances like the one pictured above. April 25, 2018
Men and women from the RWU community marched throughout campus in the “Walk a Mile in her Shoes” to bring awareness to end sexual violence against women. May 2, 2018.
RWU ’s LGBTQ+ students, their families, and their friends celebrated the first ever Lavender Graduation at RWU. May 9, 2018.
To make the occasion even more special, the LGBTQ+ students chose a family member or close friend to present them with their lavender cord. May 9, 2018.
1,127 students received their diplomas at RWU’s 2018 commencement ceremony. May 19, 2018.
For Kabine Conde (left) and Mashhor Alshrieef (right) every late study night was worth this moment. May 19, 2018.

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