Alumni Awards
Many graduates of Roger Williams University have brought extraordinary credit to their alma mater through both professional and personal achievements. Each year, we are honored to recognize and celebrate members of our community who have had a beneficial impact on society and our campus, advancing the common good and inspiring others to address challenges with insight and creativity. The actions of award recipients communicate the dynamic excellence of a Roger Williams education and the importance of Service as one of our core values.
2025 Award Winners
Roger Williams Impact Hawk Award: Earnest L. Offley ‘07; Nicole M. Verdi, Esq. ‘12, L‘14; Tyler J. Price ‘08
Young Alumni Achievement Award: Robert A. Clarke ‘14, M‘16
Roger Williams Honorary Hawk Award: David Melchar ’76, P’94,
Professor Emeritus Distinguished Alumni of the Year: Robert S. Engel ’80, P’13
2024 Award Winners
Roger Williams Hawk Award: George Hemond '72
Young Alumni Achievement Award: Eileen Korney Pollina '16
Alumni Advancing DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award): Walter Ramos '83
Roger Williams Honorary Hawk Award: Ray Cordeiro
Distinguished Alumni of the Year: Debra Stokes '89
Nominate a Hawk for a Future Award
Awards and Winners
Distinguished Alum of the Year
This award is the highest honor bestowed by the RWU Alumni Association recognizing graduates (with more than 10 years of experience) who have demonstrated exceptional professional excellence and groundbreaking work. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to their field, showcasing innovation, leadership, and dedication.
Recipients of this award not only achieve remarkable success in their careers but also bring immense pride and recognition to their alma mater. Their accomplishments reflect the high standards and values of the institution, serving as an inspiration to current students and fellow alumni. This award honors those who have reached the pinnacle of their professional journey, making a lasting impact in their industry and elevating the reputation of their university.
2023- Dr. Michael Reuter '03
2022 - Vernon H. Stafford, Jr. '80
2020/2021 - Sharon Castelli '86
2019 - Rebecca J. McWilliams, Esq. ’04
2018 - Scott Avedisian M'11
2017 - Melissa M. Husband '00
2016 - Mark Fallon '78
2015 - F. Michael Ayles
2014 - Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin '88 L'98
2013 - Pamela M. (Pinskey) Fernandes '76
2012 - Steven D. Ricciardi '82
2002 - Harry S. Kinch, Sr. '77
2001 - Timothy B. Yeaton '80
2000 - Major General Reginald A. Centracchio '86
1999 - Thomas F. Hudson '76
1998 - Louis W. Gingerella, Jr.' 75
Young Alumni Achievement Award
This award recognizes a recent graduate for significant short-term accomplishments who, in their first ten years since graduation, has made outstanding contributions to their chosen profession and has rendered distinguished service to the public welfare, thus honoring Roger Williams and the Alumni Association.
2023- Alexandra Skerry Apito '11, M' 12
2022 - Brian Knowles M'15
2020/2021 - Omar Bah '10 M'14
2019 - Timothy LeBel '15
2018 - Lorin H. Richardson '09
2017 - Ashley K. Emanuele '09
2016 - Theresa M. Agonia '13
2015 - Kaitlyn Baird '06
2014 - Contessa M. Brown '06 '13M
2013 - Meghan Grady '08M
2012 - Meghan Rothschild '06
2002 - Lisa N. Cisero '99
2001 - Karl Daubman '95
2000 - Jeffrey A. Quinn '93
1999 - Colin Hynes '92
1998 - Michael P. Turner '92
Roger Williams Impact Hawk Award
This award is a prestigious recognition given to graduates who have made significant contributions in their field of work, showcasing excellence and innovation. These individuals not only excel professionally but also embody the values and spirit of their alma mater, serving as inspiring role models for current students and fellow alumni. Recipients demonstrate strong commitment to their profession and often lead impactful projects, initiatives, or research that benefit their industry and community. They are proud Hawks whose achievements reflect positively on their alma mater, highlighting the quality of education and the supportive network that helped shape their success.
2025-Earnest L. Offley ‘07
2025-Nicole M. Verdi, Esq. ‘12, L‘14
2025-Tyler J. Price ‘08
Roger Williams Honorary Hawk Award
*New award starting 2023
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 new alumni award is Carol Sacchetti, Assistant Dean of Student Programs, Leadership & Orientation.
Nominate a Hawk
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, shall have been over and beyond the normal call of duty.
2019 - George N. Bolden Sr. '74, '98, PM'05
2018 - Alexander Rudkin '14
2017 - Spencer McCombe '97
2016 - Megan Alves '91
2015 - Daniel M. Gumb '08
2014 - Ashley Gingerella O'Shea '07
2013 - William Geraghty '78
2012 - Michael La Scala '83
2002 - Paul K. Williams '89
2000 - Jennifer E. Samolyk '92 L'96
1999 - Evelyn I. Bain '85
1998 - Richard D. Rohleder '85
Class Leadership Award
2019 - Class of 2014
2018 - Class of 2013
2017 - Class of 2012
2016 - Class of 2001
2015 - Class of 2005
2014 - Class of 1994
2013 - Class of 1993
2012 - Class of 1992
Pioneer Award
2002 - Marshall Margolis '66
2001 - David Kessler '54
2000 - Myron L. "Mike" Coken '58
Roger Williams Hawk Award Winners
2023- Alli Schoenfeldt '24
2020/2021 - Class Officers - Classes of 2020 and 2021
Former Roger Williams Spirit Award Winners
2020/2021 - Jim Kelley '16, Jamie Warner '15 and Mackenzie "Mack" Doyle '15
Alumni Advancing DEI Award
2024 winner - Dr. Mike Hoffshire '03