Roger Williams University Alumni Return in Record Numbers for Alumni and Reunion Hawk Weekend

BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams University welcomed hundreds of alumni and their families back to Bristol for what the university community described as a successful Alumni & Reunion Hawk Weekend. From May 29–31, alumni and guests enjoyed reunion celebrations, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to experience campus and the town of Bristol together. In all, more than 425 attendees participated, marking the largest turnout for the event in 14 years.

“This year's event was a success, surpassing 400 alumni and guests, our highest registration since 2012,” said Kelly Scafariello ’99, Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations. “After such a special weekend, I’ve been reflecting and trying to find the right words to express my gratitude and to convey just how meaningful this weekend was to meet so many of you and how vital alumni engagement is to our incredible institution. Our number one goal was to ensure alumni felt seen. To honor their time here, get to know their stories, and make them truly feel part of our Alumni Hawk Family. I believe we achieved that.”

Several events highlighted the strength of the Roger Williams University alumni community. Reunion classes ending in 1 and 6 were recognized throughout the weekend, while the annual Roger Williams College Golden Brunch honored alumni who attended the institution before it became a university.

The Class of 2006, celebrating its 20th reunion, had the highest attendance with 40 alumni registered. The Class of 2021 celebrated its fifth reunion, while the Class of 1991 marked its 35th reunion.

The weekend's most popular events included the 19th Annual Ray Cordeiro Memorial Alumni Golf Classic, the Annual Steak & Lobster Dinner, and the first-ever Welcome Back Hawks Party at Aidan's Pub.

A special tribute was paid to Ray Cordeiro’s family, marking one year since his passing. The Golf Classic also featured a major milestone. For the first time, the tournament had a title sponsor: Mighty Ones Marketing & Creative Group, founded by Adam Maust ’05. The winning foursome of Jackson Buchanan ’23, Jack Costello ’23, Ryan Gosslin ’23, and Keegan Monahan ’23 finished at 11-under par with a score of 60. Costello also earned honors for Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin, while Sharon Castelli ’86 won Longest Drive for Women.

Additional highlights included the third annual wine tasting event, which drew strong participation from the Class of 2021, and the fifth annual Alumni of Color Network Family Reunion. Interim President Brian Williams welcomed alumni back to campus during the celebration.

“Celebrating the 5th year of our AOCN Family Reunion reminded us why this community matters,” said Virgina Albert ’17, President of AOCN. “Every alum who shows up strengthens the legacy we are building together."

“Two things have stayed with me looking from the lens as a member of this Alumni Hawk Family,” said Scafariello. “No matter our class year, alumni share a deep appreciation for the place that helped them learn, grow, and lead. By the end of the weekend, class years didn’t matter. Everyone simply saw themselves as Hawks...which always has been Roger Williams special magic. I’m incredibly proud to represent you as your Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations at my alma mater."

Alumni & Reunion Hawk Weekend will return June 4-6, 2027, when Roger Williams University celebrates reunion classes ending in 2 and 7.

Celebrating Alumni Excellence

Alumni & Reunion Hawk Weekend also served as a time to recognize and honor Roger Williams University graduates and community members who have made meaningful contributions to their professions, communities, and the RWU community through the annual Alumni Association Awards.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes a alumni for significant early career accomplishments within ten years of graduation, honoring their contributions to their profession and public service.

Samantha Denton ’20, who earned her a Bachelor of Construction Management, is a Senior Project Engineer with DPR Construction in Waltham, Mass. where she serves as an Intern Champion, helping shape internship experiences and support emerging professionals. Samantha serves on the Roger Williams University Foundation Board and returns to campus as a guest speaker and Capstone mentor for Construction Management students.

The Roger Williams Impact Hawk Award honors alumni who promote camaraderie, school spirit, and connection within the RWU community.

Willie W. Borkai ’14, LMHC, MPH, who earned a Bachelor of Psychology, is a licensed mental health counselor and public health practitioner dedicated to expanding access to mental health care within underserved communities. He currently mentors graduate counseling students and has been actively involved with organizations including African Alliance of Rhode Island, Alumni of Color Network at Roger Williams University, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Jena (Spindler) Piazza Braunsberg ’08, Esq., who earned a Bachelor of Foreign Language and Philosophy, is a Pennsylvania attorney and Legal Training Specialist at Voce for the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network, where she develops and delivers legal education programs for child welfare professionals across the state. She has spent more than 14 years in public service, including roles as a county solicitor, assistant public defender, and federal attorney advisor. 

Zachary K. Lyons ’12, L’17, who earned a Bachelor of English Literature before returning to earn his Juris Doctorate, is the Managing Attorney and founder of Lyons Legal Group, an immigration law firm based in Providence, R.I. that focuses on representing employers and foreign nationals across a wide range of employment-based matters. He returned to his alma mater in 2023 to serve as Interim Director of the Immigration Clinic at Roger Williams University School of Law and is an active member of the RWU Law Alumni Association. 

Thomas Olsen ’11 earned his Bachelor of Public Administration later in life, after serving as the President and CEO of Plymouth Savings Bank for 20 years until his retirement in 2005. During his career, he chaired numerous boards for non-profit work including serving as Chairman of the Board for Cape Cod Health Care. Since graduating, he has established the Tom and Mary Olsen Scholarship, which supports adult learners in RWU’s Extension School who are balancing work, family, and education, much like he once did himself.