Celebrating the Leadership of
Robert M. Beagle, 1991-2012

“ I've rarely met an administrator who is so personally passionate about his institution. Although Bob isn't a native Rhode Islander, he has breathed and bled Rhody blue for two decades. The legacy he leaves is one that will continue his work in advancing the University in the state and around the globe.

— Anonymous, Staff

“ Bob Beagle really re-shaped the University over two decades, creating a true culture of giving -- for buildings, scholarships and more -- and for building pride among students, faculty, staff and alumni. He's created a lasting legacy of hope and promise for all. Thank you, Bob.

— Jhodi Redlich, Staff

“ Bob, MANY of my fondest experiences of my fund raising career have been shared with you. We had so much fun during the Ryan Center Campaign! Thank you for trusting my instincts and giving me the opportunity to run a successful campaign. I have learned so much through your leadership and fine example; not only as a professional but as a human being. You are the best! Thank you for being such an outstanding mentor and more importantly, friend. Louise Rosarbo Dinsmore URI Staff 2000-2006

— Louise Rosarbo Dinsmore

“ What a wonderful legacy you are leaving at the University. We are delighted to know that while you are retiring from your current position, your legacy will live on through your teaching and the scholarship fund. You inspire us all. Dick and I wish you the very best.

— Louise Thorson MBA '85, Alumnus/a

“ Bob, You have combined leadership, vision, and good humor--a rare combination. Also, you have shown skills in a job much more diverse than many realize, from development, to news, to publications, to community and government relations, and alumni affairs! Most importantly, you are a good person and close friend who values loyalty and honesty. While you have earned a relaxing retirement, I look forward to continue working with you as a member of the faculty!

— Tom Zorabedian, Staff

“ Rhody sends a very special Thank You to Bob! Two thumbs up for Rhody and the thousands of students you have helped. You're the one who really "made the difference" at URI!

— Rhody, Student

“ Dear Bob: Rest assured if I wasn’t 2500 miles from your fete, I would be enthusiastically in attendance. I hope it is a wonderful occasion. Don Bibeault, Ph.D., CTP Emeritus Verto Partners, LLC

— Don Bibeault

“ Rhody is blue with news of your retirement. The URI family grew bigger and closer through your leadership, dedication, and vision. Best wishes to the very best. Ed Quinlan, 71 Lisa Pelosi, MS 2007

— Edward Quinlan, Alumnus/a

“ Bob, What a powerful impact you have had on my dearly beloved URI! Little did I know when you arrived at Davis Hall lo those many years ago that it would be the Start of Something Big. I only knew that here was someone who shared my vision of what an alumni program should be. In that heady first year you provided the leadership and created the atmosphere in which staff and alumni could work together to begin to make that vision a reality. And I did so love your cozy sense of humor. One special memory? I have a hundred! Thank you, Bob, for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the excitement.

— Jean Hutchinson

“ Bob- For these last 20 years or so I have really enjoyed our friendship, your professionalism, and your candor as well as your very fair and objective way of looking at things. You were always the "go to" person when it came to listening and taking appropriate action. I will certainly miss you and I wish you nothing but the best in your next role.

— Steve Lombardi, Alumnus/a

“ One fond memory was the "Rhode Trip" to the Carrier Dome with Bob, Ron & Sally Petro in Bob's Grand Prix. Rhody kept it close under the dome, and on the way home along the Mass Pike, we laid the groundwork for the Rhody the Ram Endowed Scholarship. Bob and Gerri have and will always be champions of students and the University! I'll miss him a wicked lot!

— David Nicolato '98, Alumnus/a

“ Dear Bob: It was wonderful to see you at your surprise party. You will always remain my most favorite person at URI. My very best wishes to you on your retirement. You still have a lot to give to URI, but now you have time for yourself and you family. Live & enjoy!! Always your friend, Lillian Brown

— Lillian Brown, Staff

“ Bob, you’ll be remembered not only for your impressive administrative and philanthropic achievements for URI, but also for your commitment to sharing knowledge with others in the classroom. I have fond memories of graduate-level classes with you in the communications studies program and especially of your assistance and valuable input as a member of my thesis committee. All the best to you! – Jean Cohoon, M.A., ‘04

— Jean Cohoon, Alumnus/a

“ Bob, Saw the announcement of your retirement and the special evening dedicated to you and all you have done for URI (well deserved I might add). Athena and I have fond memories of our URI days and of so many people there.... Bob Beagle included, of course. We have been retired now for eight years. We have loved every day and recommend it highly. Have fun, stay healthy and enjoy life as it is supposed to be lived.....completely free!! All the best, Athena and Stef Rogers

— Athena and Stef Rogers, Alumnus/a

“ Bob Beagle is devoted to helping students. His outstanding work as a fund-raising professional will continue to impact students and programs at URI far into the future. Bob and I started working together in Minnesota in 1987 and he has always been a mentor and inspiration. Bob is truly one of the good ones, and he will be missed. Peggy and I send you our sincere wish that you enjoy years of happy retirement.

— dave tiffany

“ It has been a true pleasure to have had the opportunity to work with you for all of your twenty years. The University has been fortunate to have your remarkable and multi-faceted professional expertise during a period of great need. You are a direct reason for the dramatic rise in the engagement of so many alums, including myself. Regardless of the difficulties you or the University faced, you always kept us feeling upbeat and energized. And, perhaps even more importantly, I count you as a lifelong friend. Congratulations and well done!

— Gary Kullberg, Alumnus/a

“ Greetings: Thank you for your communication. It had been my hope to attend the Beagle celebration. I truly regret that I will not attend. Bob Beagle is one of my favorite people, held in high regard as a professional and as a person. He has my best wishes for the future. Bruce G. Freeman

— Bruce G. Freeman

“ Bob, I have spent my entire career under your leadership. They say that all great leaders have the ability to inspire others. You have truly been an inspiration and I have learned a great deal from you. The relationships that you have built with faculty, staff, administration and our alumni are a testament to how much you are respected. You will be missed. I wish you nothing but the best. Enjoy!

— Sarah Lobdell, Staff

“ Bob, it has been a wonderful 20 plus years working for you. I am reminded daily of your exceptional leadership style. I will miss seeing you at a podium making a complex subject seem so simple or watching you take action when needed with such public ease. I am truly grateful for your trust and allowing me to grow with the hope I will require some of your leadership style as my own. With great admiration I wish you only the best in retirement.

— Michele Nota, Staff

“ Bob, one may consider himself/herself fortunate if able to work in a profession that he/she enjoys. It is to be twice-blessed to work for someone whom you can hold in high regard as a person and a leader. Through your foresight, work ethic, and honest passion in what you believe, URI will forever be thankful. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

— Carol Budnik, Staff

“ I never met a more dedicated individual to the University of Rhode Island than Bob Beagle. He bleeds "Keeney blue". His tiredless efforts to have alums give back to their alma mata has been Bob's mantra. He has increased the level of awareness of giving to URI, and the school has been truly blessed to have him as one of their spokesmen. I will miss those personal moments with Bob when I return to campus. You will truly be missed, but you indeed have left a legacy behind for your adopted institution. I have been honored to call you friend. Wishing you health, happiness and long life. Best, Jeff Ross

— Dr. Jeffrey Ross, Alumnus/a

“ Bob, I will miss your smile and story-telling on your visits to DC. Congratulations on a well deserved retirement and Godspeed. Joe D'Ambra '66

— Joe D'Ambra, Alumnus/a

“ Bob Thank you for all you have done for URI. Your hard work will always be remembered. Many happy years in retirement. Look forward to getting together when you are in Los Angeles. Sid

— Sidney Cohen, Alumnus/a

“ Bob, Your true leadership has had an incredibly positive impact on our University - and will for many years to come. We'll miss you. Peter Miniati '85

— Peter Miniati III '85, Alumnus/a

“ You must be counting the days until your retirement. It's hard to conceive of URI without Bob Beagle but I sure hope you will be around at games and other events. Ray and I are so grateful for ALL that you have done for URI. We treasure our friendship with you and Gerri and wish you the very best in the years to come. You are THE BEST! With much appreciation, Nancy and Ray Lundgren

— Nancy and Ray Lundgren, Alumnus/a

“ Dear Bob, Your forthcoming retirement has been discussed in the various publications I receive from URI. Also Tony Piotti sends me clippings from local papers in R.I. One such article was, I thought, a very well written piece in the PROJO by a staff writer; Gina Macris. There was also a recent photo in the Alumni Magazine with you and Pres. Dooley making an "Alumni of the Game" presentation to my nephew Scott Asadorian, COO of the R.I.Blood Bank. You're looking great!!
I thought I'd add my "two cents worth" and congratulate you on your very successful contributions to URI over these many years and wish you all the best in your retirement and future endeavors!
I will not be able to attend your event at the Ryan Center for I will be in Vienna and cruising on the Danube (my first-ever cruise, for my dear late wife abhorred sailing of any kind - even in my small motorboat on 100 Acres Pond). My lady friend, whom I've actually known for over 50 years, cruised a lot with her late husband so we "seniors" are going to go to Vienna and "limp" around best we can and cruise the Danube into Germany!
Again - I send my best wishes and appreciation for the wonderful contributions you have made to URI and wish you the best of health and everything else in your retirement.
Sincerely, CHARLIE Charles M. Billmyer '50 & '53

— Charlie Billmyer, Alumnus/a

“ Bob, As a long time member of the Washington (& now Baltimore) Alumni Association and "bake Master" it is with great respect that Joanne and I wish you a wonderful, healthy retirement. We did everything we could to continue our annual clambake, including videotaping of every aspect of the process but, alas, after 47 straight years it's gone by the wayside. But we appreciated your attendance for many years with Michelle and President Carothers. Your professionalism is reflected in the legacy of the work you leave behind. We'll miss your smiling face. God Bless you.

— LTC Herb Tuttle '64, Alumnus/a

“ Bob: I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you on your retirement from URI. Thanks so much for all that you have done to elevate the university to greater heights and make all alumni so proud to be Rhody grads. I will miss your periodic updates on the state of the university and how well you communictaed to us on all the important happenings, goals, an initiatives taking place on campus. You brought professionalism, dedication, and sincerity to your job performance and, as a result, the university's image was greatly enhanced because of your efforts. I am sorry that I will miss your soiree on Friday night but I'm sure that all your friends, family, and colleagues will be there to wish you a much deserved farewell. All the best to you! Sincerely, Bob Zartarian Class of '71

— Bob Zartarian, Alumnus/a

“ Bob, I have long admired you and all that you have done for URI. I wish you the very best in retirement. Nancy Carriuolo, president of RIC

— Nancy Carriuolo