Join the Celebration.

Students gathering around fire pits on the QuadJoin us on the Quad today as the University launches its 125th anniversary, kicking off a yearlong celebration of its founding in 1892. Festivities are from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Following a brief speaking program at 4 p.m., faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends will join President David M. Dooley in the official lighting of Davis Hall, perhaps the most recognizable building on the Quad. Built in 1895 to replace the original 1891 College Hall, it was renamed in 1896 to honor Gov. John W. Davis. The four–story building is known for its bell tower, which was a gift from the Class of 1900. The bells of Davis Hall originally rang to signal the time to eat, go to class, and attend chapel, and in 1945 signaled the official end of World War II.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, students, faculty, and staff, and reflect on our rich history and traditions, we will also look at where we are heading for the next 125 years . . . and beyond.

Following the lighting, the Davis Hall bell will ring 12 times to mark the dozen decades of graduates who have walked across this ground.

The event will include a musical performance, hayrides, ice sculpting, the Ramettes, Rhody the Ram, cupcakes and cocoa, and more.

“As we celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, students, faculty, and staff, and reflect on our rich history and traditions, we will also look at where we are heading for the next 125 years . . . and beyond,” said President Dooley.

“There will be many occasions throughout the year—from academic symposia to magic shows to road races to WaterFire—to join together to celebrate URI today and its vision for the future.”

Joining President Dooley at today’s kickoff event will be Bill Foulkes, chairman, Council on Postsecondary Education; Mark Conley, Faculty Senate vice chair; Student Senate President Cody Anderson ’17; URI alum Elizabeth Berman ’09, executive director of the Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce; and student soloist Nicholas (Nick) Castro ’17, marine biology major/music minor, to perform URI’s Alma Mater.