Spring 2026 Winners
Winning Captions
“Keep pushing, we’re almost to Iggy’s!”
—Ernie Vieira ’69
“URI engineering students demonstrate the latest in air-cooled rear-engine propulsion technology.”
—Richard M. Miller, M.S. ’74
Runner-Up
“Pop the clutch! And next time park it facing downhill!”
—Mary Anne McIntyre ’80
Pop The Clutch!
This photo appeared in the 1985 Renaissance yearbook. The “Volkswagen Push” occurred during Greek Week in April, along with other events, like a tricycle race, swim relays, tug-of-war, and the big event, Greek Sing.
The photo sure inspired lots of funny and creative captions, and we thank everyone who sent in ideas!
Gene Devine ’73 sent in this photo of himself and his wife, Michele, in their 1971 Super Beetle. He also sent the following pieces of insider Beetle knowledge: the VW in this photo was a 70s model, and the 1957 model had a black lever inside that, “if turned, would give you one more gallon of gas!”
Gene Devine ’73 and his wife, Michelle, in their 1971 Super Beetle.
That lever, we know from consulting some car nerds—and Google—was there because Beetles didn’t have fuel gauges until the 1960s and were known for running out of gas.
PHOTOS: URI ARCHIVES; COURTESY GENE DEVINE
Share your vintage URI Photos!
Would you consider sharing some of those vintage photos for the photo caption contest—or just for fun? If so, we’d love to consider sharing your photos in URI Magazine. Please scan or take a good-quality photo of your snapshot and mail to urimag@uri.edu.