WHO: URI President Robert L. Carothers, Commissioner of Higher Education Jack Warner; members of the Board of Governors for Higher Education; Gov. Lincoln and Mrs. Almond; Deborah Smith, director of Municipal and External Affairs, Gov. Donald L. Carcieri’s office; and members of the University community.
WHAT: Dedication of the University of Rhode Island’s M. Beverly Swan Hall, formerly called Independence Hall. The public is welcome.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 10 to 11 a.m.
WHERE: Swan Hall, 60 Upper College Road, Kingston.
WHY: Independence Hall is being re-named to honor M. Beverly Swan who stepped down as URI’s provost and vice president for academic affairs after serving 17 years in that post. She will return to the faculty as the Justin Smith Morrill Distinguished University Professor. Her nearly four-decade association with the University began as a student. When Independence Hall opened, she took many of her classes in the building. Later, as a member of the English Department faculty, she maintained her office and she taught most of her courses in writing and linguistics there. Before being named provost, Swan served as assistant vice president for academic affairs for nine years. During her years at URI, she has also been an important donor to her alma mater, creating several scholarships herself and supporting many others.