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New scholarship for underrepresented students in URI College of Business

Alumnus establishes endowed scholarship with business partner

L to R: Associate Vice President for Enrollment Dean Libutti, Director of Talent Development Gerald R. Williams, President Marc B. Parlange, Roby Luna '04, and Dean of the College of Business Maling Ebrahimpour. Photo by Joe Giblin

KINGSTON, R.I. — April 22, 2022 — Data science firm Aretec, co-founded by Roby Luna ’04, has committed $100,000 to endow the Luna-Rivera SF Scholarship at the University of Rhode Island College of Business. The scholarship is intended to support underrepresented students studying data analytics or business artificial intelligence (AI).

“We are proud that one of the founders of Aretec, Roby Luna ’04, has remained strongly connected to our College and URI,” said Maling Ebrahimpour, dean of the College of Business. “We are making substantial investments in expanding our AI and analytics capabilities to prepare students for leadership positions in an increasingly complex business environment. We want to encourage more students of color to enter these fields, and scholarships are an important incentive.”

The Luna-Rivera SF Scholarship is named for the Aretec co-founders, Luna and Anthony Rivera. Luna, who graduated from URI with a Bachelor of Science in management information systems, is president of the company, directing the technical vision and managing its channel and partner alliances. Rivera is the chief executive officer, overseeing the vision, mission, and direction.

“I entered URI through the Talent Development program, and I know how that additional support can make a difference,” said Luna. “My education prepared me to find my career and eventually pursue my own vision. Data analytics and artificial intelligence are growing exponentially, and we want to see more students and alumni of color find their way in this field.”

Luna served in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves and began his career as a data security analyst. He moved into data security management and technical director roles before launching Aretec. Luna serves on the URI Board of Trustees and the College of Business Advisory Board and has been involved with the URI Alumni of Color Network, making presentations to students and alumni.

Aretec, based in Fairfax, Virginia, develops advanced analytics platforms that enhance intelligent decision-making for federal agencies and corporations.

The URI Talent Development program, which was established more than 50 years ago, recruits Rhode Island students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds and provides the resources to help them succeed.

The URI College of Business serves 2,200 undergraduates and almost 350 graduate students. It is AACSB accredited, the global gold standard of academic business school accreditation, and offers 10 undergraduate majors, eight graduate programs, three Ph.D. specializations and one executive doctoral program.

The Luna-Rivera SF Scholarship also counts toward Big Ideas. Bold Plans. The Campaign for the University of Rhode Island. This comprehensive campaign is an effort to raise $300 million to enhance and expand student access, teaching, research, and facilities.