KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 22, 2023 – The University of Rhode Island Quadrangle will be the place to be Thursday, Oct. 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., when the University’s third annual Quad Fest takes place. All members of the University community are welcome.

The event began when President Marc Parlange arrived at URI in 2021. He wanted an event that would welcome the entire URI community back to campus.

“When I first joined URI, I was immediately struck by the welcoming nature of our community and the beauty of our Kingston Campus, especially the Quad,” Parlange says. “It only seemed appropriate to bring the two together and I am so pleased that it has now become an annual tradition.”

This year’s Quad Fest will include Rhody the Ram, a Peckham Farm petting zoo, a Rhode Island National Guard Rock Wall, and more.

Over 40 student groups will be on hand to answer questions from prospective members at the Fall Student Organizations Fair. Attendees can play lawn games and enjoy music courtesy of WRIU. The weekly Free Farmers Market will have fresh produce for visitors to enjoy and the Rhody Eatz Food Truck will be on site, too.

Students can also check out URI Fresh Check, a mental health awareness fair to learn about nutrition, sleep, relationships and stress relief at interactive booths.

Julia Al-Amir ’23 is a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Involvement and has noticed increased student attendance involvement in campus organizations this fall. She hopes to see many students at Quad Fest, too.

“The value of events like Quad Fest at the start of the school year is crucial because they give students, especially first-year students, opportunities to meet new people, learn about resources, and get out into the community more,” she says. “I am excited to see everyone in our community coming together and learning more about each other and all URI has to offer.”

Quad Fest also coincides with the annual URI Day of Giving during which alumni, parents, students, and friends can show their Rhody pride by supporting the University. The URI community collectively contributed a record $1.6 million last year to support students, research, and programs. Members of the Class of 2024 can also participate in the Rhody Senior Challenge.

“Quad Fest is about having fun, but it is also an important way for us to gather and make connections, take a break from the important work we are doing, and celebrate the things that make living, working, and learning here so special,” Parlange says. “I am so grateful for this community and I hope to see both new and familiar faces on the Quad for this event next month.”