KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 25, 2023 – Venerable Lippitt Hall on the University of Rhode Island campus has seen many things in its day — military drills, chapel services, gym classes, school dances, history classes.

Last week’s tattoo reveal was probably a first.

But with the showing of new artwork to represent students in the University of Rhode Island Honors Program, the program is updating its image as a University program that is innovative, inclusive — and perhaps not what’s expected.

On Oct. 18, the Honors office debuted a new look in Lippitt, with portraits of honors students, the first of several.

The subjects of the portraits saw them for the first time, too, when artist AGonza personally delivered them from her Providence studio. Angela Gonzalez ’16 (@agonzaart) was recently commissioned by the Honors Program to create new portraits of honors students for display in one of URI’s oldest granite buildings.

As URI’s Honors Program is in the process of restructuring its curriculum and offerings this year, the program put a spotlight on the students themselves.

The moving presentation highlighted all that students bring to their URI experience and how student paths and experiences can intersect in unexpected ways.

Honors Program Director Karen de Bruin, speaking before the program, said the goal was to create modern murals in a historic building. “We wanted to create an inclusive environment, one that shows the personality and authenticity of our students,” she said.

AGonza made a personal connection with each student before picking up her paintbrush. Each portrait aims to recognize and represent each subject on the inside; she says she is happy with the end result.

“It’s my best small collection of art, I think.”

AGonza’s visit to present the pieces was a joyous one, part group therapy session, part pep talk.

Meet the Faces of Honors

Lohith Chatragadda (sophomore, neuroscience and microbiology) (Lincoln)

“Lohith thinks outside the box and is a problem solver,” said AGonza. Visiting AGonza’s studio was Chatragadda’s first time in an art studio; he says he enjoyed seeing her process. Her portrait of him depicted the formula for the conservation of mechanical energy to illustrate how energy changes and the mindset he brings to his studies. Chatragadda’s father Anka spoke after the presentation, noting what a unique experience the unveiling was; he appreciated the thought and care AGonza brought to show Chatragadda as a person and his work at URI.

Stephen Coutu (senior, psychology and English) (North Kingstown)

On first glance, AGonza and Stephen Coutu, a transfer student from the Community College of Rhode Island, might not appear to have much in common. But with humor and warmth, she spoke about how they “vibed” and found commonality around facing life’s challenges. “We had energy from the get,” AGonza laughed. Her portrait of Coutu was inspired by the aforementioned tattoo (shared for reference), as a way to show the stories students bring from their lives outside school. She sought to create a portrait of Coutu that conveys hope.

Thelma Iheanacho (sophomore, pharmaceutical sciences and French) (Nigeria/Texas)

“Thelma is a sweet and gentle soul,” AGonza said. With a shared love of butterflies, it’s not surprising that one made an appearance in Iheanacho’s portrait. “She is focused on what she needs to do,” AGonza said. “This is her cocoon phase but watch out when she blossoms!” The portrait also features Iheanacho’s journal, a tool that is an important part of her URI experience and approach to life.  “It’s my safe place,” Iheanacho says, “my way of releasing things I feel I cannot handle or control. I hope other students can find something that makes them feel safe, too, and I hope future URI students see these portraits and understand that every student has their own individual way of coping with life experiences.”

Lina Al Taan Al Hariri (senior, gender and women’s studies; global language and area studies; international studies and diplomacy) (Cranston)

The last portrait was of Lina Al Taan Al Hariri, a Truman Scholar. Al Hariri, a refugee from Syria, says that the caring and compassion she’s found at URI have made all the difference for her. “There is an investment in people here,” she said, “that you just don’t find anywhere else. There is a passion that’s just part of the community. Without URI, I never would have had the opportunities I’ve had.”  Even as the portraits debuted at a challenging time for students of Middle Eastern heritage, Al Hahiri says the portraits give her hope. She met AGonza on Oct. 1, 2023, and brought her Palestinian keffiyeh, as AGonza asked all the participants to bring something that holds great meaning. “I’m grateful that I did.”

Melissa Stevens, Honors specialist, says her team hopes the portraits cultivate a sense of community in the honors program.

“Through the process of creating these portraits, we want students to know that we invite that personal sharing, and we want to get to know them. We want to know what is going on in our students’ lives and learn how to make this place like home for them in order to help them take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.”

To see the new honors portraits, visit Lippitt Hall, third and fourth floors. Learn more about URI Honors here or email urihonors@etal.uri.edu to get on the email list.