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Third Annual URI Quad Fest returns to Kingston Campus

URI president’s campus gathering brings attention to fundraiser, farmers market.

A HUB OF FUN: The Quadrangle buzzes with activity during last week’s Quad Fest. URI photos by Nora Lewis

KINGSTON, R.I., — Oct. 11, 2023 — Students filled the Kingston Campus’ quadrangle Thursday on a summer-like day to take in presentations by more than 40 student clubs and organizations during the University of Rhode Island’s annual installment of Quad Fest.

URI President Marc Parlange, who created the annual Quad Fest in 2021 during his first year as University President, was on hand to say hello to students, faculty and staff and enjoy the beauty of the Kingston Campus. Students had the opportunity to pet animals from URI’s very own Peckham Farm, enjoy food from the RhodyEatz food truck, scale a rock wall or test their throwing skills at the dunk tank. Several volunteered to be dunked.

HEALTHY COMPETITION: A spirited game of cornhole is underway during Quad Fest.

Other less intense activities, such as Kan Jam, cornhole and Spike Ball also drew plenty of participants. Radio station WRIU provided music from its tent and held sign ups for prospective radio hosts. 

Basil the therapy dog, a local celebrity in his own right, greeted students at the URI Counseling Center’s table. The Office of Student Involvement offered two inflatable games—a corn maze, and “soccer darts,” during which students kicked soccer balls at a large inflatable target.

In addition to the presence of the RhodyEatz food truck, the URI Police Department set up a tent to hand out popcorn, hotdogs, and grilled cheeses to attendees free of charge.

Julia Al-Amir, the graduate assistant in the Office of Student Involvement, said planning for the event begins a month in advance. She facilitated participation of the various campus organizations in the Student Organization Fair.

Day of Giving a key part of the day

This year, Quad Fest fell on the same day as another campus tradition, URI Day of Giving, during which the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement sought contributions from students, alumni, and members of the community to support financial aid and other top priorities. 

In 2022, the Day of Giving goal was $1.5 million, which supported student-led research, grants, scholarships, and other programs. 

However, according to Alicia Johnson, assistant director of RhodyNow, a part of the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement, last year’s total was closer to $1.98 million. The fundraising goal for 2023 was $1.5 million, but that goal was surpassed thanks to contributions from more than 4,000 donors. This year, the Day of Giving raised $2 million dollars.

Farmers Market on hand too

URI’s weekly Free Farmers Market also spiced up Quad Fest.

Students majoring in agricultural studies are required to grow produce as part of their progression through the major. The fruits — and vegetables! — of their labor are donated partially to the farmers market, typically held Thursdays on the Quad from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the fall semester.

Student-grown produce makes up about half of the total produce available through the market. The remaining portion comes from URI’s East and Agronomy farms.

Produce also goes to Rhody Outpost, a basic needs pantry for students whoareexperiencing food insecurity. Rhody Outpost also receives funding from Day of Giving donations. Rhody Outpost was developed collaboratively by URI and St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church.  Now located in the Dining Services warehouse, the Outpost welcomes around 80 students per week.

Samantha Melia, a URI senior majoring in journalism and political science and an intern in the Department of Communications and Marketing, wrote this news release.