KINGSTON, R.I. – July 29, 2024 – The University of Rhode Island Foundation & Alumni Engagement (URIFAE) Board of Directors selected its new chair in a unanimous vote at its biannual meeting in June. Raymond M. Williams ’87 P ’23 assumed the role as of July 1. The previous chair, Alfred J. Verrecchia ’67 M.B.A. ’72 Hon. ’04, completed his term June 30, coinciding with the successful completion of Big Ideas. Bold Plans. The Campaign for the University of Rhode Island, which brought in more than $303 million in comprehensive support for URI.
Based in Philadelphia and Short Hills, New Jersey, Williams is senior counsel at DLA Piper, a leading global law firm, where he is nationally recognized for his experience in representing life science companies and in diversity and inclusion efforts. He graduated from the URI College of Business as a marketing major and was a member of the football and track and field teams before going on to earn his J.D. at Pepperdine University. He has been involved as a volunteer leader at URI for more than a decade, previously serving as vice chair of the board and sitting on several advisory committees.
“I look forward to working closely with Ray, who I know will do a fantastic job leading the board of the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement,” said URI President Marc B. Parlange. “I am also deeply grateful to Al for his leadership and the solid foundation he built over the past few years. URI is fortunate to have alums like Ray and Al, who are dedicated to advancing our University by supporting the essential work of the Foundation, and ensuring that the University is on track to reach the ambitious goals in our 10-year strategic plan.”
“I am excited and honored to accept this role,” said Williams. “Thanks to the successful campaign and the leadership of my predecessor Al Verrecchia, we are in a better position than ever to help students and support innovative research and teaching.”
The campaign exceeded its goal thanks to gifts from more than 34,000 individuals across five strategic pillars that touched on every aspect of the University. The amount of community support and the boost to financial aid, faculty positions, facilities, and programs have positioned URI for a new, ambitious agenda for the future.
“This is an exciting time to be involved with the University of Rhode Island,” said Margo Cook ’86, chair of the Board of Trustees. “We have some major initiatives ahead that will position URI as a leader in the blue economy, the health care sector, the arts, and much more. Ray is a terrific leader who will help us get there.”
A new life sciences center is on the state ballot this fall, and URI is pursuing renovations to two of its landmark buildings: Ballentine Hall, home to the College of Business, and the Fine Arts Center. At the same time, the Narragansett Bay Campus is rapidly upgrading its research and teaching facilities to continue its influential work in ocean health and the blue economy. The Foundation & Alumni Engagement will have important roles to play in inspiring involvement and support for these and other strategic initiatives.
“We have just completed a historic campaign for URI,” said Verrecchia, “but we are not done yet. Ray’s broad leadership experience, highly successful career, and dedication to this University will ensure more success in the years ahead.”
Also at the June board meeting, URIFAE President Lil Breul O’Rourke announced that a new award recognizing board members for outstanding leadership and service will be named for Verrecchia.
“Al has been a part of this University for more than five decades,” said O’Rourke. “URI would not be what it is today without him, and we felt this was a fitting way to recognize all that he has done. As Al steps down, all of us at the Foundation & Alumni Engagement are excited to work with Ray in this new capacity. We are focused on the future and ready to work together to bring URI to the next level among flagship public universities.”