KINGSTON, R.I.–Nov. 15, 2024–The University of Rhode Island community came together this morning to announce a transformational gift that will benefit generations of students and families, enhancing access to higher education and student achievement.

The $65 million gift—the largest in the University’s history—is the result of an estate gift from the late Helen Izzi Schilling, a 1954 URI graduate. Through a commitment made with her late husband, the gift establishes the Helen Izzi Schilling ’54 and Francis Schilling Scholars Program.