April 30, 2025

The University mourns the passing of Robert “Bob” Beagle, a longtime vice president of university advancement. Beagle, of Wakefield, passed away April 26 after a brief illness. He was the husband of Gerri Beagle, former human resources manager for the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement.

Born on Nov. 10, 1943, in Bloomberg, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Hurley and Revelessa Beagle. Bob was a 1965 graduate of Dickinson College, earning a degree in political science, and later earned a graduate degree in communication from Penn State.

His distinguished career in higher education included positions as a faculty member and debate coach at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, where he later became vice president. In 1987, he was named vice chancellor in the Minnesota State University system. 

In 1991, Bob joined URI as vice president of university advancement, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. When he retired, he was the longest-serving vice president at the University, and was credited with leading a team of professionals that redefined all of the University’s advancement functions and created a new level of pride among alumni, students, faculty and staff. 

He is also credited with launching and leading URI’s first capital campaign, which raised $17 million more than its $50 million goal. Over the years, he raised over $150 million from philanthropic campaigns and increased annual giving to more than $6 million. He also led the launch of the URI-wide marketing initiative that resulted in the “Think Big. We Do.” expression of the URI brand. 

“From fundraising to marketing to management to alumni affairs to outreach and community building – many at URI have said that Beagle’s leadership created a culture for communication, philanthropy, and pride throughout the community,” according to a URI press release at the time of Beagle’s retirement.

A lifelong learner and passionate supporter of education, Bob was an avid reader, a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and a regular presence at URI sporting events. After his retirement, he remained active in the community, serving on the Board of Trustees for South County Hospital.

Visitation hours will be Friday, May 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a service at 5:30 at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Beagle Family Endowment, c/o URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881, or a charity of your choice. 

To view the full obituary or to leave condolences, visit Avery-Storti Funeral Home.