Dear URI Community,

Following last week’s blizzard, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our community. The Blizzard of 2026 set new records, far surpassing the historic Blizzard of ’78. And still, you were out there—clearing walkways and roadways; keeping our campuses safe; and ensuring students were fed, cared for, and looked after. It was truly incredible to see.

To the many teams across our University—from facilities and dining to residence life, public safety, and so many others—and especially our essential staff, your work was simply awesome. Working around the clock in those conditions was not easy—it was bitterly cold, the snow was relentless, and the hours were long. But you showed up with good spirits and real dedication. That’s what makes URI so special.

Because of you, our community stayed safe and supported. I am deeply grateful—and I know the entire University is grateful as well.

To our faculty, thank you for pivoting to online instruction and then back to in-person so seamlessly. You provided flexibility and understanding for our students and ensured that teaching and learning continued without missing a beat.

And to our students, you showed resilience and care for one another. You followed guidance, gave our grounds crews the space they needed to do their work safely and efficiently, and maintained a sense of good cheer through a challenging week. It was heartening to see some of you channel that spirit into creative snow forts and sculptures, and a bit of healthy winter fun along the way.

This is one of those moments we will be talking about for years to come. The Blizzard of 2026 is now part of URI lore. All of you displayed the very best of URI. Thank you. I am so proud to be part of this remarkable community.

Kind regards,

Marc