KINGSTON, R.I.—April 2, 2026—The University of Rhode Island recently honored 370 staff and faculty members for their years of service and dedication to URI at the third annual Employee Milestone Celebration in the Memorial Union Ballroom.

President Marc Parlange, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Wolfe, and Vice President for Human Resources Becky Hill greeted the honorees who reached a milestone anniversary – 5 to 45 years – in 2025.

“What makes URI so special is its people, and there’s no better example of how incredible our people are than this celebration,” said Parlange. “You have all chosen to bring your talents to URI and to work every day alongside your colleagues to serve our students, advance our mission, and educate the next generation of Rhode Islanders. And, for that, I couldn’t be more thankful.”

“The milestones we recognize today represent more than years of service. They represent commitment, stewardship, and belief in this institution and its mission. They reflect moments of challenge navigated, students supported, colleagues mentored, systems improved, and community built,” said Hill. “Retention doesn’t come from anniversaries alone—it comes from feeling valued and seen. Today is one small but meaningful way to say thank you and to remind you how essential you are to URI’s continued success.”

Five individuals were recognized for 45 years of service: pharmacy professor Robert Dufresne, physics professor Leonard Kahn, Eileen Orabone in URI’s Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity, Timothy Wasco in the Department of Chemistry, and Terry Wild in Information Technology Services.