About Us
Advancing URI
The University of Rhode Island Foundation & Alumni Engagement (URIFAE) secures and manages contributions from alumni, parents, corporations, foundations, and friends on behalf of the University of Rhode Island; engages alumni through events, programs, and communication; and establishes collaborative relationships with companies through the Business Engagement Center.
New commitments combine with distributions from the endowment to provide the University with funding for scholarships, research, academic programs, and new initiatives to enrich the URI experience.
We are grateful to the individuals and organizations whose generosity advances the University’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and innovation.
URIFAE is an independent nonprofit organization that is affiliated with the University of Rhode Island. Our organization employs more than 75 experienced development and alumni engagement professionals, along with specialists in financial management, marketing and communications, and office administration. URIFAE staff work under the guidance of a volunteer board of directors and in concert with University President Marc Parlange to ensure that support and engagement further the long-term goals of URI.
Our Mission
The mission of the organization is to inspire and steward philanthropic support benefiting URI and to inform and engage alumni as committed partners of the University, its mission, and traditions. In all its activities, URIFAE strives for core values of transparency, integrity, collaboration, accountability, and respect.
Our Vision
We aspire to be a leader in university development in order to further the University of Rhode Island’s pursuit of excellence.
Our History
The URI Alumni Association was incorporated in 1932 to engage with and connect alumni. The University of Rhode Island Foundation was established in 1957, with an original charge of managing the University’s endowment, and it became responsible for all URI fundraising activities on January 1, 2008. On July 1, 2019, the Foundation joined with the Alumni Association to become URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement and better serve the University and alumni. URIFAE is an independent 501(c)(3) corporation charged with raising and managing private support for the University and providing alumni with opportunities for growth and connection.
What We Do
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Whether someone has recently graduated or celebrated their 50th reunion, they will always be part of the vibrant community of URI alumni around the globe. The alumni engagement team keeps alumni connected by providing career services, networking opportunities, access to lectures, and more.
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We secure, manage, and steward philanthropic contributions of all sizes to help URI grow and develop in pursuit of its mission as a state flagship research university.
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URIFAE staff, the board of directors, and a volunteer-run investment of committee work diligently to manage the more than 1,100 funds that make up the URI endowment. Endowment returns support the areas of greatest importance to our alumni and friends and provide essential resources to the University each year.
