The DeChristofaro Family’s Deeply Personal Commitment to Advancing the Health Sciences

On August 8, 2024, the University of Rhode Island welcomed Ruby DeChristofaro and her family to officially name the Joseph ’56 and Ruby DeChristofaro Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences in honor of her late husband, Joseph DeChristofaro ’56, who graduated with a civil and environmental engineering degree.

Members of the University community gathered outside the newly renamed center to honor Joseph and cement his memory into the history of URI. His presence was felt throughout the ceremony as his wife shared her heartfelt recollections of him and their hopes for the next generation.

“It is our wish,” said Ruby, “that all students and faculty who walk through the doors of this building will find fulfillment, success, and happiness in their work.”

Recognizing his strength and resilience, Ruby noted how her husband’s experience with Parkinson’s disease drove a personal interest in advancing neuroscience research. The DeChristofaro family made a multi-part gift to invest in the advancement of health sciences at URI.

Speakers also included C.J. Hamilton ’25, a Thomas M. Ryan Scholar majoring in molecular neuroscience, who represented the current generation of students making critical contributions to the field.

“The DeChristofaro family has taken a huge step to provide opportunities for students and faculty,” he said. “They will make a tremendous difference in the lives of many to come.”

The legacy left by the DeChristofaro family will enable future generations of students and faculty to advance brain-related research. Thanks to their  vision and generosity, the Joseph ’56 and Ruby DeChristofaro Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences will continue to expand its place as a hub for innovation, education, and research at URI.