Alumni Awards
Many graduates of Â鶹ɫÇéƬ have brought extraordinary credit to their alma mater through both professional and personal achievements. Each year, we are honored to recognize and celebrate members of our community who have had a beneficial impact on society and our campus, advancing the common good and inspiring others to address challenges with insight and creativity. The actions of award recipients communicate the dynamic excellence of a Roger Williams education and the importance of Service as one of our core values.
2024 Award Winners
Roger Williams Hawk Award: George Hemond '72
Young Alumni Achievement Award: Eileen Korney Pollina '16
Alumni Advancing DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award): Walter Ramos '83
Roger Williams Honorary Hawk Award: Ray Cordeiro
Distinguished Alumni of the Year: Debra Stokes '89
Nominate a Hawk for a Future Award
Awards and Winners
Distinguished Alum of the Year
This award is the highest honor bestowed by the Â鶹ɫÇéƬ Alumni Association recognizing graduates (with more than 10 years of experience) who have demonstrated exceptional professional excellence and groundbreaking work. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to their field, showcasing innovation, leadership, and dedication.
Recipients of this award not only achieve remarkable success in their careers but also bring immense pride and recognition to their alma mater. Their accomplishments reflect the high standards and values of the institution, serving as an inspiration to current students and fellow alumni. This award honors those who have reached the pinnacle of their professional journey, making a lasting impact in their industry and elevating the reputation of their university.
2023- Dr. Michael Reuter '03
2022 - Vernon H. Stafford, Jr. '80
2020/2021 - Sharon Castelli '86
2019 - Rebecca J. McWilliams, Esq. ’04
2018 - Scott Avedisian M'11
2017 - Melissa M. Husband '00
2016 - Mark Fallon '78
2015 - F. Michael Ayles
2014 - Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin '88 L'98
2013 - Pamela M. (Pinskey) Fernandes '76
2012 - Steven D. Ricciardi '82
2002 - Harry S. Kinch, Sr. '77
2001 - Timothy B. Yeaton '80
2000 - Major General Reginald A. Centracchio '86
1999 - Thomas F. Hudson '76
1998 - Louis W. Gingerella, Jr.' 75
Young Alumni Achievement Award
This award recognizes a recent graduate for significant short-term accomplishments who, in their first ten years since graduation, has made outstanding contributions to their chosen profession and has rendered distinguished service to the public welfare, thus honoring Roger Williams and the Alumni Association.
2023- Alexandra Skerry Apito '11, M' 12
2022 - Brian Knowles M'15
2020/2021 - Omar Bah '10 M'14
2019 - Timothy LeBel '15
2018 - Lorin H. Richardson '09
2017 - Ashley K. Emanuele '09
2016 - Theresa M. Agonia '13
2015 - Kaitlyn Baird '06
2014 - Contessa M. Brown '06 '13M
2013 - Meghan Grady '08M
2012 - Meghan Rothschild '06
2002 - Lisa N. Cisero '99
2001 - Karl Daubman '95
2000 - Jeffrey A. Quinn '93
1999 - Colin Hynes '92
1998 - Michael P. Turner '92
*New Award for 2025
This award is a prestigious recognition given to graduates who have made significant contributions in their field of work, showcasing excellence and innovation. These individuals not only excel professionally but also embody the values and spirit of their alma mater, serving as inspiring role models for current students and fellow alumni. Recipients of this award demonstrate a strong commitment to their profession, often leading impactful projects, initiatives, or research that benefit their industry and community. They are proud Hawks and their achievements reflect positively on their alma mater, highlighting the quality of education and the supportive network that helped shape their success.
Roger Williams Hawk Award
*This award will be honored at Homecoming Weekend
Please note: beginning in 2023, the institution has turned the Roger Williams Spirit Award into the Roger Williams Hawk Award.
The award is presented to an outstanding Â鶹ɫÇéƬ student who has school spirit and has fostered engagement among peers to participate with the Roger Williams Alumni Association. The student has exemplified the Hawk spirit and has shown an interest in being involved and contributing to the Roger Williams Alumni Association’s mission.
2023- Alli Schoenfeldt '24
2020/2021 - Class Officers - Classes of 2020 and 2021
Former Roger Williams Spirit Award Winners:
2020/2021 - Jim Kelley '16, Jamie Warner '15 and Mackenzie "Mack" Doyle '15
Roger Williams Honorary Hawk Award
*New award starting 2023
This award recognizes an exemplary member of the Â鶹ɫÇéƬ faculty or staff who has a positive and spirited relation to the University. The individual fosters friendship and/or mentorship in the Roger Williams community and is always a positive light for students and alumni, regardless of their place of graduation.
The first recipient of this new alumni award is Carol Sacchetti, Assistant Dean of Student Programs, Leadership & Orientation.
Alumni Advancing DEI Award
*New award starting 2023
This award recognizes an individual Roger Williams graduate or Roger Williams graduates working to recognize and advance work in the field of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging. Their work has a proven track record of creating an inclusive culture in their workplace or community and empowering other individuals in working towards the goals of diversity and inclusion.
The first recipient of this new alumni award is Dr. Mike Hoffshire '03.
Nominate a Hawk
Alumni Service Award
This award recognizes a graduate for outstanding service to Â鶹ɫÇéƬ. Their voluntary contributions, either directly or through activity in the Alumni Association, shall have been over and beyond the normal call of duty.
2019 - George N. Bolden Sr. '74, '98, PM'05
2018 - Alexander Rudkin '14
2017 - Spencer McCombe '97
2016 - Megan Alves '91
2015 - Daniel M. Gumb '08
2014 - Ashley Gingerella O'Shea '07
2013 - William Geraghty '78
2012 - Michael La Scala '83
2002 - Paul K. Williams '89
2000 - Jennifer E. Samolyk '92 L'96
1999 - Evelyn I. Bain '85
1998 - Richard D. Rohleder '85
Class Leadership Award
2019 - Class of 2014
2018 - Class of 2013
2017 - Class of 2012
2016 - Class of 2001
2015 - Class of 2005
2014 - Class of 1994
2013 - Class of 1993
2012 - Class of 1992
Pioneer Award
2002 - Marshall Margolis '66
2001 - David Kessler '54
2000 - Myron L. "Mike" Coken '58