Deysher family commits $1 million to URI Colleges of Business and Engineering

Cynthia Marcille Deysher ’78 and Bryon Deysher
Cynthia Marcille Deysher ’78 and Bryon Deysher

KINGSTON, R.I. — Feb. 12, 2019 — Cynthia Marcille Deysher ’78 and Bryon Deysher, longtime supporters of the University of Rhode Island, have committed $1 million in comprehensive support for the College of Business along with scholarships for the College of Engineering.

The gift will bolster two existing scholarships, create a fund for experiential learning and lend support for strategic growth through operating and capital priorities. Newly named funds are the Deysher Family College of Business Capital Priority Fund, to support key facilities projects, and the Deysher Family Experiential Learning Opportunity Fund, for College of Business students studying abroad or participating in internships.

“Providing experiential opportunities is fundamental to student success, and it is a crucial part of the University’s innovative approach to education,” says Provost Donald H. DeHayes. “Cynthia’s close ties to URI and her keen business acumen give her a unique ability to identify areas of giving that will have lasting impact.”

The commitment will add to the Robert Edmund Marcille Memorial Scholarship that Deysher established with her family in honor of her father, who graduated from URI in 1949 with a degree in electrical engineering. The Cynthia and Bryon Deysher Business Scholarship and the College of Business Dean’s Fund will also benefit.

“My life at URI transformed me,” says Deysher, who received her bachelor’s degree in accounting and paid for her education largely through the help of scholarships, grants and money she earned through work-study. “Receiving scholarships was very significant.”

Her appreciation for the value of a URI education has put the University at the top of her philanthropic priorities.

Deysher, now retired, was previously vice president of operations and chief financial officer for three technology companies: ArrowPoint Communications, Shiva Corporation and Bytex Corporation, whose initial public offerings she led. She received the URI President’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 2015 and is a member of the President’s Advisory Council, the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Business and the Campaign Committee for the URI Foundation. She earned a master’s degree in finance from Bentley University.