KINGSTON, R.I. — September 26, 2018 — With the snip of an oversized pair of scissors, University of Rhode Island alumna Mary Danielian Higgins, University and state officials, students and alumni cut a ceremonial blue ribbon in front of a standing-room only crowd today to mark the official opening of the Robert J. Higgins Welcome Center.

The late Robert J. Higgins and his widow, Mary, each 1967 graduates of URI, have been major supporters of the University for decades, including Mary’s recent $2 million gift to the URI Welcome Center Building Fund.

The 11,000-square-foot center, located at Upper College Road and Briar Lane, is a stylish, colorful and interactive facility that will serve 50,000 annual visitors–prospective students and their families, visiting scholars, guest lecturers, and community and business leaders.

The new building created such a buzz that the hundreds who attended the festivities, which included a rendition of the Rhody Fight Song by student tour guides and music by a University jazz ensemble, filled all of the rooms in the center.

“This day and the enthusiasm that is so evident is a tribute to Mary Higgins and her late husband, Robert, as well as the University staff (especially Dean Libutti) and contractors who made this dynamic, state-of-the-art center a reality,” said President David M. Dooley. “In the Robert Higgins Welcome Center, we have a facility that now reflects the status of the University of Rhode Island as a global research university and the outstanding work of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. When visitors enter, they will immediately know that URI is a leader in teaching and research and whose influence is felt around the world. Thank you so much Mary and congratulations to all who made this happen.”

“Bob always maintained a strong connection to the University,” said Higgins. “I hope the Welcome Center will be the starting point for many others to begin similarly long-lasting relationships to URI.”

“This center exemplifies the mission and spirit of the University,” said Thomas M. Ryan ’75, former chief executive officer of CVS Health and current chairman of the URI Foundation Board. “The Higgins story is an example of why alumni are so critical to the future of URI. Their shared efforts to make the University better and stronger represent a level of commitment we should all emulate.”

The one-story structure features peaked roofs, wooden clapboards, stained cedar siding and large windows. Walkways will visually and physically connect the building to the heart of the campus. The University will seek LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver Certification for the project. A program of the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Certification is a globally recognized symbol of excellence in sustainable construction.

The new Higgins Welcome Center makes it easy for visitors to enjoy the campus since parking is provided nearby, tours begin there, and Admission staff have offices there. Parents and prospective students will be able to mingle with each other, and URI’s 110 student tour guides now have a home where they can work more closely with each other, Admission staff and visitors.

Key features inside are the history wall, which highlights University milestones through photos and an alumni showcase, which includes poster-sized photos of young alumni who have achieved great success early in their careers.

The center houses an open reception area and two presentation areas for information sessions, three offices, one large conference room, restrooms and flexible, float offices for faculty or staff to use for various university needs.

Four digital screens, two with interactive features, provide visitors with event, academic and broad information about the University. Refreshments will also be available there.

“This building represents the transformational success URI has experienced during the last 10 years,” said Dean Libutti, vice provost for Enrollment Management who spearheaded the welcome center project. “It shows that URI is a national player, and puts us in an extremely strong position with prospective students. Visitors want to be welcomed and treated well, and this facility accomplishes both in numerous ways. It shows that URI is a special place.”

Outside, a new majestic sculpture of Rhody the Ram looks out on Upper College Road, and the Taricani Terrace, named in honor Jim Taricani, a widely respected investigative reporter, who was presented an honorary degree from URI in the spring, provides a beautiful area for outdoor events. The White Family Garden, named in honor of Laurie White, URI class of 1981, and her family, complements the terrace.

DBVW Architects of Providence worked with the University to design the project. E.W. Burman, Inc. of Warwick is the contractor.