Celebrating "Uri Day" at the Rhode Island State House on March 26, 2026

WHEREAS, The University of Rhode Island is the state’s flagship public research university, recently named the #1 public university in New England by The Wall Street Journal for the second year in a row and designated an R1 institution in the latest Carnegie Classification, joining a highly selective group of U.S. universities noted for research excellence; and

WHEREAS, URI offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional students distinctive educational opportunities designed to meet the global challenges of today’s world and the rapidly evolving needs of tomorrow; and

WHEREAS, As a Carnegie R1 institution, URI offers education, research, outreach, and economic development programs that contribute significantly to the health and vitality of our state. URI is a key driver of economic and workforce development in Rhode Island. The University maintains strong and robust partnerships with many local, national, and international companies in a variety of industries, including defense, manufacturing, agriculture, aquaculture, and renewable energy. URI also provides research expertise and professional development opportunities to many corporate and community partners; and

WHEREAS, With a diverse and vibrant student body representing more than 75 nations, URI offers some 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as study abroad courses, and myriad summer, winter, and honors programs; and

WHEREAS, Faculty at the University are distinguished scholars and researchers whose excellence and commitment to their students is unsurpassed; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby celebrates “URI Day” on March 26, 2026 at the Rhode Island State House, and thanks the University, faculty, and staff for the significant contributions they provide to our state through education, research, and economic development that improves the lives of all Rhode Islanders; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Marc B. Parlange, President of the University of Rhode Island.