CCRI’s alumni light the way

It has been a momentous few months for the Community College of Rhode Island. And there’s still more to come.

The institution has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1964, with events such as September’s time capsule burial and November’s CCRI Day providing the Ocean State community with unique opportunities to commemorate and participate in the milestone.

Last Thursday, the festivities continued with an alumni event at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. CCRI honored its approximately 64,000 graduates and gave special recognition to a number of alumni that have gone on to achieve success and notoriety in their respective fields.

For the honored graduates, the evening provided a chance to highlight the importance CCRI has played in their lives and to thank those who made the greatest impact on them during their time at the college.

“Most important are the teachers,” said Antonia “Toni” McGuire of the class of 1975, a graduate of the CCRI nursing program and president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center in Worcester. “They’re the ones who ignite the flame. Teachers invested in me.”

Sandra Pattie of the class of 1976, president and CEO of BankNewport, also spoke of the importance of CCRI’s educators.

“I’m lucky you were here for me,” she said.

As the sole gathering focused on CCRI’s alumni, last week’s event stood out among the programs held as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Ray Di Pasquale, president of the college, made note of that fact. He also pointed to the exponential growth the institution has seen over the past five decades, from the 125 members of the first graduating class in 1966 to the roughly 2,000 in this year’s class.

“Throughout the year we have heard a number of stories, memories and reflections from individuals who have spent time at CCRI,” Di Pasquale said in a message to the college community. “I am extremely proud to be part of an institution that has helped prepare so many students of all ages and backgrounds for careers and educational opportunities.”

More celebratory events are in store. The documentary film “Miracle on Promenade,” which details the early years of the community college on Promenade Street through the opening of the Lincoln campus, premieres April 10, and a 5K run/walk at the Flanagan Campus in Lincoln is set for April 11. The May 15 commencement will also serve to mark the milestone.

Perhaps more than anything, CCRI’s 50th anniversary serves as a symbolic starting point for the next 50 years. Lin Tucci of the class of 1971, who has performed on Broadway and is a featured cast member in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” conveyed as much at last week’s alumni gathering.

“We hold the torch and shine the way for those who follow,” she said.