2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Rainville Awards acknowledge URI students for strong leadership roles
Shaun Boutwell
Issue date: 4/11/07 Section: News
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"Those of you who are in a leadership role at URI will be so much better prepared when you leave here," said President Robert L. Carothers.
In his introductory speech, Carothers told the Memorial Union Ballroom audience that a true leader's motivation is not for individual glory, but the gratification of serving others.
"That cycle of confidence and competency is the symbol that all of us want to work toward in our leadership roles," he said.
Out of eight finalists, Kaitlin E. Lambert won the Student Leadership Award.
"There was a lot of shock while I was walking up on stage," Lambert said.
No stranger to campus involvement, Lambert served on Student Senate and worked as a student assistant in the President's Office and a resident assistant. In addition to her extracurricular activities, she maintained a 3.64 GPA.
"I love this university, I love URI. I love the faculty and staff, I love the students," she said. "It is such an honor. After reading through every [finalist's] profile, it was like, 'Whoa.' This truly is a special class."
"She truly represents everything this award stands for," said Adam Corriveiu, a member of the selection committee.
Finalists Neil Cavanaugh, Tatiana Gallego, Andrew Lonardo, Amma Marfo, Kevin Martins, Grier Stanley and Christina Wiese received certificates of recognition.
The Student Organization Leadership Consultants earned the Team Excellence Award, while the Student Entertainment Committee and National Society of Black Engineers were honored as finalists.
"This is a really humbling experience," said Lonardo, SOLC president. "Every organization here knows the benefits of leadership on campus ... this is very fortunate and we are very grateful."
"He is the poster child for what being a leader is all about," Cavanaugh said of Lonardo. "Earlier this year with his help, he brought SOLC, who was struggling to survive, into a strong organization."
Student Employee Award winner Melissa Bargione expressed her appreciation after being named the recipient.
"Thank you so much to everyone," she said. "I'm so excited for this class, we really are going to make a difference. We have so much potential."
Bargione has kept busy during her time at URI as a pharmacy intern at Health Services, and a resident assistant at Weldin Hall. In her application, she wrote, "A resident assistant is a tour guide, mentor, leader, program coordinator, family member and confidante all wrapped into one."
She has also coached a youth soccer team and helped lead a church youth group.
Kathleen Anderson, Kaitlin MacDonald, Joseph Menassa and Alexander Mohr were also recognized as finalists for their leadership roles as student employees.
"Those of you who have been nominated have contributed greatly," said Memorial Union Director Bruce Hamilton. "You should all be proud of this recognition."
Hamilton discussed the importance of recognizing strong leadership at URI, saying the Rainville Awards honored 91 individual leaders, 19 employees and 22 teams this year.
"A lot has changed [at the university], but one thing has remained constant," he said. "The incredible contribution of leadership within our student community."
The awards are named after A. Robert Rainville, who served as vice president for Student Affairs at URI from 1980 until his death in 1986.
"He's made an incredible impact on me in the few short years I've been here," Hamilton said.
At the end of the awards ceremony, the audience was treated to a slideshow highlighting various student organizations and leaders at URI.