38th Rainville Awards honor the best in student leadership – Rhody Today Rhody F1rst, the university’s first student-led organization for first-generation students, was among this year's Rainville Award winners, receiving the Rainville Team Excellence Award. From left: Noelia Marrocco, secretary; Sharday Johnson, treasurer; Ashly Martinez Rodriguez, president; and Lisa Giudici, Ed.D., first-year experience coordinator and Rhody F1rst advisor. (URI Photos/Michael Nolfe) KINGSTON, R.I. – April 20, 2026 – There’s something about the A. Robert Rainville Student Leadership Awards that brings out the best in the University of Rhode Island community – and the spring weather, too. “A colleague of mine mentioned that it seems like the sun shines for the first time every year on the day of the Rainvilles,” said Melissa Boyd-Colvin, assistant vice president for student engagement and director of the Memorial Union, during Tuesday’s Rainville Awards ceremony, “and that has definitely come true today.” On an unseasonably warm night in front of a capacity crowd at the Memorial Union Ballroom, URI hosted its 38th annual Rainville Awards, named in honor of former Vice President for Student Affairs and alumnus A. Robert Rainville, to celebrate students who are successful in various leadership roles while maintaining a good academic record. The Rainville Awards consist of four categories: the Robert L. Carothers Servant Leadership Award, which recognizes a student who supports the growth of others and the community by embodying the tenets of Robert K. Greenleaf’s servant leadership model; the Student Employee Excellence Award, which recognizes a student’s contributions that provide a positive impact on the URI community through their campus employment; the Team Excellence Award, honoring teams who are mission-driven and passionate and exemplify collaborative and authentic leadership in their work on campus; and the Maureen McDermott Student Leadership Award, named last year in honor of McDermott, the former student involvement and Memorial Union director who passed away in 2024, to honor a student who has positively contributed to the campus community by empowering others and inspiring those around them. This year, the selection committee received 134 total nominees – 118 students for the individual awards and 16 student organizations for Team Excellence – which Boyd-Colvin said was “the largest amount in years,” underscoring the difficulty of whittling the field down to just four finalists in advance of Tuesday’s ceremony. “As always, our students continue to be shining stars and we’re thrilled to highlight their many accomplishments,” Boyd-Colvin said. “The culmination of their work allows us to showcase our students and the programs and activities that they have so invested their time and energy in with the hope that they inspire others to lead and serve as well.” “As we honor your achievements, we also recognize the impact you have made on your peers and the entire URI community,” said URI President Marc Parlange. “Your commitment to making a difference sets an example on campus, and I know you will continue to inspire positive change in the state and the world beyond. The skills you have developed and refined during your time here will serve you well as you move into the next stage of your life, whether that’s continuing your education, beginning your career, or continuing to serve your community. “I am so grateful that each of you chose URI.” Brigid Locke ’26 of Wakefield, Massachusetts, received this year’s Servant Leadership Award. Brigid Locke ’26 of Wakefield, Massachusetts, received this year’s Servant Leadership Award. A sports media and communications and data science major, Locke served as vice present of the Women in Data Science club and social media coordinator for The Good Five Cent Cigar in addition to launching – and serving as president of – the Women in Sports club at URI. Locke also interned with the Boston Celtics in business intelligence and operations, becoming the first URI student to do so, and has shared her experiences with others as an ambassador for the Harrington School of Communication and Media by offering advice and creating an inclusive and collaborative environment for others in her area of study. “Brigid has exemplified strong commitment to access, equity, and representation, which led her to founding the Women in Sports organization at URI,” said Servant Leadership Award committee member Liz Jovanis ’26. “When interviewing Brigid, the committee was blown away by not only her dedication, but her genuine desire to create opportunities for people within her community. Angelyn Ciampa ’26 of Wilmington, Massachusetts, earned this year’s Student Employee Excellence Award. Angelyn Ciampa ’26 of Wilmington, Massachusetts, earned this year’s Student Employee Excellence Award. A public relations and sports media and communications major who transferred in 2023 from the University of Connecticut, Ciampa works for New Student Transitions as the program director for URI’s tour guides, in addition to her role with URI Athletics Development, the fundraising and philanthropic arm of the University’s athletic department. Ciampa emphasizes how her roles reach URI students in every step of their journey, “from prospective students on tour and current student ambassadors, to alumni looking to give back.” “Since transferring to URI, Angelyn sought out opportunities for growth and development and has proven to be a dependable and highly motivated employee,” said Lucas DeWitt, award committee chair and coordinator for the Office of Student Involvement. “It is evident she approaches her roles with integrity, professionalism, and compassion for the people around her. As a student employee, Angelyn has cultivated a strong sense of community and undoubtedly left a positive impact on the individuals she has been able to interact with.” Rhody F1rst, the university’s first student-led organization for first-generation students, received this year’s Team Excellence Award. The group is dedicated to supporting, empowering, and celebrating students who are the first in their families to attend college by offering mentorship opportunities and unique and comprehensive support through a vibrant community where first-generation students can connect, share experiences, and thrive together. After operating in the spring of 2025 as an offshoot of the First-Year Experience program through the Fannon Institute for Student Success, Rhody F1rst received its official Student Senate designation in the fall and is now an official student organization with a full executive board and more than 100 members. “The impact of Rhody F1rst has fostered significant personal, professional and leadership growth for both the executive board and general members,” said award committee member Kaya Pernini ’28. “But beyond members, the real impact is on the community at the University of Rhode Island. Rhody F1rst has made a lasting and measurable impact on the URI community by creating a centralized student-driven space for first-gen students.” Ryan Estus ’26 of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, received this year’s Maureen McDermott Student Leadership Award. Ryan Estus ’26 of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, received this year’s Maureen McDermott Student Leadership Award. As a political science and public relations major, Estus has served as a tour guide and orientation leader for the office of New Student Transitions as well as a peer leader and program coordinator for the Leadership Institute within the Center for Student Leadership Development. He also founded URI’s club pickleball team and is a student representative for URI’s Board of Trustees. Estus also wrote for the Cigar, broadcasted on WRIU 90.3 FM, and hosted his own podcast. In most of his roles, he works with students who are just beginning their journeys at URI, using his experiences to provide mentorship and guidance. “Ryan shows up, and he shows up fully, but what makes Ryan so special isn’t just about how involved he is – it’s who he is as a person,” said award committee member Emma Porricelli ’26. “Ryan leads with a genuine kindness and energy that draws people in. He’s the kind of person who goes out of his way to say hello, check in, and make you feel seen. “As a leader, Ryan sets the tone for those around him. He is a constant positive presence, a role model who leads with not just passion, but with authenticity and care.” Michael Parente, director of communications and marketing in the URI Division of Student Affairs, wrote this news release. Connect Apply Tour Give