URI Day Celebrated at Rhode Island Capitol

Hundreds of University of Rhode Island (URI) students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Rhode Island State House in Providence on Thursday, March 26, to celebrate URI Day. The event showcased the university's successes with interactive exhibits from across URI's colleges.

Representing GSO, members of J.P. Walsh's COAST Lab highlighted research on microplastics and coastal monitoring. According to a URI report, using sediment cores collected throughout the Bay and Rhode Island Sound, the team estimates approximately 2,300–3,000 tonnes of microplastics have accumulated in seabed sediments over the past century. 

“Rhode Island is in a place right now where we're in lock step with URI making sure that this state not only provides opportunities for young people in our state, but also raises incomes for our families and makes sure we're healthy enough to enjoy the opportunity to live in a great place like Rhode Island with a premier university leading the charge,” said Gov. Daniel McKee in a statement made during the event. 

According to a URI news release, a new URI economic impact study shows $2 billion in annual Rhode Island economic activity and a return of $17.39 for every $1 invested by the state of Rhode Island in URI, supporting nearly 17,800 statewide jobs.

The university was named the No. 1 public university in New England by The Wall Street Journal and holds the Carnegie R1 research designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

URI Board of Trustees Chair Margo Cook said that a well-developed, sustained investment in URI's operating budget, capital infrastructure, and general obligation bond will continue bolstering economic growth for all Rhode Islanders.

“It is clear — URI is the best investment the state can make — because of the return it provides to all Rhode Islanders,” URI President Marc Parlange said. “With the leadership of our Board of Trustees and the support of state leaders, URI will continue this momentum and unlock the full potential of the University for the state.”