The Rhode Island General Assembly has introduced a resolution to proclaim April 29th, 2025, as "Community College of Rhode Island Day" in honor of the college's 60th anniversary. Established in 1964, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has significantly expanded its facilities and programs to meet the educational needs of Rhode Islanders. With a current enrollment of over 40,000 students and an alumni network exceeding 80,000, CCRI offers more than 90 academic degree and certificate programs, including fields such as Nursing, Business Administration, and Cybersecurity. The college has also become a leader in workforce development, particularly in skilled trades and technical training, and has received national recognition for its contributions to maritime workforce training and education.
The resolution highlights CCRI's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education and its role in promoting socio-economic mobility for Rhode Islanders. Under the leadership of Interim President Dr. Rosemary Costigan, CCRI continues to innovate and expand its programs, including early college initiatives that allow high school students to earn college credits. The designation of CCRI as a Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2022 further underscores its dedication to serving a diverse student body. The Senate resolution celebrates CCRI's past achievements and reaffirms its mission to transform lives and strengthen communities through education.
Introduced by Senators Gallo, Sosnowski, Tikoian, Burke, and Raptakis, the resolution was placed on the Senate Consent Calendar on May 5.