History and Tradition

Rhode Island College, the oldest of the three public institutions of higher education celebrated its sesquicentennial during the 2003-2004 academic year. When the College was founded in 1854 as the Rhode Island Normal School on Benefit Street in Providence, its goal was to provide teacher preparation to qualified high school graduates in Rhode Island. In 1898, a new building adjacent to the State House was dedicated. In 1920 the name was changed to Rhode Island College of Education. During the 1958-59 academic year, the College moved to its current location, a 180 acre park-like campus in the Mount Pleasant section of Providence. In 1959 the College was renamed Rhode Island College to reflect its mission as a comprehensive institution of higher learning.

The first Alumni Association was formed in 1887. In 1911 the first alumni survey was conducted for 2,500 known graduates. We are proud to be an extension of the more than 50,000 alumni who continue to support the College and contribute to the community in multiple ways.

Alumni facts: (not including this year's graduating class)

• Total - 54,683
• Living – 48,645
• Reachable – 47,439
• International – 104
• Number of states with alumni representation - all 50 states
• Deceased - 6,046