FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2008

11 Honored by Rhode Island's Speaker of the House and House of Representatives

            Ten current Rhode Island College student-athletes and one alumnus were honored by the honorable, William J. Murphy, Speaker of the House, and the Rhode Island House of Representatives at a reception held in the House Chamber at the Rhode Island State House on Monday, April 28.

The event was designed to give significant public recognition to men and women from the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island who have had significant achievements in their academic and athletic pursuits at their respective institutions. The honorees have also demonstrated exemplary citizenship and community service. 

The 10 Scholar-Athletes from Rhode Island College were: Mallary Bileau, a senior women’s soccer player from Woonsocket; Michaela Bileau, a senior women’s soccer player from Woonsocket; Michael Bonora, a senior wrestler from Nutley, N.J.; Brendan Casey, a senior wrestler from Lowell, Mass.; Erin Duffy, a senior women’s lacrosse player from North Dighton, Mass.; Kayla Fleming, a junior women’s soccer and track and field student-athlete from Pawtucket; Kimiyo Garcia, a senior women’s volleyball player from East Providence; Sherri Heard, a senior women’s volleyball, basketball and lacrosse player from Coventry; Ryan Kelley, a sophomore men’s soccer player from Hope; and Christie Lotti, a senior softball player from Waterford, Conn.

Athletic Alumni from each school were also honored. Michael Kennedy ’73 was RIC’s Athletic Alumnus Award recipient.

He played two seasons of soccer at RIC in 1967 and 1968 before embarking on a career of over 30 years as an administrator for the Department of Labor and Training in Rhode Island. Kennedy, who also earned his MEd from RIC, has stayed actively involved with the College and supported many of its endeavors throughout the years.

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