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SR 1022

SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 29TH OF 2025, TO BE "COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND DAY" AND HONORING THE COLLEGE'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 4 co-sponsors

Designates April 29, 2025 as Community College of Rhode Island Day to honor CCRI’s 60-year impact on access to higher education and workforce development in Rhode Island.

05/06/2025 Senate read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 1022

Summary: Senate Resolution SR 1022

Overview

Senate Resolution 1022 proclaims April 29, 2025, as “Community College of Rhode Island Day” in recognition of CCRI’s 60th anniversary and its impact on education and workforce development in Rhode Island. It is a symbolic, non-binding resolution intended to honor CCRI’s history, achievements, and contributions to the state.

What the bill does

  • Officially designates April 29, 2025, as “Community College of Rhode Island Day.”
  • Recognizes CCRI’s 60-year history of providing accessible public higher education and its role in economic and workforce development.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Dr. Rosemary Costigan, Interim President of the CCRI.

Key provisions and content

  • Provides background on CCRI’s founding in 1964 (originally Rhode Island Junior College) and its evolution, including:
    • First class of 325 students at Henry Barnard School (Providence).
    • Expansion and relocation to the Knight Campus (Warwick) in 1972; subsequent campuses at Flanagan (Lincoln, 1976), Liston (Providence, 1990), and Newport County Campus (2006).
    • Growth to serve more than 40,000 Rhode Islanders annually; alumni network exceeding 80,000.
  • Highlights CCRI’s academic offerings (more than 90 degree and certificate programs) and popular fields such as Nursing, Business Administration, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, and Liberal Arts.
  • Emphasizes CCRI’s role in workforce development and partnerships, including:
    • Training partner for General Dynamics Electric Boat (over 6,000 Rhode Islanders trained for maritime careers).
    • Home to the Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training Center (supporting offshore wind energy).
    • National designations: New England’s Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by MARAD (U.S. DOT) and an Industrial Assessment Center under the U.S. DOE.
    • Leadership in early college programs (High School Enrichment, Running Start, Accelerate) and P-TECH programs.
    • Hispanic-Serving Institution designation (2022).
  • Acknowledges CCRI’s leadership under Interim President Dr. Rosemary Costigan.

Who/what is affected

  • CCRI and its campuses (Knight, Flanagan, Liston, Newport County) as the beneficiary of official state recognition.
  • Rhode Island residents and students, through continued emphasis on access to affordable, high-quality education and workforce training.
  • The Secretary of State, who is tasked with transmitting a certified copy of the resolution to CCRI’s interim president.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: May 5, 2025.
  • Status: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (May 5–6, 2025).
  • Passed: Senate read and passed on May 6, 2025.
  • This is a Senate Resolution, not a law; it carries symbolic significance and ceremonial impact.

Impact and significance

  • Serves to formally recognize CCRI’s 60-year legacy and its contributions to education and Rhode Island’s economy.
  • Raises public awareness of CCRI’s programs, regional campuses, and partnerships.
  • Provides ceremonial support for CCRI’s ongoing mission to expand access and workforce-ready education in Rhode Island.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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