CCRI Presidential Legacy Fund

EVERY GIFT, AT EVERY LEVEL, CARRIES THIS LEGACY FORWARD.

At the Community College of Rhode Island, the power of philanthropy is visible every day — in the simulation labs where students practice life-saving care, in the classrooms where new career pathways take shape, and across the state where tens of thousands of alumni strengthen Rhode Island's workforce and communities. These moments reflect CCRI's mission in action and underscore the profound impact of those who choose to support its students through giving.

The launch of the Presidential Legacy Fund recognizes an extraordinary milestone in that mission: the appointment of President Rosemary A. Costigan, CCRI's first alumna to lead the institution. As a proud first-generation college graduate whose own life was shaped by CCRI, President Costigan embodies the transformative possibility the college represents for so many Rhode Islanders.

Established in her honor, the Presidential Legacy Fund is a forward-looking initiative that amplifies the values at the center of her presidency — access, opportunity, community, and excellence. It invites donors to invest in students and honor a legacy, providing enduring support that will expand pathways for students and strengthen CCRI's role as Rhode Island's engine of educational and economic opportunity.

When asked why now, CCRI Alumni Assembly President Malida Khim emphasized the urgency and importance of this moment.

"Now is the moment to invest in CCRI's future. President Costigan's journey reflects the promise this college holds for every student, and the Presidential Legacy Fund allows us to turn that promise into lasting opportunity. This fund ensures we can lift more students, build more pathways, and strengthen Rhode Island for generations to come."

Philanthropy to Transform Futures

The Presidential Legacy Fund enhances CCRI's ability to meet students' needs today while laying the groundwork for the opportunities of tomorrow. Rooted in CCRI's mission and aligned with the priorities of its president, the fund directs investment toward the areas that matter most.

A major focus of the fund is expanding support for student success, providing essential support for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. These resources ensure that financial barriers do not hinder persistence, completion, or advancement into high-demand careers.

The fund also advances workforce innovation, supplying seed support for new programs that respond to Rhode Island's most pressing labor needs. Whether in nursing, information technology, maritime trades, cybersecurity, or advanced manufacturing, these investments help CCRI design and launch high-impact academic and training programs that prepare students for meaningful and in-demand fields.

By strengthening student support and fueling program innovation, the Presidential Legacy Fund reinforces CCRI's commitment to educational access and economic mobility — ensuring the college continues to serve as a vital pathway to opportunity for Rhode Islanders now and for generations to come.

"The Presidential Legacy Fund is more than a tribute to President Costigan's leadership; it is an urgent investment in student success and workforce innovation that will shape Rhode Island for years to come."
— Allie Curtis '19, Alumni Diversity Council Chair

Your gift to the Presidential Legacy Fund directly strengthens CCRI's mission of access, opportunity, community, and excellence.

TO SUPPORT THE LEGACY FUND:

contact the CCRI Foundation.
401-333-7150
[email protected]