WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Alumni Association is pleased to announce the induction of three distinguished alumni into its prestigious Society of the Knights. The newest inductees will be honored at A Knight of Opportunity gala scheduled for Friday, October 16, at the Bally’s Event Center in Lincoln.

The Society of the Knights is the highest honor bestowed by the CCRI Alumni Association. It recognizes alumni who have achieved outstanding professional success, demonstrated significant community involvement, and maintained a strong commitment to the mission of the college.

The 2026 Society of the Knights Inductees are:

• Joseph J. Greene, Jr. ’84, Providence Campus President, Johnson & Wales University
• Cathy L. Picard-Tessier ’84 ’90, Director of Records, Community College of Rhode Island
• Michael F. Sabitoni ’88, General Secretary-Treasurer, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)

"Induction into the Society of the Knights honors alumni whose achievements reflect the very best of a CCRI education," said Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN, President of CCRI. "Joe, Cathy, and Michael have each built distinguished careers marked by professional excellence and a deep commitment to the communities and industries they serve. We are proud to welcome them as Knights, and prouder still that their journeys began at CCRI."

Greene (Greenville, R.I.)  serves as vice chancellor and Providence Campus President at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), where his 38-year career began as a student clerk after growing up in Providence. A certified public accountant, he progressively advanced into executive leadership as JWU's treasurer and chief financial officer, managing university-wide finance and strategic operations. Greene credits CCRI with making an affordable college degree possible for his career journey.

“As a kid growing up in Providence, CCRI made a college degree affordable and possible. Without CCRI,” Green said. “I would have never progressed in my education or career.”

Picard-Tessier (West Warwick, R.I.) is the Director of Records at CCRI, bringing over four decades of dedicated service and leadership to the institution. A two-time CCRI alumna, her career focuses on removing barriers to student achievement by modernizing enrollment services and leading major technology implementations, such as the Rhode Island Reverse Transfer Program. Her lasting impact on student success has been recognized with the CCRI Presidential Award for Outstanding Service and the Alumni Association’s Squire Award.

“The greatest lesson I learned at CCRI is that education is not only about earning a degree; it is about navigating challenges, embracing growth, and helping others succeed along the way,” Picard-Tessier said.

Sabitoni (Johnston, R.I.) serves as the General Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA). A second-generation laborer and dedicated advocate for working families, his career began with Local Union 271 in 1988 while taking night classes at CCRI. Sabitoni steadily ascended the ranks to become business manager, driving significant membership expansion. He also represents over 10,000 members as Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of the Rhode Island Laborers' District Council and serves as President of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council.

”Education and hard work opened doors for me, and CCRI played an important role in that journey,” Sabitoni said. “The values I strengthened there -- commitment, perseverance, and service to others -- have guided me from the jobsite to union leadership. Along the way, I’ve learned that our responsibility is to leave things better than we found them. I hope today’s students recognize that their own path can lead farther than they ever imagined.”

“The induction of Joe Greene, Cathy Picard-Tessier, and Michael Sabitoni into the Society of the Knights highlights the extraordinary contributions CCRI alumni make across Rhode Island and beyond,” said Malida Khim, CCRI Alumni Association President. “Their leadership, dedication to serving others, and lasting impact on their professions and communities exemplify the values of our institution and serve as an inspiration to current and future generations of CCRI students.”

About A Knight of Opportunity: Alumni Excellence and Opportunity Gala
A Knight of Opportunity brings together two cherished CCRI traditions, Society of the Knights and Raising Opportunities, into one premier celebration of alumni achievements and student opportunity. The evening will honor distinguished alumni whose leadership and service continue to strengthen Rhode Island communities while also advancing CCRI's mission to create transformative opportunities for students. Additional information, including how to register, can be found on the event webpage.