WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island launched its new academic year Thursday with a clear rallying cry from President Rosemary Costigan: “One team, one mission.”

Nearly 500 faculty and staff filled the Knight Campus auditorium for Opening Day Convocation, Costigan’s first as CCRI’s permanent president. The day blended inspiration, reflection, and a call to action, all centered on a shared purpose: student success.

“Together, we’ve proven what is possible when we unite around a shared purpose – the success of our students,” Costigan told the audience. “Student success is not the work of one, it’s the mission of all. Every voice, every role, every day.”

The program opened with remarks from Keily Marie Avila, CCRI’s new Student Government President. A first-generation college student and Promise scholar studying computer programming, Avila described how CCRI transformed her uncertainty into opportunity.

“Because of CCRI and all the opportunities it gave me, I’m now able to see myself becoming the software engineer that I dream of being,” she said to warm applause.

From there, Costigan laid out her vision for the year ahead and the bold goals on CCRI’s horizon: joining the national Achieving the Dream network, launching a culinary arts program at the Newport Campus, opening a new Student Services Center in Warwick, expanding apprenticeship pathways, and implementing 7-week academic terms.

“These are not just initiatives,” she said. “They are lifelines to CCRI’s future and the bridges we are building between potential and achievement.”

Above all, Costigan stressed that CCRI’s ambitions depend on collective effort. “As you know, we have a bold vision: to become one of the highest performing community colleges in the nation. And I believe – with every fiber of my being – that we will get there. Because we have the talent, we have the heart, and we have the drive to do it.”She shared that Achieving the Dream will help accelerate that progress, offering “access to the tools, data, and guidance to elevate our work to new heights.”

Costigan closed with a nod to philosopher John Dewey, quoting: “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” She reflected, “This quote honors the everyday work of educators and staff, reminding us what we do is not just preparation; it’s the very essence of life and growth.”

Her final charge to the college community was simple, but urgent: “Lead with courage. Teach with passion. Serve with compassion. And move forward together as one team, one mission. Our students are counting on us, and I have no doubt we’ll rise to meet the moment.”