History: Highlights 1985-1993

1985: The Cunningham Era

  • John Fabian Cunningham, O.P., begins his term as the 10th President of Providence College.
  • College unveils new campus-wide computer system.

1986

  • Blackfriars Oxford University Program inaugurated.

1987

  • PC loses in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball Final Four (Syracuse University-77, PC-63).

1988

  • Alumni Shadow Program enables undergraduates to learn about careers through on-site visits with alumni.
  • Opening of 2 apartment-style residence halls, with male and female undergraduates living in the same building for the first time.

1989

  • First Black History Month banquet is held.

1990

  • First Annual Multicultural Awareness Celebration held on campus.
  • Inauguration of Experimental Living and Learning Program; dormitory communities fostering interaction of students with faculty.

1991

  • President notifies the Faculty Senate that he approves the Resolution establishing the requirements for academic minors.
  • Shanya Evans receives the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the country’s top female senior guard.
  • 1st Freshman Admissions Family Day offering students accepted for admission and their parents a sample of life at PC.
  • 17 incoming freshmen volunteers perform community service work in the initial Urban Action program.

1992

  • Amended By-Laws of the College introduce a two-tier governing structure, a Corporation and a Board of Trustees.
  • College administrators brief Providence officials, police officers and representatives of local community groups on the “Good Neighbor Plan,” a 10-part neighborhood planning program.
  • Opening events of the year-long Diamond Jubilee include celebration of Harkins Hall renovations.

1993

  • The Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation awards $5 million to establish the Feinstein Institute for Public Service and the Public Service Management Program, the 1st comprehensive undergraduate degree program in public and community service in the country.
  • College begins massive cabling project to facilitate new, campus-wide computer and phone systems.