History: Highlights 2005-2010

2005

Corporation election of Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., as the 12th President of Providence College.
Providence College’s Women’s Rugby Club wins the U.S. championship, capping a 13-0-0 season. The championship is the first women’s national club championship in any sport in College history.
The College establishes the Office of Mission and Ministry and appoints Rev. Joseph J. Guido, O.P. as the office’s first Vice President.
Rev. Thomas D. McGonigle, O.P., is appointed the first director of the College’s new Center for Catholic and Dominican Studies.
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. is inaugurated as Providence College’s 12th president during a two-day celebration.
College shifts resources from merit-based to need-based financial aid
$7.64 million bequest from Philip J. Whitcome, Ph.D. `70 is largest scholarship gift to PC

Groundbreaking for new 23,000-square-foot campus fitness center
Public & Community Service Studies program elevated to academic department status
PC adopts SAT/ACT test-optional admission policy
Renovated St. Catherine of Siena Hall opens as new home for philosophy and theology departments
Creation of School of Business announced by Father Shanley
Jazzman’s Cafe opens in Davis Hall
Center for International Studies announced

PC’s Concannon Fitness Center opens its doors
PC opens new on-campus convenience store
New Women’s Studies major offered
PC Students, Alumni, and Business Leaders participate in first annual FUSION community service project
Providence College’s Liberal Arts Honors program celebrates 50th anniversary
PC organizes first International Educational Exploration Experience trip to Costa Rica
Providence College receives award for Martin Hall renovation
Phase two of renovation completed at Dunkin’ Donuts Center, PC’s Men’s Basketball home court
Dave Gavitt, a founder of the BIG EAST and its first commissioner, gives speech at commencement where 1,280 degrees were awarded
PC’s 11th President, Rev. Phillip A. Smith, O.P. ’63 dies unexpectedly

Providence College celebrates the completion of the $80 million renovation of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center
New Office of Academic Services Writing Center unveiled
PC’s Canavan Sports Medical Center opens its doors
PC announces formation of new academic schools: The School of Arts & Sciences and School of Professional Studies–which join the School of Business and School of Continuing Education
PC’s 94% Graduation Success Rate is ranked among the highest in the BIG EAST conference
Providence College dedicates “Cunningham Square” in memory of late college President
Providence College’s Commencement Address, given by Major Michael P. Manning ’97, is broadcast on C-SPAN

PC’s Slavin Center renovation and 8,800-sq. ft. expansion completed
PC adopts E-Billing for tuition payment
U.S. News lists PC as one of the top 5 schools with the highest retention rate, among North Region’s top 10 institutions recognized as “great schools, great prices”, and first nationally in average graduation rate
PC’s first Theology Study Trip takes place in Italy
Friars sport upset occurs with PC Men’s Basketball beating the number one nationally ranked Pittsburgh
Number of PC students studying abroad internationally hits record high
First annual Building Bridges community service project added to revised and new Student Orientation program
School of Business unveils MBA student-run consulting center
Former Providence College hockey player, coach, and athletic director Lou Lamoriello ’63 inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto
Ron Wilson ’77 Named U.S. Ice Hockey Coach for 2010 Olympics

Father Shanely Re-Elected for Second, Five-Year Term
Team Led by PC Faculty Member Finds Evidence of Earliest Seafaring by Human Ancestors
John Sweeney Begins Duties as Senior VP for Finance and Business/CFO