Bryant University

10/07/2026

“We went from kids being total failures to a roaring success.”

That’s how Bryant alum David Sorbaro ’85 describes the early days of building Mavis Tire alongside his brother, Stephen, in a new profile in The Wall Street Journal.

After taking over the family business, the brothers made the difficult decision to get smaller before setting their sights on strategic growth. Today, Mavis — a name blending those of their mother, Marion, and father, Vic, with the family surname — has become the nation’s largest tire empire, with some 4,400 locations nationwide.

“We always wanted to build a big company,” Sorbaro told the Journal. “We’re not reckless; we’re picky and we’re aggressive.”

Today, Sorbaro is bringing that perspective back to Bryant as co-chair of the university’s $150 million Momentum in Motion capital campaign, helping to shape an ambitious future for the next generation of Bryant students.

Read more about Sorbaro's work in The Wall Street Journal: https://on.wsj.com/4y5Jphm

Mavis, Midas and Pep Boys are on a tear across the country as the average car is a historic 13 years old and more complex than ever

10/07/2026

Before launching a club to help students work with AI, Tyler Moore ’29 and Dylan Gordon ’28 needed to learn to work together. Both had the same idea at the same time: starting a Bryant AI Club this fall. Rather than becoming rivals, they quickly agreed to join forces.

With Bryant Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., serving as advisor, the AI Club recently held its first meeting, bringing in Ronald Washburn, J.D., senior lecturer of Legal Studies, to talk about AI ethics and the use of the technology in the classroom. The two club founders recently sat down for a conversation with Bryant News:

https://news.bryant.edu/new-ai-club-aims-prep-students-future-work

10/06/2026

“It's almost time to hit the panic button in Tampa Bay,” says Wyatt Whalen ’27, sharing his broadcast story lead with his 23 classmates.

The Bryant undergrad goes on to explain that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ general manager signed Baker Mayfield to a $165 million deal — only for the quarterback to come out of the NFL season’s first two weeks with one touchdown and a home loss to the Cleveland Browns. On top of that, the organization shook up its coaching staff, but kept its head coach who, as Whalen sees it, has done nothing to prove that he deserves the spot. That’s why, Whalen emphasizes, it’s time to start asking the hard questions in Tampa Bay.

“Excellent,” says Professional in Residence Christian Fauria, once Whalen finishes.

Fauria is teaching Bryant’s “Sports Broadcasting and Analysis” course, which provides undergrads with the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to succeed within the sports media field. During the first few weeks, students are learning to organize their thoughts by creating, explaining, and defending their opinions.

Read more: https://news.bryant.edu/sports-broadcasting-and-analysis-course-undergrads-develop-air-skills-one-opinion-time

10/06/2026

Bryant University has announced its record-breaking $150 million capital campaign, Momentum in Motion, to strengthen academics, enhance the student experience, and expand opportunity. The campaign was unveiled Friday night at a celebration that brought together hundreds of university leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters.

"Guided by the goals of our Vision 2030 strategic plan, we are reimagining how students learn and engage, strengthening connections between the classroom and the workplace, and advancing experiences that have lasting impact. Our progress is significant, and the opportunity ahead is even greater," said Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. "Momentum in Motion is our plan to deliver on that opportunity, making a substantial investment in Bryant's future and in our ability to lead with confidence in a time of constant change."

Read more about the evening and what's to come: https://news.bryant.edu/bryant-launches-ambitious-150-million-momentum-motion-capital-campaign

Bryant University Alumni

10/05/2026

Bryant’s History, Literature, and the Arts Lecturer Eric Paul recently celebrated the launch of his latest poetry book, Providence. Published by Heartworm Press, this new work – which has already sold out of its first printing – brings together a variety of hard-hitting and playful pieces.

Paul, who’s been traveling between the East and West Coast for book readings, sat down with Bryant News to discuss his most recent publication.

Read more: https://news.bryant.edu/bryants-eric-paul-explores-parenthood-and-place-most-recent-poetry-book-providence

10/02/2026

RUN BY STUDENTS, MADE WITH PASSION.

There are a lot of great things you can order at Bryant University’s new Black & Gold Café: Acai bowls and Americanos, espressos and avocado toast. Even the maple whipped latte, which has quickly become a campus favorite.

But the best thing you can get from the cafe — the first student-run business on Bryant’s campus in nearly 30 years — isn’t on the menu, says Vincent Emery ’26.

Read what's brewing in the BELC: https://news.bryant.edu/bryants-new-black-gold-cafe-brewing-next-generation-entrepreneurs

10/01/2026

“I study identity quite a bit, and a lot of the things that we love ... become integrated into our sense of self,” assistant professor of psychology, Melanie Maimon recently told The Boston Globe during a podcast regarding how two strangers' love of New Kids on The Block ended up saving a life.

Read or listen to the podcast here:

Two women from different parts of the country share a love for a boy band from Boston. That connection will end up being everything.

10/01/2026

Bryant University’s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences is launching the Bryant Early Assurance Pathway (EAP) in fall 2027, creating a clearer route from undergraduate study to its Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program.

As Bryant’s PA program prepares to graduate its 11th class, the university continues to build on its longstanding commitment to health education. The new Bryant EAP brings that experience to undergraduates earlier in their journey. It is health sciences the Bryant way: An interdisciplinary curriculum, faculty mentors who know their students, hands-on learning that’s early and often, and a clear connection between education and career. Together, these experiences prepare aspiring PAs for what’s next in graduate study and in patient care.

Read more: https://news.bryant.edu/bryant-early-assurance-pathway-gives-future-physician-assistants-head-start

09/30/2026

ICYMI: Supported by a generous anonymous alumna, Bryant University's new Wellbeing Center is quickly becoming a favorite gathering spot, offering students a welcoming space to study, connect, recharge, and access resources supporting all eight dimensions of wellbeing.

The Wellbeing Center was created around a very basic idea, notes Inge Lise-Ameer, Ed.D., Bryant's vice president of student affairs and dean of students.

“We wanted to support what it means to be human,” she says.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4ylbWR2

09/30/2026

There’s no place like home, especially when it's award-winning 🏆

This month, Bryant’s Puishys Residence Complex earned an "Excellence in Design" award from AIA Maryland.

Made possible through the support of Joe Puishys ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) Puishys ’81, the complex was conceived as a “house in the woods,” bringing together apartment-style living with spaces for upper-class students to gather, study, recharge, and connect. Leafy views, outdoor gathering areas, and native landscaping further connect the building to its natural surroundings at the center of Bryant's campus.

The award recognizes the work of Ayers Saint Gross, in association with Amenta Emma Architects and BOND Building Construction.
Congratulations to everyone who helped bring it to life!