Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
These awards are named in honor of A. Robert Rainville, ’64, who served the University of Rhode Island for many years and was consistently recognized for his level of excellence. Bob held numerous positions in Student Activities and Student Life, and served as the Vice President for Student Affairs from 1980 until his death in 1986. As a leader in the student affairs profession, Bob emphasized integrity, intellectual achievement, ethics and commitment to the service of others.
In 1976, he was a recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Administration and was cited by the student government as “The Students’ Administrator.” Bob’s trademark was his ability to relate to students and staff. No matter how busy he was, he had unlimited time and patience for all students and colleagues who needed his help.
The Student Leadership Award Recipient was first recognized in 1989. Two categories were added in 1996: the Student Employee Excellence Award and the Team Excellence Award. Finally, the Robert L. Carothers Servant Leadership Award was added in 2010.
The Awards
The Maureen McDermott Student Leadership Award recognizes a student who contributes positively to the community, empowers others, and inspires those around them. In 2025, the award was named to honor the former Director of the Memorial Union and Student Involvement, in recognition of her life, legacy, and dedication to supporting students and enhancing their college experience throughout her 43 years of service to the URI community.
The Robert L. Carothers Servant Leadership Award honors the service and leadership of URI’s 10th President, and recognizes an undergraduate student who supports the growth of others and the community by embodying the tenets of the Servant Leadership Model (Greenleaf, 1977)
The Student Employee Excellence Award recognizes a student’s contributions that provide a positive impact on the URI community through their campus employment.
The Team Excellence Award recognizes teams who are mission-driven and passionate, and exemplify collaborative and authentic leadership in their work on campus.
These awards are named in honor of A. Robert Rainville, ’64, who served the University of Rhode Island for many years and was consistently recognized for his level of excellence. Bob held numerous positions in Student Activities and Student Life, and served as the Vice President for Student Affairs from 1980 until his death in 1986. As a leader in the student affairs profession, Bob emphasized integrity, intellectual achievement, ethics and commitment to the service of others.
In 1976, he was a recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Administration and was cited by the student government as “The Students’ Administrator.” Bob’s trademark was his ability to relate to students and staff. No matter how busy he was, he had unlimited time and patience for all students and colleagues who needed his help.
The Student Leadership Award Recipient was first recognized in 1989. Two categories were added in 1996: the Student Employee Excellence Award and the Team Excellence Award. Finally, the Robert L. Carothers Servant Leadership Award was added in 2010.
The Awards
The Maureen McDermott Student Leadership Award recognizes a student who contributes positively to the community, empowers others, and inspires those around them. In 2025, the award was named to honor the former Director of the Memorial Union and Student Involvement, in recognition of her life, legacy, and dedication to supporting students and enhancing their college experience throughout her 43 years of service to the URI community.
The Robert L. Carothers Servant Leadership Award honors the service and leadership of URI’s 10th President, and recognizes an undergraduate student who supports the growth of others and the community by embodying the tenets of the Servant Leadership Model (Greenleaf, 1977)
The Student Employee Excellence Award recognizes a student’s contributions that provide a positive impact on the URI community through their campus employment.
The Team Excellence Award recognizes teams who are mission-driven and passionate, and exemplify collaborative and authentic leadership in their work on campus.
