A University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy student is among three undergraduate student leaders the university selected to receive a prestigious A. Robert Rainville Student Leadership Award.

PharmD major James Cocozza credits being a Resident Assistant for more than five years and the president of the Housing and Residential Life Community Leadership Board for teaching him what true leadership is about. Cocozza, who is entering his fourth professional year, has been nominated for a Rainville award for five consecutive years.

Cocozza helped create, organize and present training for more than 100 student and professional staff members. Under his stewardship, the leadership board became a vehicle that allowed RAs to express their concerns and speak about issues they wanted to be addressed.

“James’ true strength is in his ability to care for others and to forget about himself while doing that,” said Wesley Cabral ‘21, chair of the diversity council for the residence council. “He is constantly encouraging the students within his residence halls and the RA community to push past their limits and make the environment safe and inspiring, while taking on one of the most difficult majors ever.”

The Rainville award is named in memory of A. Robert Rainville ’64, vice president for Student Affairs 1980-86, who was a friend and mentor to students. This year’s full slate of recipients includes Marland Chang of Cranston, Student Leadership Award; James Cocozza of Cranston, Employee Excellence Award, and Naomi Pajarillo of Providence, Robert L. Carothers Servant Leadership award. Members of University of Rhode Island’s Diversity Dialogues were awarded The Team Excellence Award.