URI News Release from May 2000. Alumnus Gerald R. Williams is named as Director of Talent Development.
“We’re all here because we have a passion to serve students,” said Gerald Williams who will become the third director of the enormously successful Talent Development program on July 2. He replaces Leo DiMaio who retired last fall. The program, with the official name of Special Programs in Talent Development, recruits minority and economically disadvantaged Rhode Island high school seniors and offers them a range of support services throughout their four years at URI.
“My watch has just begun. Talent Development is fortunate to have the support and the commitment of President Robert Carothers. I can’t fill Mr. D.’s or Rev. Hardge’s shoes. It’s not in the plan. Rather I want to walk alongside those shoes. I know I can call on Mr. D. for insight and suggestions. As Mr. D. always says ‘TD forever.’ I know that is true,” said the soft-spoken 35-year-old.