On Saturday October 18, 2014 the TD Nation gathered in the Memorial Union Ballroom to honor the life of our late Director Emeritus. The event was appropriately named: Leo F. DiMaio Jr. A Celebration of His Life and Work. The Rainville Ballroom was nearly filled to capacity with TD Nation alumni, students, friends, and family. The reception began at 5:30 complete with food, drink, and a photo booth for those who wanted to capture memories of the occasion. Immediately following the invocation, event hostess Michelle Fontes- Barros welcomed all in attendance, and invited anyone who would like to give testimonials about their experiences with Mr. D to come up to the podium and share it with the TD Nation. What followed were countless stories from alumni ranging from the 1970’s all the way to 2006 that seemed to touch everyone in the room. After those heartfelt testimonials there was a greeting by President Emeritus Dr. Robert L. Carothers on behalf of President David Dooley.
The program’s keynote speaker was Dr. Harold Langlois former Director of “The Program for Disadvantaged Youth” as it was titled in 1968 during the early days of the program. We all know it now as Talent Development. Dr. Langlois talked about his longtime relationship with Mr. D going all the way back to the 1960’s. He emphasized how lucky he was to be part of something so significant as the Talent Development Program. Rev. Arthur L. Hardge and Mr. Leo F. DiMaio Jr. succeeded Dr. Langlois as Director and Assistant Director respectively in 1969. Mr. Leo F. DiMaio III (URI class of ’80) then gave remarks speaking on behalf of the DiMaio family.
The culmination of the evening was a video tribute to Mr. D that had several clips of alumni, TD staff, Mr. D himself, and a very poignant piece by TD Assistant Director Frank Forleo who paid homage to our great Director Emeritus. There were also video greetings from URI President David Dooley, and our own Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Thomas R. Dougan. Michelle Fontes-Barros gave closing remarks. With the Ballroom nearly filled to capacity and all the “spirits” of TD Nation in attendance, it was a wonderful, joyous, and successful event.
TD NATION
All event proceeds benefited the DiMaio/Forleo Endowed Scholarship.
Event sponsors:
Mr. Raymond M. Williams Esquire ‘87
URI Alumni Association and URI Foundation
Dr. David Dooley URI President
Dr. Donald DeHayes URI Provost
Dr. Thomas R. Dougan, URI V.P. Student Affairs
Mr. Mark M. Higgins Dean URI College of Business
Dr. Jayne E. Richmond and Robert L. Carothers
Ms. Michelle Fontes-Barros ’96 M.A. ‘11 and Victor Barros Jr. ’87.