KeaneyBlue - The URI Basketball Forum

URI Class of 1959 Alumnus and former Governor of RI Lincoln Almond has died. He was born in Pawtucket and grew up in Central Falls later becoming Town Administrator of Lincoln. He was elected as the 72nd governor and took office in 1995 and served two four year terms.

Almond was instrumental in getting the Ryan Center built with it being approved, constructed, and opened during his tenure as governor. The plaza in front of the arena is named in his honor for his efforts.

For much of the history of the Ryan Center, Almond could be regularly seen in his seats along with his fellow alum wife Marylin watching the men's basketball games cheering on his beloved Rams.


Former RI Gov. Lincoln Almond dies at 86
https://www.wpri.com/news/politics/form ... ies-at-86/

May he rest in peace. He was a good man and public servant.

Big supporter of URI and the construction of the Ryan Center. Was always nice to see him in his seat.

Iggy1979 wrote: ↑1 year ago Big supporter of URI and the construction of the Ryan Center. Was always nice to see him in his seat.

The plaza is aptly named. RIP to a great one. There are not many RI politicians who proudly supported URI and went to bat for us like he did.

I wish that there will be more friends of URI in our state government like him. RIP.

Agreed. I will always be grateful for his support of our flagship state university. RIP, Mr. Governor.

It's pretty much inconceivable that he's the only URI graduate to be RI governor. What other flagships have that disconnect with the governor's position?

Rhody74 wrote: ↑1 year ago May he rest in peace. He was a good man and public servant.

I had the pleasure of working with him while he was the US Attorney and then once he became Governor. His support of me and my career changed the trajectory of my life. A fine gentleman.

RhowdyRam02 wrote: ↑1 year ago It's pretty much inconceivable that he's the only URI graduate to be RI governor. What other flagships have that disconnect with the governor's position?

What other flagship has that disconnect with their whole state?

His obituary:

https://www.averystortifuneralhome.com/ ... ituaryInfo


Several URI mentions in it:

he attended the University of Rhode Island

He was a diehard Rhody Rams basketball fan and a fixture for years in Section 213 at the Ryan Center. Go Rhody!

In Governor Almond’s memory, donations may be made to the Governor and Mrs. Lincoln Almond Scholarship Fund through the URI Foundation, 79 Upper College Rd., Kingston, RI, 02881. The Fund supports scholarships to Rhode Island resident students in financial need.

LoveThoseRams wrote: ↑1 year ago

Rhody74 wrote: ↑1 year ago May he rest in peace. He was a good man and public servant.

I had the pleasure of working with him while he was the US Attorney and then once he became Governor. His support of me and my career changed the trajectory of my life. A fine gentleman.

That’s wonderful to hear! You’re one tenacious and savvy lady.

He came and spoke at a few of my poli sci lectures. He did a great job of engaging people and was very kind. He was always a staple at games.

I thought he was an excellent governor, we wouldn’t have the Ryan Center without him!

I also thoroughly agree with what RR2 said about the overall lack of connection the university has with our politicians. It’s sad to see and it seems that the university is still an oversight - even though McKee is an alum! Now that he has started his first real term it’s time for him to do more things (on campus housing and parking).

Taylor Swift wrote: ↑1 year ago

LoveThoseRams wrote: ↑1 year ago

Rhody74 wrote: ↑1 year ago May he rest in peace. He was a good man and public servant.

I had the pleasure of working with him while he was the US Attorney and then once he became Governor. His support of me and my career changed the trajectory of my life. A fine gentleman.

That’s wonderful to hear! You’re one tenacious and savvy lady.

He came and spoke at a few of my poli sci lectures. He did a great job of engaging people and was very kind. He was always a staple at games.

I thought he was an excellent governor, we wouldn’t have the Ryan Center without him!

I also thoroughly agree with what RR2 said about the overall lack of connection the university has with our politicians. It’s sad to see and it seems that the university is still an oversight - even though McKee is an alum! Now that he has started his first real term it’s time for him to do more things (on campus housing and parking).

McKee went to Assumption and Harvard, but the good news is he at least knows where the University is as opposed to some other governors

Blue Man wrote: ↑1 year ago

Iggy1979 wrote: ↑1 year ago Big supporter of URI and the construction of the Ryan Center. Was always nice to see him in his seat.

The plaza is aptly named. RIP to a great one. There are not many RI politicians who proudly supported URI and went to bat for us like he did.

Went to games. He lived in Kingston, just off North Road just off the campus. Also had a home on Cape Cod in South Wellfleet. Great man.