2020 -- H 7241

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING REVEREND BRIAN J. SHANLEY, O.P., S.T.L., PH.D., ON HIS

RETIREMENT AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP AND

SUCCESS AS THE PRESIDENT OF PROVIDENCE COLLEGE

     Introduced By: Representatives Shanley, Mattiello, Kennedy, Amore, and Corvese

     Date Introduced: January 22, 2020

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The Reverend Brian J. Shanley, a native of Warwick, graduated from

Providence College in 1980, with a degree in history. He earned a Licentiate degree in philosophy

from The Catholic University of America, and a master of divinity and licentiate degree in sacred

theology from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. He also attained a doctorate

in philosophy from the University of Toronto and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the

University of Notre Dame's Center for Philosophy of Religion; and

     WHEREAS, Father Shanley was ordained a member of the Dominican Order of

Preachers in 1987. He taught Philosophy at Providence College, and was a visiting professor at

Emory University's Candler School of Theology. He also served as an Associate Professor of

Philosophy at the Catholic University of America; and

     WHEREAS, Father Shanley became the President of Providence College in 2005 and is

the longest serving President in Providence College history. His tenure has been marked by

immense success academically and in athletics. Thanks to his leadership and guidance, the

College has undergone significant campus improvements of more than $100 million and

applications from prospective students are at record levels. Under his watch, Providence College

has consistently been ranked among the top Regional Universities by U.S. News & World

Reports and in 2020 was ranked number one; and

     WHEREAS, Athletics at Providence College have excelled under the Presidency of

Father Shanley. During his tenure, the Friars have won two national titles, successfully guided the

creation of the new Big East Conference with other like-minded Colleges and Universities, and

made significant capital improvements to the athletic facilities for the benefit of all students; and

     WHEREAS, A 2015 GoLocalProv review of all NCAA Division I sports teams found

that, per capita, Providence College had the most successful athletic program in the United States

for the 2014-2015 NCAA season; and

     WHEREAS, Father Shanley also served as a member of the Corporation of Providence

College and the Board of Trustees, and had previously served as the Chair of the Board's

Strategic Planning Committee. In addition, he served on the Executive Committee of the

American Catholic Philosophical Association, as a former Regent of Studies for the Dominican

Province of St. Joseph, and was a member of the twelve-member body of Dominican Friars, who

serve as cabinet-level advisors to the Prior Provincial. Father Shanley, in particular, advised the

Prior Provincial on all aspects related to the academic and intellectual life of the province; and

     WHEREAS, Father Shanley is a widely published and admired author who has served as

an Associate Editor of the Thomist and as a member of the editorial board for the International

Journal for the Philosophy of Religion. He has been published in academic journals with a

particular focus and research interests in philosophy, religion, metaphysics, medieval philosophy,

and ethics; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby congratulates Reverend Brian J. Shanley on his retirement after

fifteen years of exemplary and distinguished service to Providence College, the City of

Providence and the State of Rhode Island. We furthermore wish him good health, happiness, and

continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Reverend Brian J. Shanley, O.P., S.T.L.,

Ph.D., President of Providence College.

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