Special Collections I (UA 2011.01)

Historical note

Roger Williams University, established in 1992, began in 1919 as a branch of Northeastern University's School of Commerce and Finance. Later it became the Providence Institute of Engineering and Finance, and began giving associate degrees in 1948. The collection includes commencement programs and photographs from these early years. In 1956, Roger Williams Junior College was established, the first in the state. When the Junior College became a 4 year institution in 1967, it was renamed Roger Williams College. A new campus was opened in Bristol in 1969. Today Roger Williams University includes a Law School (1993) and offers several graduate programs.