Smithfield, RI—Bryant University announces a strategic partnership with Navigant Credit Union, which includes a $5 million gift that will establish the new Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse later this fall, as well as student empowerment opportunities focused on experiential education and leadership development.
The Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse is a natural next step in a longstanding partnership between two Rhode Island institutions that, in recent years, have both experienced tremendous growth. With Navigant Credit Union’s deep ties to Bryant Athletics and a strong Bryant-to-Navigant Credit Union career pipeline, the collaboration reflects shared values and a forward-looking vision.
“This investment in both athletics and student and alumni experience strengthens Bryant’s position as a destination of choice for student-athletes and provides an extraordinary new venue for Bulldog fans,” says Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “The name of this facility represents a $5 million gift and also a strong partnership that will empower students, enhance campus life, and expand engagement with the broader community.”
The state-of-the-art, 43,000-square-foot Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse will build upon Bryant’s reputation as a leader in athletic achievement and a first-rate destination for the nation’s most passionate fans.
"Navigant Credit Union is proud to partner with Bryant University on a project that supports not only student-athletes, but the entire campus community,” said Navigant Credit Union President and CEO Kathy Orovitz '04. “This strategic collaboration reflects our shared commitment to cultivating future leaders and leveraging talent to strengthen Rhode Island’s economy. Together, we’re expanding access to meaningful, real-world opportunities for Bryant students – right here in Rhode Island.”
Adjacent to David M. ’85 and Terry Beirne Stadium and Conaty Park, the Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse is a comprehensive hub designed to empower Bryant student-athletes to achieve peak performance. It offers premier facilities for training, recovery, and wellness, along with enhanced locker rooms and an innovative media strategy room.
The Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse will bring the Bryant Athletics community together with top-tier fan amenities, including the Black & Gold Club Lounge and increased seating to create a more vibrant and connected atmosphere. The 1,000 new spectator seats provide stunning views of the football, lacrosse and soccer fields, while professional-grade press boxes on both sides feature unobstructed field views for members of the media and student broadcasters involved in Bryant’s Sports Industries, Media, and Promotion program.
“In an exciting new era of intercollegiate competition in the America East and CAA Football conferences, the Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse will become a signature facility that will revolutionize the gameday experience for Bryant community members, including student athletes, Black & Gold Club members, season ticket holders, spectators and press,” says Bill Smith, Bryant’s vice president of athletics and recreation. “Every detail of the Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse is purposeful and invokes our Bulldog spirit.”
While the Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse will enrich the experience and wellbeing of Bryant’s student-athletes, the partnership will also allow for strategic interconnected opportunities to enhance experiential learning for Bryant students. Paid fall and spring internships with Navigant Credit Union, as well as new leadership development programs, will give students the chance to explore real-world challenges, grow their skills, and build industry connections. Navigant Credit Union will also have an increased on-campus presence with Navigant ATMs and offices for consultations and appointments with students, faculty, and staff. An exclusive affinity credit card will provide Bryant alumni with access to Navigant Credit Union’s banking services while supporting the university.
“Bryant University and the 50,000 members of the Alumni Association are proud to partner with Navigant Credit Union to offer Bryant branded affinity credit and debit cards as well as other important financial services resources,” says David Wegrzyn ’86, P’23, Bryant’s vice president for university advancement. “Bryant’s alumni, students, staff, and faculty as well as the entire extended Bulldog community will benefit from this enhanced strategic partnership.”
“In addition to supporting a new fieldhouse that represents a key investment in our outstanding student-athletes, Navigant Credit Union’s gift will establish powerful connections that reflect our shared commitment to fostering the growth of the future leaders in Rhode Island,” says Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., Bryant’s vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “This is an investment that will further enhance the close-knit community at Bryant.”
A ribbon cutting for the Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse will be scheduled for this fall.
About Bryant University
For 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Since transitioning to Division I in 2012, Bryant teams have won 36 conference championships, made 29 NCAA Championship appearances, and earned three Commissioner’s Cup titles in recognition of sustained excellence across all sports. More than 700 student-athletes compete in Bryant’s 25 Division I programs.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant.edu
