Smithfield, RI — Bryant University announces a transformative $10 million lifetime investment from Joe ’80 and Kathi (Jurewicz) ’81 Puishys, a contribution that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of student life at the university. Of this generous gift, $7.5 million will be earmarked for the construction of the Puishys Residence Complex, an innovative housing facility for upper-class students slated to open in the fall of 2025.
“Aligned with our Vision 2030 strategic plan, the Puishys Residence Complex is a physical expression of our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging at Bryant. Its contemporary design will enhance our campus footprint, and the stunning residential complex will soon become a fixture of Bryant’s vibrant student life experience,” says Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., who commends the Puishys for their continued support of Bryant and its future.
Spanning 85,000 square feet, the Puishys Residence Complex will consist of two buildings connected by glass-enclosed bridges on three levels. Designed to foster community, collaboration, and personal wellness, the facility will feature modern amenities including a fireplace lounge, gaming room, outdoor patios, and 24/7 study spaces. Sited on Jacobs Drive between Bryant’s Tupper Campus and the new Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center campus, the complex will serve as a connection point, a campus landmark, and a vibrant hub for student life.
Joe Puishys, a proud Bryant alumnus, vice chair of Bryant’s Board of Trustees, and co-chair of the Vision 2030 Campaign Committee, expressed his enthusiasm for both the university and the Residence Complex project, slated for completion in summer of 2025.
“Bryant is no longer a very well-kept secret,” Joe says. “From our rise in the rankings to the recent campus expansion, we’re growing at a rapid pace. This new Residence Complex is part of that growth. Upper-class students will live in a setting that offers privacy combined with social engagement, and comfort combined with convenience to the entire campus. It will also serve as an incredible bridge from university living and learning to post-graduate living and employment.”
Kathi Puishys, a proud alumna of Bryant and a co-chair of the Vision 2030 Campaign Committee, echoed her husband’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of giving back to an institution where the couple got their start.
“Both Joe and I have so many things to be thankful for and, for us, it all started at Bryant – the place we want to pay it back by playing it forward,” shares Kathi, who spoke with students in October while on campus for a beam signing ceremony for the Residence Complex. The students, she says, “were poised and articulate. We see their quality and caliber, and they deserve a first-rate residential experience. We want to provide that for them.”
Bryant’s Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students, and Chief Diversity Officer Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., highlighted the complex’s role in fostering a strong sense of community among upper-class students.
“This residence complex is more than just a place to live; it is a space designed to bring students together, encourage collaboration, and support their personal growth,” says Ameer. “The unique design of the facility, with its open lounges, study rooms, and outdoor areas, will create opportunities for students to build connections, engage with one another, and develop lifelong friendships. This investment will truly enhance the sense of community at Bryant.”
The Puishys Residence Complex will also support Bryant’s continued growth. As the university’s enrollment expands, the new complex will provide much-needed modern housing while enhancing Bryant’s ability to attract and retain top students. With a design focused on both comfort and functionality, the complex will offer an elevated living experience, offering students the freedom to collaborate, socialize, and succeed in a supportive environment.
This investment is part of Bryant University’s Campus Master Plan, a series of ongoing development efforts to enhance campus facilities and student services, ensuring that Bryant remains a leader in providing an exceptional, student-focused education today and long into the future.
About Bryant University
For more than 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering a transformational education that anticipates the future and delivers top outcomes that result in passionate, purpose-driving leaders. The university delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1% national leader in student education outcomes and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron’s.
About Vision 2030
The Vision 2030 Strategic Plan sets an exciting trajectory for Bryant University, an institution committed to transformational learning experiences, exceptional outcomes, and developing passionate, purpose-driven leaders. Vision 2030 priorities include an ecosystem of academic excellence, vibrant student life, community and belonging, and economic mobility for all.
