This spring, Bryant University will proudly introduce its inaugural 40 Under 40 Class, recognizing distinguished alumni whose early career achievements, leadership, and service are already making a strong impression in their professions and communities.
This recognition was created to celebrate alumni under 40 who are shaping industries, strengthening communities, and exemplifying Bryant’s values. Community members and fellow alumni nominated hundreds of Bryant graduates out of nearly 14,500 alumni for the inaugural list. The first of its kind in the institution’s history, the list celebrates those whose impact is already significant – and still growing.
“The inaugural 40 Under 40 class is a proud and significant milestone for Bryant, and we are thrilled to recognize such an impressive cohort of alumni,” says Vice President of University Advancement David Wegrzyn ’86, P’23. “It is especially meaningful that Bryant alumni themselves nominated their peers, and impressive to see them recognize the achievements of their own community. Their accomplishments at this point in their professional journeys offer a powerful indication of the influence and success they will continue to achieve in the years ahead.”
Enthusiasm surrounding this inaugural year has been exceptional. In a little over a month, the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement received hundreds of nominations for this year’s list from alumni and community members around the world.
“The pool of nominees was outstanding,” says Liza Gentile, Senior Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement. “The breadth of talent, achievement, and leadership represented across such a remarkable group of alumni is extraordinary. It is deeply energizing to see so many of our graduates making a powerful impact in their professions and communities.”
The inaugural 40 Under 40 class includes alumni from around the globe and across numerous industries and disciplines, including business, healthcare, law, and finance to cybersecurity, real estate, insurance, media, sports, and the global supply chain. Their achievements include rapid advancement into leadership roles, founding and scaling successful organizations, and driving measurable economic impact.
Additionally, their professional excellence is often paired with service. Honorees are mentoring students, leading nonprofit boards, serving on civic committees, and building organizations that support vulnerable communities. They are already shaping policy, building institutions, and expanding opportunities well beyond their job titles.
“What stands out so powerfully about this group is the spirit behind their success,” says Gentile. “They lead with heart, purpose, and a clear sense of responsibility to others, and that kind of example is exactly what we hope our alumni exemplify.”
The Bryant University 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 will be honored on April 17, 2026, at a special ceremony. Together, this group represents the talent, momentum, and promise of Bryant’s alumni community, and their achievements offer a compelling glimpse of the leadership they will continue to bring to their industries and communities in the years ahead.