Ten years after graduation, legendary, record-setting Bryant quarterback Charles Granatell ’08 decided he wanted to mark that anniversary, which coincided with Bulldog Football program’s 20-year anniversary, with a significant pledge to Expanding the World of Opportunity: The Campaign for Bryant’s Bold Future.

The major catalyst for his donation was a visit to campus in fall 2017, says Granatell, now the director of market development at Grant Industries in Elmwood Park, NJ. Despite the distance in time and geography, his bond with “the beautiful campus and amazing people in Smithfield, Rhode Island” has never been stronger, says the 2013 Bryant Athletics Hall-of-Famer.

“All of the new facilities are incredible. It’s the best of both worlds – academics and athletics. It was eye-opening and I’m really proud to see where we are today.”

Granatell notes that “football taught me life lessons that I still use to this day. Work ethic, accountability, teamwork, overcoming adversity, to name a few.” A Sociology major, Granatell also largely credits academics for his success. “What I learned in my degree program led to my understanding the importance and power of how social relationships work. I feel like that combination along with the integration with a business school put me ahead when I entered the real world.” This feeling inspired the 2019 recipient of the Young Alumni Leadership Award to pledge an additional gift to the Campaign.

Granatell hopes his gifts inspire others to support Bryant. “Bryant put me in a great position to be successful today. It doesn’t matter what the amount is, but if everyone can give their part, we can make sure Bryant keeps growing both in its athletics programs and as a University.”