The Bryant University campus has grown and changed over the years. From sweet treats to refreshing swims, here are a few timeless memories from its history.
Candy was dandy…
The university Candy Store was well-known to students, staff, faculty, and even presidents with a sweet tooth. From 1974-1986, members of the community, could buy candy bars, penny candy, munchies, and cigarettes at the shop, which was located on the main level of the Unistructure. In the fall of 1986, the store was moved to the newly opened Bryant Center, which was renovated and rededicated as the Michael E. '67 and Karen L. Fisher Student.
Take me home, Country Comfort…
The Country Comfort, located on Mowry Road, was a fixture of Bryant student life for more than two decades. Opened in 1971 as a coffeehouse, where students could relax, grab a sandwich or cookies, and listen to music, and, later on, a brew. The Comfort hosted countless events, celebrations, concerts, and great nights before it closed down in 1997. Today, it’s spirit lives on as the Art Barn, a forum for the entire Bulldog community to share in, appreciate, and expand the arts.
Bryant's original bar, The Rathskeller offered libations to thirsty students for less than a quarter
from 1971-1975. It would go on to have several other occupants, including a branch of the Small Business Administration and the John H. Chafee Center for International Business, and is now home to the Office of Counseling Services and Department of Public Safety.
Floating away on a memory…
When Bryant reached out for student suggestions regarding what the Smithfield campus should contain, one of the chief requests was a swimming pool. Rather than build a full-sized pool in the gymnasium, Dean Lionel Mercier proposed a smaller one in the unistructure that would be more accessible for recreational use by everyone. This pool was filled in during unistructure renovations and replaced by the Chase Wellness Center pool in 2001 but they left the skylight, which now welcomes visitors to Bryant’s Office of Admission.