As someone who adores penguins, Marketing major Nadia Del Sonno ’28 knew she needed a fluffy animal friend while at school. Scrolling through Amazon, she found PJ the Penguin who’s joining her on the college journey. “I still need a stuffed animal with me, even though I’m 18 years old,” says the Massachusetts native.
From stuffed animals to family photos, first-years make Bryant their home away from home
Sep 04, 2024,
by Emma Bartlett
From moms double-checking that their sons and daughters packed their cell phone chargers to dads heading to Target to pick up a TV for the dorm, Bryant’s first-year residence halls were overflowing with boxes, suitcases, and — of course — excitement on Thursday during Bryant’s first-year move-in. Walking into their new double, triple, quad, or suite, students were greeted with endless decorating possibilities and immediate camaraderie upon meeting roommates. To ease the move-in jitters, students accessorized their space with familiar comforts. Here’s a snapshot of first-years making Bryant their home away from home.
Move-in day began bright and early Thursday morning as incoming Bulldogs and their families rolled onto campus in cars repping license plates as far as Indiana, Ontario, and Nebraska. Greeting students upon arrival, Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., hands Matthew Martinelli ’28 his dorm room key. “I’m ready for this new experience and getting out of my comfort zone,” says Martinelli, a Finance major from Connecticut.Student helpers assisted families in carrying their belongings to dorm rooms in Barrington House, Warren House, and Bristol House. Whether they were unpacking cars in the 70-degree weather or steering dollies through winding hallways, returning students were all smiles as they eagerly welcomed the Class of 2028.Ready to meet new people and learn new things, Sophia Portnoy ’28 — a Business Management major — brought Long Island’s sunrise to the Ocean State. “I love the beach, and this photo is taken from the beach that’s two minutes from my house,” says the New York native. Also connecting Portnoy to her hometown was a custom sign she received as a graduation gift, which bridges the 147 miles between Bryant and home.Daniel Gonzalez ’28 was busy setting up his room Thursday with help from mom and dad. Unzipping one of his suitcases, he pulled out the Puerto Rican flag — ready to represent his home country on his bedroom wall. Gonzalez will pursue Business while at Bryant.Taking a break from unpacking and strumming a few chords, Jason Lavoie ’28, a Business Management major from New Hampshire, couldn’t leave home without his guitar. “I’ve been playing for the past five years. I’ll play all kinds of music, but jazz is my go-to. Jimi Hendrix and Steve Vai are some of my favorite musicians,” says Lavoie.Assembling appliances for his daughter’s room, Michael Rosengard P’28 diligently focused on putting together a jewelry organizer for his daughter, Eve ’28, who’s entering Bryant as a Communication major. Having already put together a shoe rack, the New York family was busy adding the final touches to her room.Azalea Mueller ’28, a Health Sciences major who aspires to go to PA school, gathered with peers at the university’s IgNIGHT ceremony — an annual first-year tradition marking the start of their Bryant experience where they congregate as a community. Students gather around Bryant Pond, one by one lighting each other’s candles, their connection as a community already ablaze as they wrapped up their first day as a Bryant Bulldog.
