Achieving Excellence
Bryant recognizes Alumni Achievement Award recipients as part of Alumni Leadership Weekend.
Meet this year’s Bryant University Alumni Achievement Award recipients. Nominated by peers, family, and members of the Bryant community, these alumni are honored for their outstanding contributions to their profession, community, and the University. A current faculty member is also recognized for professional accomplishments and positive influence on students. Tonight’s Alumni Achievement Awards dinner kicked off Alumni Leadership Weekend, which featured topics of concern to today’s leaders.
Young Alumni Leadership Award
James A. Warner ’99
James A. Warner ’99 has demonstrated leadership skills since grade school when he introduced his first business – transferring home movies to videotape for family, friends, and neighbors.
Throughout the years, James launched many ventures with his childhood friend and business partner, Ryan Duques. The success of Shore Publishing, which the two men incorporated while still in high school, led these ‘serial entrepreneurs’ to their current organization, WD Enterprises, Inc.
This mini conglomerate invests in and operates startup companies in a variety of industries, including publishing, clean energy, commercial banking, and entertainment.
“I’m always looking for the next business idea,” says James. “I often think about what item or service could make life easier or more enjoyable. When I’ve figured out what that is, that’s my next company.”
Although business owners work long hours, James finds time to get involved in his community. He’s served on the boards of several Chambers of Commerce, the Branford Mentoring Program, New Haven Angel Fun, Harbor Health Services, and The Shoreline Arts Alliance.
James has been named “Small Business Person of the Year” by Business New Haven, and one of the “40 Under 40” by Business Times. He’s also been recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine, the New York Times, Hartford Courant, and Editor and Publisher.
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Thomas A. Taylor ’63, ’98H
Thomas A. Taylor ’63 was determined to finish college, despite the emotional and financial hardship of losing his father when he was a junior. He balanced full-time schoolwork with a part-time job while helping his stay-at-home mother – who had no driver’s license – care for two younger sisters.
Tom is glad he continued with his Bryant education in the face of his family’s adversity because he believes it was the foundation for a successful 35-year career at the Amica Mutual Insurance Company – an organization that has received numerous awards for customer service, performance, and community outreach.
“Earning a degree from Bryant was a life-changing event for me,” he says. “I will forever be grateful to my professors for their dedication, assistance, and encouragement. My years here helped me seize opportunities and face the challenges that came my way.”
Tom retired from Amica as president and chief operating officer in 2005. Today, he continues to serve as a member of Amica’s Board of Directors.
In 1998, Tom received an honorary degree from Bryant and recently completed a nine-year stint as a member of Bryant’s Board of Trustees, the final three years as chairman. He is an active honorary trustee and a member of the National Council on Philanthropy. He and his wife, Carol (Marsh) Taylor ’63, are members of the Bryant Leadership Council of Donors.
Nelson Gulski Service Award
J. Steven Cowen '69
Even though it’s been four decades since he graduated, Steven Cowen ’69 continues to cultivate his Bryant connection. A San Diego, Calif., resident, Steven uses technology and travel to take an active role in the Bryant community by supporting recruiting efforts, becoming a Bryant leadership donor, mentoring students, and cheering on the Bulldog athletic teams.
“Once you graduate from Bryant, it becomes a part of you,” he says. “I have watched the University grow and its reputation increase, and I wanted to be a part of developing the Bryant tradition.”
The founder of Cowen & Associates, a financial planning firm, Cowen was approached by Bryant when the University was starting a concentration in financial services about 10 years ago. He was happy to provide his expertise, which includes an M.B.A. and an M.S. in financial and tax planning. He most enjoys the opportunity to interact with students.
“I am so impressed each time I talk with them,” he says. “Bryant students are smart, mature, and passionate, and it gives me great pride to offer them my mentorship and advice.”
Despite the many miles that separate him from Bryant’s campus, he enthusiastically supports the University’s many programs. “I am very pleased with the direction and progress of the University,” he says. “I want to use my experience and knowledge to help continue the momentum.”
Distinguished Faculty Award
Gaytha A. Langlois, Ph.D.
Science and Technology Department Chair Gaytha A. Langlois is motivated to be the best educator she can be through her daily interactions with students.
“To see the look on students’ faces when they understand a concept, or the moment when a student will defend his or her point of view with conviction – it makes it all worth it,” she says.
Since coming to Bryant in 1970, Gaytha helped establish the Center for Sustainable Business Practices, a major in environment science, and Bryant’s Recycling Summit. She was also part of the team that spearheaded the creation of 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory space.
“I try to share my passion for the topics I teach and encourage my students to engage in their learning and take responsibility for their own success,” she says.
Gaytha’s classes are continually evolving and focus on environmental and energy issues, alternative solutions to challenging problems, and solving life’s perplexing realities.
“This institution has provided me a great deal of freedom to create a tapestry of experiences that have been satisfying and meaningful,” she says. “I have had the opportunity to get to know hundreds of interesting students. They have shared their energy and enthusiasm as we journeyed through each semester tackling the problems of the day.”
Alumni Leadership Weekend
After the Alumni Achievement Awards Ceremony, alumni will enjoy a dessert reception at the Relay for Life Luminary Ceremony.
Saturday events include a talk by Mike Roberto, trustee professor of management; a discussion led by the U.S.-China Institute about business opportunities in China; and workshops focused on enhancing alumni opportunities. During the luncheon discussion, Peter Nigro, Sarkisian Chair in Financial Services; Cary Collins, Trustee Professor of Entrepreneurship; and Edinaldo Tebaldi, Assistant Professor of Economics, will lead a presentation on the condition of the financial markets and how it affects alumni.
Young Alumni Leadership Award
James A. Warner ’99
James A. Warner ’99 has demonstrated leadership skills since grade school when he introduced his first business – transferring home movies to videotape for family, friends, and neighbors.
Throughout the years, James launched many ventures with his childhood friend and business partner, Ryan Duques. The success of Shore Publishing, which the two men incorporated while still in high school, led these ‘serial entrepreneurs’ to their current organization, WD Enterprises, Inc.
This mini conglomerate invests in and operates startup companies in a variety of industries, including publishing, clean energy, commercial banking, and entertainment.
“I’m always looking for the next business idea,” says James. “I often think about what item or service could make life easier or more enjoyable. When I’ve figured out what that is, that’s my next company.”
Although business owners work long hours, James finds time to get involved in his community. He’s served on the boards of several Chambers of Commerce, the Branford Mentoring Program, New Haven Angel Fun, Harbor Health Services, and The Shoreline Arts Alliance.
James has been named “Small Business Person of the Year” by Business New Haven, and one of the “40 Under 40” by Business Times. He’s also been recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine, the New York Times, Hartford Courant, and Editor and Publisher.
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Thomas A. Taylor ’63, ’98H
Thomas A. Taylor ’63 was determined to finish college, despite the emotional and financial hardship of losing his father when he was a junior. He balanced full-time schoolwork with a part-time job while helping his stay-at-home mother – who had no driver’s license – care for two younger sisters.
Tom is glad he continued with his Bryant education in the face of his family’s adversity because he believes it was the foundation for a successful 35-year career at the Amica Mutual Insurance Company – an organization that has received numerous awards for customer service, performance, and community outreach.
“Earning a degree from Bryant was a life-changing event for me,” he says. “I will forever be grateful to my professors for their dedication, assistance, and encouragement. My years here helped me seize opportunities and face the challenges that came my way.”
Tom retired from Amica as president and chief operating officer in 2005. Today, he continues to serve as a member of Amica’s Board of Directors.
In 1998, Tom received an honorary degree from Bryant and recently completed a nine-year stint as a member of Bryant’s Board of Trustees, the final three years as chairman. He is an active honorary trustee and a member of the National Council on Philanthropy. He and his wife, Carol (Marsh) Taylor ’63, are members of the Bryant Leadership Council of Donors.
Nelson Gulski Service Award
J. Steven Cowen '69
Even though it’s been four decades since he graduated, Steven Cowen ’69 continues to cultivate his Bryant connection. A San Diego, Calif., resident, Steven uses technology and travel to take an active role in the Bryant community by supporting recruiting efforts, becoming a Bryant leadership donor, mentoring students, and cheering on the Bulldog athletic teams.
“Once you graduate from Bryant, it becomes a part of you,” he says. “I have watched the University grow and its reputation increase, and I wanted to be a part of developing the Bryant tradition.”
The founder of Cowen & Associates, a financial planning firm, Cowen was approached by Bryant when the University was starting a concentration in financial services about 10 years ago. He was happy to provide his expertise, which includes an M.B.A. and an M.S. in financial and tax planning. He most enjoys the opportunity to interact with students.
“I am so impressed each time I talk with them,” he says. “Bryant students are smart, mature, and passionate, and it gives me great pride to offer them my mentorship and advice.”
Despite the many miles that separate him from Bryant’s campus, he enthusiastically supports the University’s many programs. “I am very pleased with the direction and progress of the University,” he says. “I want to use my experience and knowledge to help continue the momentum.”
Distinguished Faculty Award
Gaytha A. Langlois, Ph.D.
Science and Technology Department Chair Gaytha A. Langlois is motivated to be the best educator she can be through her daily interactions with students.
“To see the look on students’ faces when they understand a concept, or the moment when a student will defend his or her point of view with conviction – it makes it all worth it,” she says.
Since coming to Bryant in 1970, Gaytha helped establish the Center for Sustainable Business Practices, a major in environment science, and Bryant’s Recycling Summit. She was also part of the team that spearheaded the creation of 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory space.
“I try to share my passion for the topics I teach and encourage my students to engage in their learning and take responsibility for their own success,” she says.
Gaytha’s classes are continually evolving and focus on environmental and energy issues, alternative solutions to challenging problems, and solving life’s perplexing realities.
“This institution has provided me a great deal of freedom to create a tapestry of experiences that have been satisfying and meaningful,” she says. “I have had the opportunity to get to know hundreds of interesting students. They have shared their energy and enthusiasm as we journeyed through each semester tackling the problems of the day.”
Alumni Leadership Weekend
After the Alumni Achievement Awards Ceremony, alumni will enjoy a dessert reception at the Relay for Life Luminary Ceremony.
Saturday events include a talk by Mike Roberto, trustee professor of management; a discussion led by the U.S.-China Institute about business opportunities in China; and workshops focused on enhancing alumni opportunities. During the luncheon discussion, Peter Nigro, Sarkisian Chair in Financial Services; Cary Collins, Trustee Professor of Entrepreneurship; and Edinaldo Tebaldi, Assistant Professor of Economics, will lead a presentation on the condition of the financial markets and how it affects alumni.
