The Bryant University Board of Trustees wished to honor President Ron Machtley and his wife, Kati, and thus dedicated Bryant’s award-winning Interfaith Center (IFC) in their name on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 12:30 pm. The Board realized that naming a building for a sitting president and his wife was not a typical step to take, but as they looked forward to Ron and Kati’s continuing leadership they felt strongly that it was timely and appropriate at this moment to recognize their 15 years of dedicated service to Bryant.
This dedication serves as an enduring tribute to the pivotal contributions Ron and Kati have made to Bryant, and the Board was unanimous in wanting to acknowledge their contributions. Their guidance dramatically transformed the campus with the addition of the George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology, the Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Wellness and Athletic Center, and the Interfaith Center – an arc of buildings that symbolize the education of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit.
President Machtley and Kati accomplished much in advancing Bryant during Ron's tenure from 1996 to 2020. Naming Bryant’s stunning Interfaith Center in their honor was especially in keeping with their faith and character. Designed by the internationally-renowned architectural firm Gwathmey Siegel & Associates, the Interfaith Center opened in September 2009 and provides the University and its visitors a place of worship, reflection and gathering.
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JUTRAS WOODWORKING
Jutras
This plaque is embedded in the floor of the IFC lobby, by the glass wall that overlooks the reflecting pool. The text reads:
"JUTRAS WOODWORKING generously donated all custom furniture for the Interfaith Center in loving memory of their mother Joan Jutras. Dedicated in 2010."
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Siro ’57 and Roberta DeGasperis Community Room
Community Room
On September 20, 2014, the Interfaith Center's West Room was renamed the Siro ’57 and Roberta DeGasperis Community Room. As a student, Siro '57 DeGasperis was frustrated by having to walk 15 blocks to attend Mass on Sunday. Those treks motivated his leadership gift in support of the Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center. “I wanted to give to something that creates a moral feeling on campus.” The Center’s DeGasperis Family Community Room is named in his family’s honor.
