Society of the Knights

Society of the Knights Honorees to be Celebrated

The Community College of Rhode Island Alumni Association is pleased to announce the induction of three distinguised alumni into its prestigious Society of the Knights. The newest inductees will be honored at A Knight of Opportunity gala scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2026 at Bally's Event Center in Lincoln.

The Society of the Knights is the highest honor bestowed by the CCRI Alumni Association. It regognizes alumni who have achieved outstanding professional success, demonstrated significant community involvement, and maintained a strong commitment to the mission of the college.

Celebrate a Knight with a donation in their honor

The 2026 Society of the Knights Inductees are:

Joseph J. Greene, Jr. '84 serves as Vice Chancellor and Providence Campus President at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), marking a an extraordinary 38-year career . His journey at JWU began as a student clerk after growing up in Providence. A certified public accountant, he progressively advanced into executive leadership at JWU's treasurer and chief financial officer, managing university-wide finance and strategic operations. Green credits CCRI with making an affordable college degree possible for his career journey.

"As a kid growing up in Providence, CCRI made a college degree affordable and possible. Without CCRI, I would have never progressed in my education or career."

Cathy L. Picard-Tessier '84, '90 is the Director of Records at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) bringing over four decades of dedicated service and leadership to the institution. As a proud two-time alumna, her career focuses on removing barriers to student achievement by modernizing enrollment services and leading major technology implementations, such as the Rhode Island Revers Transfer Program. Picard-Tessier's lasting impact on student success has been recognized with the CCRI Presidential Award for Outstanding Service and the Alumni Association's Squire Award.

"The greatest lesson I learned at CCRI is that education is not only about earning a degree; it is about navigating challenges, embracing growth, and helping others succeed along the way."

Michael F. Sabitoni '88 is the General Secrtary-Treasurer of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA). A passionate advocated for working families, Sabitoni is a second-generation laborer who launched his career with Construction and General Labores' Local Union 271 in 1988. While working in the field, he balanced his career with night classes at CCRI. Through years of deciated service, Sabitoni rose through the ranks to leadership. Today, he oversees major initiatives for the international union while continuing to champion local workforce development. In addition to his role, he leads the Rhode Island Laborers' District Council as Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer - representing more than 10,000 members - and serves as President of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trads Council.

"Education and hard work opened doors for me, and CCRI played an important role in that journey. The values I strenghthened there,commitment, perseverance, and service to others, have guided from the jobsite to union leadership. Along the way, I've learned that our responsibility is to leave things better than we found them. I hope today's students recognize that their own path can lead farther than they ever imagined."

Thank you for joining us at the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards!

We were so excited to welcome you all back and celebrate the induction of the Society of the Knights and Emerging Squires. 

View ceremonial photos here View the captive audience here View CCRI News announcement here