Dolores Passarelli ’74, ’78 had an immeasurable impact on the lives of countless Rhode Island College students and student-athletes in a career that spanned 45 years.
Passarelli's career at RIC started in 1970 as a residence hall assistant for women and she rose through the ranks to become the long-time Director for Academic Support Services (OASIS) for students.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rhode Island College in 1974 and her MEd. from RIC in 1978.
She was selected to become the Director of New Student Programs in 1978. In 1980, the college created the Academic Advisement Information Center as a joint venture between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. Passarelli expanded her responsibilities, coordinated the work of several faculty members and trained student counselors, who provided advisement support to the hundreds of students who sought help from OASIS.
In addition, she oversaw the college's freshman orientation program, coordinated commencement and was a member of many committees along the way.
Since her retirement seven years ago from her full-time duties, she was a key member of the intercollegiate athletic program's "Student-Athlete Success Program" and worked closely with student-athletes as a counselor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She received the Bourget Award of Merit for her exemplary contributions to Rhode Island College Athletics and most notably its student-athletes in 2011. Passarelli was named OASIS' Director Emerita in 2019.
Passarelli died in an automobile accident in California in June, 2021.
"Dolores gave her heart and soul to all students, but had an extreme affinity for our student-athletes," Director of Athletics
Don Tencher said. "She impacted their lives on a daily basis and she was respected by everyone in the department. Dolores was a wonderful person who deeply cared about students and their well-being and wanted them to succeed. This is a tragic loss for the department and the entire college community."
"I was stunned and am saddened by the tragic death of Dolores Passarelli," former Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Gary Penfield said. "Dolores was a Rhode Island College treasure. She was a graduate who never left the college, a staff member who always gave every ounce of energy she had to making the college great and a professional who always worked tirelessly to help students succeed. There are legions of students who will testify that they trace their success back to the support they received directly from Dolores and the OASIS."
She is survived by her husband,
Steve Luther, and her daughter.
