Dr. William H. Rizzini, a longtime member of the New England Institute of Technology community, passed away on February 29, 2016. Dr. Rizzini received an honorary doctorate from New England Tech in 1978 and served as a member of New England Tech’s Board of Trustees beginning in 1979.
After serving in the Army as a Lieutenant, Dr. Rizzini launched his career as a high school English teacher and taught from 1957-1961. He then began 28 years of service at the former Roger Williams Junior College, later Roger Williams College (and now Roger Williams University), in the English Department and as an administrator. Dr. Rizzini’s many roles at Roger Williams included department chair, director of the evening program and acting dean at the college. He served as Acting President on two different occasions before being named President, serving from 1978-1989 during a period of important growth at Roger Williams. Dr. Rizzini was honored with the title of President Emeritus of Roger Williams University upon his retirement.
From 1989 – 1996, Dr. Rizzini served as the Special Assistant to the President at New England Tech, helped in creating the college development program, and also taught English. In 2010, he established the Dr. William H. Rizzini Interior Design Scholarship fund to benefit NEIT students.
Dr. Rizzini touched many lives in numerous ways. He will be truly missed by his New England Tech colleagues.