Raymond Di Pasquale, Former President of CCRI and RI Education Commissioner, Passes Away

Raymond Di Pasquale, a prominent figure in the education sector, passed away on Thursday, as announced by Massasoit Community College, where he served as president. Di Pasquale had an illustrious career, leading the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for a decade before taking on roles as Rhode Island commissioner for higher education and interim education commissioner.

During his time at CCRI, Di Pasquale implemented new programs, initiated energy-saving projects, and secured federal grants. Under his leadership, the college experienced near-record enrollments and celebrated its largest graduating class in May 2012. CCRI, the largest community college in New England, serves nearly 18,000 students each semester and plays a crucial role in workforce development in Rhode Island.

Prior to his tenure at CCRI, Di Pasquale held positions at various educational institutions, including the State University of New York Brockport, Springfield Technical Community College, and Middlesex Community College. The Massasoit news release highlighted Di Pasquale’s dedication to serving the communities he lived in and his commitment to advancing lives through education.

Di Pasquale’s impact on the education sector was recognized by a General Assembly resolution, which praised his contributions to CCRI and the state of Rhode Island. His legacy as a transformative leader and advocate for education will be remembered by those whose lives he touched.