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{{Short description|Catholic university in Providence, Rhode Island, US}}
{{About||the university in Taichung, Taiwan|Providence University|the college in Manitoba, Canada|Providence University College and Theological Seminary|the university in Great Falls, Montana|University of Providence}}
{{Use American English|date = September 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = September 2019}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = Providence College
 | image                  = ProvidenceCollegeSeal.png
 | image_upright          = .7
 | motto                  = ''Veritas''<ref name="Seal" />
 | mottoeng               = Truth
 | established            = {{start date and age|1917}}<ref name="History" />
 | type                   = [[Private university]]
 | religious_affiliation  = [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] ([[Dominican Order|Dominican]])<ref name="USN">{{cite web|url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/providence-college-3406|title=Providence College review|work=[[U.S. News & World Report]]|access-date=March 15, 2011|archive-date=November 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127055730/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/providence-college-3406|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 | academic_affiliations  = [[Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities|ACCU]]<br />[[National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities|NAICU]]<br />[[National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program|Space-grant]]
 | accreditation          = [[New England Commission of Higher Education|NECHE]]
 | endowment              = $234 million (2019)<ref>As of June 30, 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2019-Endowment-Market-Values--Final-Feb-10.ashx? |title=U.S. and Canadian 2019 NTSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2019 Endowment Market Value, and Percentage Change in Market Value from FY18 to FY19 (Revised) |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA |access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>
 | president              = Kenneth R. Sicard
 | faculty                = 310 full-time ordinary <br /> 28 [[Dominican Order|Dominican Friars]] and Sisters<ref name="appguide" />
 | students               = 4,816 (Spring 2021)<ref name="cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com">{{Cite web | url=https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.providence.edu/dist/a/14/files/2021/04/at-a-glance-spring-2021.pdf | title=PC At-a-glance | date=Spring 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322030940/https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.providence.edu/dist/a/14/files/2021/04/at-a-glance-spring-2021.pdf | archive-date=March 22, 2022 }}</ref>
 | undergrad              = 4,363 (Fall 2023)<ref name="cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com" />
 | postgrad               = 688 (Spring 2021)<ref name="cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com" />
 | city                   = [[Providence, Rhode Island|Providence]]
 | state                  = Rhode Island
 | country                = United States
 | coor                   = {{nowrap|<small>{{Coord|41|50|38|N|71|26|06|W|display=inline,title|region:US-RI_type:edu}}</small>}}
 | campus                 = [[Urban area|Urban]]|campus_size=105 acres (.425&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>)<ref name="appguide" />
 | sporting_affiliations  = {{hlist|[[NCAA Division I]] – [[Big East Conference|Big East]]| [[Hockey East]]| [[New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association|NEISA]]}}
 | colors                 = Providence Black, Pantone Metallic 877, and White<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.providence.edu/marketing-communications/brand-communications/Documents/brand-standards-guide.pdf |title=Providence College Brand Standards Guide |access-date=2016-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424093807/http://www.providence.edu/marketing-communications/brand-communications/Documents/brand-standards-guide.pdf |archive-date=2016-04-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.providence.edu/dist/9/82/files/2021/09/BrandStandards-update-web.pdf-.pdf | title=Brand Standards 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028150819/https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.providence.edu/dist/9/82/files/2021/09/BrandStandards-update-web.pdf-.pdf | archive-date=October 28, 2021 }}</ref>{{color box|#000000}}&nbsp;{{color box|#B3C7C4}}&nbsp;{{color box|#FFFFFF}}
 | nickname               = [[Providence Friars|Friars]]
 | mascot                 = {{Plainlist|
* Friar Dom
* Huxley the Dalmatian
}}
 | website                = {{url|providence.edu}}
 | logo                   = Providence College logo.png
 | logo_upright           = 1.0
}}

'''Providence College''' is a [[Private university|private]] Catholic university in [[Providence, Rhode Island]], United States. Founded in 1917 by the [[Dominican Order]] and the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence]], it offers 47 undergraduate [[Academic major|majors]] and 17 graduate programs.<ref name="appguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/apply/Documents/PC-AppGuide.pdf |title=Providence College Application Guide |work=Providence College |year=2014 |access-date=September 10, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911023832/http://www.providence.edu/apply/Documents/PC-AppGuide.pdf |archive-date=September 11, 2014 }}</ref> 

The college requires all of its undergraduate students to complete 16 credits in the Development of Western Civilization, a major part of the college's core curriculum.<ref name="DWC">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum/Pages/development-of-western-civilization.aspx|title=Providence College – Development of Western Civilization|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529134732/http://www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum/Pages/development-of-western-civilization.aspx|archive-date=2015-05-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the spring of 2021, it enrolled 4,128 undergraduate students and 688 graduate students for a total enrollment of 4,816 students.

In [[Providence Friars|athletics]], Providence College competes in [[NCAA Division I]], and is a founding member of the [[Big East Conference (1979–2013)|original Big East Conference]] and [[Hockey East]]. It was part of the original six other basketball-centric Catholic colleges which broke off from the original Big East (today's [[American Athletic Conference]]) to form the current [[Big East Conference|Big East]] at the start of the 2013–14 academic year.

==History==

===Founding===
In 1917, Providence College was founded as an all-male school through the efforts of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence|Diocese of Providence]] and the [[Dominican Order in the United States#Province of St. Joseph (Eastern)|Dominican Province of St. Joseph]]. The central figure in the college's incorporation was [[Matthew Harkins]], Bishop of Providence, who sought an institution that would establish a center of advanced learning for the Catholic youth of Rhode Island.<ref name="History">{{cite web |url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031009150253/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 9, 2003 |title=College History |work=Providence College |access-date=March 16, 2011 }}</ref>

Opening its doors at the corner of Eaton Street and River Avenue with only one building, Harkins Hall,<ref name="History" /> the college under inaugural president Dennis Albert Casey, O.P. (1917–1921), began with 71 students and nine Dominican faculty members. Under second president William D. Noon, O.P. (1921–1927), the college added its first [[laity|lay]] faculty member and opened its first dormitory, Guzman Hall (now known as [[George M. Bradley House|Martin Hall]]).<ref name="y1917">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1917+to+1935.htm|title=Providence College: 1917–1935|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522034707/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1917+to+1935.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2011}}</ref> Under President Lorenzo C. McCarthy, O.P. (1927–1936), Providence College athletics soon received their moniker as the "Friars." With black and white as team colors, the school had early success in [[basketball]], [[American football|football]], and [[baseball]]. In 1933, the school received [[regional accreditation]] by the [[New England Association of Schools and Colleges]].<ref name="y1917" /> The college conferred its first [[Master of Arts]], [[Doctor of Philosophy]], and [[Master of Science]] degrees by 1935, which was also the year that the school's newspaper (''The Cowl'') was first published.<ref name="y1917" />

The college's fundraising efforts during World War II spurred the physical growth of the campus. One of the most notable gifts came from a young [[MGM films|MGM film]] star, [[Judy Garland]], who at just fifteen years old, sold autographs in front of the [[Loew's State Theater (Providence, Rhode Island)|Loew's State Theater]] for $5-$10 per copy on February 18, 1938. Judy brought the gifts to a Bridge and Fashion Show and gave them to Father Dillon's Aquinas Hall Fund.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://about.providence.edu/centennial/a-brief-history-of-providence-college/ | title=A Brief History of Providence College | date=March 15, 2019 }}</ref>

By 1939, Aquinas Hall dormitory had been built to accommodate more students enrolling in general studies, but with the impact of World War II upon enrollment, President John J. Dillon, O.P. (1936–1944) lobbied Rhode Island's congressional delegation to pressure the War Department to assign Providence College an [[Army Specialized Training Program]] unit. Unit #1188 arrived on campus in the summer of 1943, allowing the college to continue operation.<ref name="y1936">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1936+to+1946.htm|title=Providence College: 1936–1946|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522035430/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1936+to+1946.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2011}}</ref> A class of approximately 380 soldiers-in-training studied engineering at Providence College for a year before going overseas.<ref name="y1936" />

===Post-World War II expansion===
Robert J. Slavin, O.P. served as president from 1947 to 1961. During his tenure in 1955, Providence acquired the House of Good Shepherd property that pushed the original boundaries of campus to Huxley Avenue.<ref name="y1947">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1947+to+1964.htm|title=Providence College: 1947–1964|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522034309/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1947+to+1964.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2011}}</ref> Slavin also oversaw the establishment of the [[Reserve Officers' Training Corps]] (ROTC) on campus in 1951 and the Liberal Arts Honors Program in 1957.<ref name="y1947" />

The athletics program of the college was accepted into the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA) in 1948.<ref name="y1947" /> Prior to the opening of [[Alumni Hall (Providence)|Alumni Hall]] gymnasium in 1955, the men's basketball team played in local Providence high schools. The college hired [[Joe Mullaney (basketball)|Joe Mullaney]] as the men's basketball coach.<ref name="y1947" />

President Vincent C. Dore, O.P. (1961–1965) opened the doors of the college's graduate school as well as a new dormitory building, now called Meagher Hall.<ref name="y1947" /> President William P. Haas, O.P. (1965–1971) opened [[Phillips Memorial Library]] in 1969.<ref name="y1965">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1965+to+1970.htm|title=Providence College: 1965–1970|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522034717/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1965+to+1970.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2011}}</ref>

===Co-educational shift===
In 1967, the college added its first lay faculty members in the Departments of Theology and Philosophy, as well as its first full-time female faculty member.<ref name="y1965" /> Two years later, the student [[dress code]] was abolished.<ref name="y1965" /> In 1970, the college decided to admit women starting with the 1971–1972 school year.<ref name="y1965" /> The same year, the first female administrator was hired.<ref name="y1965" /> By 1975, the first year in which women graduated after completing a four-year course of study, women had attained highly visible positions in school organizations. Anne Martha Frank was the first woman to edit ''The Cowl'', the college's weekly newspaper. Patricia Slonina became the first woman editor of the literary magazine, ''The Alembic''. Ana Margarita Cabrera was the first woman to edit the school yearbook, ''The Veritas''.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

Subsequent president Thomas R. Peterson, O.P. (1971–1985) instituted the Development of Western Civilization program, while in 1974, the college acquired the property of the former Charles V. Chapin Hospital on the other side of Huxley Avenue.<ref name="y1971">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1971+to+1984.htm|title=Providence College: 1971–1984|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104234125/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1971+to+1984.htm|archive-date=January 4, 2011}}</ref> The campus was then split in half by Huxley Avenue, providing an "Upper" campus (due to the uphill nature of the landscape on Smith Hill) and "Lower" campus (the new, flatter area of the college). In 1974, the School of Continuing Education awarded the college's first [[Associate's degree]].<ref name="y1971" />

With men's basketball tickets becoming a hot commodity at the 2,600-seat [[Alumni Hall (Providence)|Alumni Hall]] gymnasium, and with the opening of the [[Providence Civic Center]] in 1972, the Friars moved downtown in time for their [[1973 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|Final Four]] appearance behind Providence natives [[Ernie DiGregorio]] and [[Marvin Barnes]].<ref name="y1971" /> Two years later, the men's hockey team played its first season in the new home on campus, as [[Schneider Arena]] opened in 1974 with [[Ron Wilson (ice hockey b. 1955)|Ron Wilson]] leading the way.<ref name="y1971" />

In the early morning hours of December 13, 1977, a dormitory fire killed ten female residents of Aquinas Hall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/14/archives/7-are-killed-dormitory-fire-at-providence-college.html?sq=%2522providence+college%2522&scp=1&st=p|title=7 Are Killed Dormitory Fire at Providence College|work=[[The New York Times]] |first=Michael |last=Knight|date=December 14, 1977|access-date=March 24, 2011}}</ref> Meanwhile, the demographics of the student body continued to change, as women outnumbered men in incoming classes and non-Rhode Island students soon outnumbered in-state students.<ref name="y1971" /> In 1984, Peterson also opened St. Thomas Aquinas Priory at the entrance of campus to accommodate the growing number of Dominican brethren living on campus.<ref name="y1971" />

===Expansion===
John F. Cunningham, O.P. (1985–1994) succeeded Peterson as president in 1985 and saw the Friars [[Providence Friars men's ice hockey|men's hockey]] team win the inaugural [[Hockey East]] Championship the same year over rival [[Boston College]] and reach the championship game of the [[NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship|NCAA tournament]] to lose 2–1 to [[Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute]].<ref name="y1985">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1985+to+1993.htm|title=Providence College: 1985–1993|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522033744/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1985+to+1993.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2011}}</ref> Men's basketball again took center stage on the Providence campus, as coach [[Rick Pitino]] and senior [[Billy Donovan]] took the Friars to their second Final Four appearance in the [[1987 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament]]. Cunningham used the exposure and fundraising opportunities to build two apartment-style residence halls on campus, Davis and Bedford Halls, providing an alternative to dormitory and off-campus housing for upperclassmen.<ref name="y1985" />

Philip A. Smith, O.P. (1994–2005) succeeded Cunningham in 1994<ref name="y1994">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1994+to+2004.htm|title=Providence College: 1994–2004|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104234159/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/1994+to+2004.htm|archive-date=January 4, 2011}}</ref> and oversaw the new influence of women's athletics at Providence, as several alumni and then-current students won the gold medal for [[Providence Friars women's ice hockey|women's ice hockey]] as part of the [[United States women's national ice hockey team|U.S. national team]] in the [[1998 Winter Olympics]] in [[Nagano, Nagano|Nagano, Japan]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

By 2001, a new on-campus chapel was built, St. Dominic Chapel, followed three years later by the construction of two other major buildings on "Lower" campus: Suites Hall, a suite-style residence hall to provide added upperclassmen housing, and the Smith Center for the Arts.<ref name="y1994" /> President [[Brian Shanley|Brian J. Shanley]], O.P. (2005–2020) oversaw the construction of the Concannon Fitness Center in 2007 as part of an overall renovation to Alumni Hall, as well as renovation and expansion of the Slavin Center in 2009.<ref name="y2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/2005+to+Present.htm|title=Providence College: 2005-Present|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522034724/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+History/2005+to+Present.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, a groundbreaking was held for the Ruane Center for the Humanities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/news/headlines/Pages/ruane-groundbreaking.aspx |title=College Breaks Ground on Ruane Center for the Humanities |work=Providence College |date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905003725/http://www.providence.edu/news/headlines/Pages/ruane-groundbreaking.aspx |archive-date=September 5, 2012 }}</ref>

Shanley also removed the college's [[SAT]] requirement for admissions in addition to transferring a significant portion of the school's scholarship funds to need-based aid,<ref name="y2005" /> in order to give more diverse students the opportunity to afford the college. In 2008, Shanley oversaw the founding of the Providence College School of Business, creating separate Schools of Arts and Sciences and Professional Studies.<ref name="PCSB">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/academics/school+of+business/|title=School of Business|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317114257/http://www.providence.edu/Academics/School+of+Business/|archive-date=March 17, 2011}}</ref>

In 2018, Providence College constructed a new building dedicated to the study of natural science, called the Science Complex. In addition, the $30&nbsp;million Ruane Friar Development Center (RFDC) was opened, providing a multi-purpose athletic facility featuring a new innovation lab, an expanded sports medicine center, and a student-athlete fueling station.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://friars.com/news/2018/9/29/mens-basketball-providence-college-dedicates-ruane-friar-development-center.aspx|title=Providence College Dedicates Ruane Friar Development Center|website=Providence College Athletics|date=September 29, 2018 |language=en|access-date=2019-02-11}}</ref>

==Campus==
{{main|List of Providence College buildings}}
[[File:Harkins_Hall,_Providence_College,_Rhode_Island.jpg|thumb|Harkins Hall (1919) designed by [[Matthew Sullivan]] in the [[Collegiate Gothic|Collegiate Gothic style]]]]
[[File:Martin Hall Providence College.jpg|thumb|right|[[Martin Hall (Providence College)|Martin Hall]] (1850) designed 
by [[Thomas Alexander Tefft]]]]
[[File:Dominic Hall Providence College RI.jpg|thumb|right|[[Dominic Hall (Providence College)|Dominic Hall]] (c. 1850)]]
[[File:Slavin Center, Providence College.jpg|thumb|right|Slavin Center]]
The college is located on a gated {{convert|105|acre|km2}} campus<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+Events/Conference+Services/Location.htm|title=Providence College – Location|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720030823/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+Events/Conference+Services/Location.htm|archive-date=July 20, 2011}}</ref> in the city's [[Elmhurst, Providence, Rhode Island|Elmhurst]] neighborhood atop [[Smith Hill, Providence, Rhode Island|Smith Hill]], the highest point in the city of Providence. The campus is located in a residential urban neighborhood about two miles west of downtown Providence. The Smith Hill neighborhood, which borders the east end of campus, is a predominantly low-income area with crime rates higher than the city average.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rijustice.ri.gov/voca/nonviolence.php |title=Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence |work=State of [[Rhode Island]] Public Safety Grant Administration Office |access-date=March 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721061550/http://www.rijustice.ri.gov/voca/nonviolence.php |archive-date=July 21, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://local.provplan.org/profiles/smh_main.html|title=Smith Hill at a Glance|work=The Providence Plan|access-date=March 15, 2011|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719081012/http://local.provplan.org/profiles/smh_main.html|archive-date=July 19, 2011}}</ref>

There are three main gates to campus, at Cunningham Square (the intersection of River Avenue and Eaton Street) and on Huxley Avenue to the upper campus, and at the southeast corner of the lower campus, along Eaton Street. The campus consists of nineteen academic and administrative buildings, nine dormitories, five apartment complexes, three residences, four athletic buildings, a power plant, a physical plant, and a security office gate house. There are also a Dominican cemetery, two [[Quadrangle (architecture)|quads]], four athletic fields, a 25-meter swimming pool, a six-court tennis court complex, an artificial turf field, and several parking areas (including a structure below the turf field).<ref name="Campus">{{cite web|title=Providence College – Campus Buildings|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/Campus+Buildings/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040206180405/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/Campus+Buildings/|archive-date=February 6, 2004|access-date=March 16, 2011|work=Providence College}}</ref>

Renovations completed in 2009 to the Slavin Center, the campus student union, added [[solar panel]]s and a [[bioretention]] system.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 28, 2009|title=Slavin Center Addition Hailed as "Inviting" During Dedication|url=http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+News/Press+Releases/Slavin+Addition+Dedication.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104031720/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/College+News/Press+Releases/Slavin+Addition+Dedication.htm|archive-date=January 4, 2011|access-date=March 21, 2011|work=Providence College}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/EHS/Sustainability/Bioretention+System.htm|title=Providence College – Biorentention System|work=Providence College|access-date=March 21, 2011}}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

After purchasing Huxley Avenue in 2013, the college began a campus transformation project with plans to develop campus facilities to meet the growing needs of the students.<ref>{{cite web|title=PC to Buy Huxley|url=http://www.providence.edu/news/headlines/Pages/huxley-avenue-2012.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304192615/http://www.providence.edu/news/headlines/Pages/huxley-avenue-2012.aspx|archive-date=2016-03-04|access-date=2015-10-12|website=providence.edu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Campus Transformation – Momentum – Providence College|url = http://www.providence.edu/finance-business/momentum/Pages/campus-transformation.aspx|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150108214713/http://www.providence.edu/finance-business/momentum/Pages/campus-transformation.aspx|url-status = dead|archive-date = 2015-01-08|website = www.providence.edu|access-date = 2015-10-12}}</ref> The renovations as of October 2015 included the groundbreaking of the Arthur and Patricia Ryan Center for Business Studies,<ref>{{cite web|title=Arthur and Patricia Ryan Center for Business Studies – Momentum – Providence College|url=http://www.providence.edu/finance-business/momentum/Pages/RyanCenterBusinessStudies.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083436/http://www.providence.edu/finance-business/momentum/Pages/RyanCenterBusinessStudies.aspx|archive-date=2016-03-04|access-date=2015-10-12|website=providence.edu}}</ref> handicap accessibility to Aquinas Hall, and the enhancement of an outdoor classroom.<ref>{{cite web|title = Classroom Enhancements|url = http://www.providence.edu/finance-business/momentum/Pages/classroom-enhancements.aspx|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150619072328/http://www.providence.edu/finance-business/momentum/Pages/classroom-enhancements.aspx|url-status = dead|archive-date = 2015-06-19|website = providence.edu|access-date = 2015-10-12}}</ref>

==Organization and administration==
Since 1934, Providence College has been governed by a twelve-member [[corporation]] and a [[board of trustees]] consisting of 25 to 35 members.<ref name="Governance">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/governance |title=Providence College – Governance |work=Providence College |access-date=March 24, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117092342/http://www.providence.edu/Governance/ |archive-date=January 17, 2011 }}</ref>

The corporation consists of four [[ex officio]] members: the president of the college, the Prior Provincial of the [[The Dominican Province of Saint Joseph|Dominican Province of St. Joseph]], the [[Bishop (Catholic Church)|bishop]] of the Diocese of Providence, and the chairman of the board of trustees. In addition, there are eight other members, each of whom serves a three-year term; four are Dominican friars and four are [[laity|lay]] persons. The corporation has the "ultimate authority to exercise control over ownership of property, to promulgate and amend the by-laws, to accept or reject the recommendation for election to the Presidency of the College by the Board of Trustees, and to elect members of the Corporation and of the Board of Trustees."<ref name="Governance" />

All other affairs of the college not reserved to the corporation are handled by the board of trustees, which meets three times a year. These duties include "establishing major institutional goals, engaging in long-range planning and policy-making, overseeing the annual operating budget of the College and overseeing the review process and recommending a Dominican Friar for election to the Presidency of the College."<ref name="Governance" /> All members of the corporation and the executive vice president of the college serve on the board of trustees as ex officio, in addition to candidates elected by the corporation who serve a maximum of three three-year terms.<ref name="Governance" />

==Academics==
{{Infobox US university ranking
| Forbes = 264
| THE_WSJ = 229
| USNWR_REG = 1
| Wamo_MASTERSU = 55
}}

As of 2019, Providence College reports an undergraduate acceptance rate of 47.5 percent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://academic-affairs.providence.edu/files/2020/02/cds-2020.pdf |title=Providence College Common Data Set 2019-2020, Part C |publisher=Providence College}}</ref> The average class size is 21 students, with nearly half of all classes including fewer than 20 students.<ref name="appguide" /> There is a student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1.<ref name="appguide" />

All classes are taught by full-time professors.<ref name="appguide" /> The college offers 49 majors and 34 minors.<ref name="appguide" /> The majority of students declare majors in the [[liberal arts]] or [[business]].<ref name="USN" /> Regardless of major, all undergraduate students are required to complete a core curriculum which includes credits in the Development of Western Civilization, [[mathematics]], [[philosophy]], [[theology]], [[natural science]], English, fine arts, and [[social science]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum|title=Providence College – Core Curriculum|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423151628/http://www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum|archive-date=2016-04-23|url-status=dead}}</ref> Beginning with the Class of 2016, the core curriculum was modified to reduce the required credits in natural science and social science, while adding credits in a "core focus" area, as well as proficiencies in intensive writing, oral communication, diversity, and civic engagement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum/Pages/default.aspx|title=Providence College's New Core Curriculum|work=Providence College|access-date=September 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006033930/http://www.providence.edu/academic-affairs/core-curriculum/Pages/default.aspx|archive-date=2012-10-06|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Constructed in 1969, the Phillips Memorial Library consists of 242,000 volumes and has access to 3.5&nbsp;million volumes as a member of the HELIN library consortium of Rhode Island.<ref>{{cite web|title=Providence College – Library Name History|url=http://www.providence.edu/Academics/Phillips+Memorial+Library/About+the+Library/Library+Name+History.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105013856/http://www.providence.edu/Academics/Phillips+Memorial+Library/About+the+Library/Library+Name+History.htm|archive-date=January 5, 2011|access-date=March 21, 2011|work=Providence College}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Providence College – About the Library|url=http://www.providence.edu/Academics/Phillips+Memorial+Library/About+the+Library/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206113521/http://www.providence.edu/Academics/Phillips+Memorial+Library/About+the+Library/|archive-date=December 6, 2010|access-date=March 21, 2011|work=Providence College}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://library.uri.edu/screens/libinfo.html|title=About HELIN|work=Helin Library Consortium|access-date=March 21, 2011}}</ref>

===Academic divisions===
Providence College comprises four schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education and Social Work and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Academics at Providence College | url=https://academics.providence.edu/ | access-date=2025-04-07 | website=academics.providence.edu}}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

The School of Arts & Sciences was created in 2008 as part of the college's addition of a stand-alone School of Business.<ref name="y2005" /> The school offers undergraduate degrees in [[social science]]s, [[natural science]]s, mathematics, the humanities, and fine arts.<ref name="PCSAS">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/Academics/Arts+Sciences/|title=Providence College – School of Arts and Sciences|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411031150/http://www.providence.edu/Academics/Arts+Sciences/|archive-date=April 11, 2011}}</ref> It also offers graduate programs with Masters of Arts in history, biblical studies, mathematics, and theology, as well as a [[Master of Theological Studies]] degree.<ref name="PCSAS" />

The School of Business was created in 2008 and immediately began the [[Educational accreditation|accreditation]] process for the [[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business|AACSB]].<ref name="PCSB" /> The college's successful accreditation was received in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/news/headlines/Pages/business-school-accreditation.aspx |title=Providence College School of Business Awarded Accreditation by AACSB International |work=Providence College |date=July 24, 2012 |access-date=September 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729225511/http://www.providence.edu/news/headlines/Pages/business-school-accreditation.aspx |archive-date=July 29, 2012 }}</ref> The school offers four undergraduate degrees, in [[management]], [[finance]], [[accountancy]], and [[marketing]] and two graduate programs, a [[Master of Business Administration]] (MBA) graduate program.<ref name="PCSB" /> and a [[Master of Science in Business Analytics]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://business.providence.edu/mba/msba/ | title=Master of Science in Business Analytics | date=December 15, 2020 }}</ref> The school also offers three graduate certificates in [[business analytics]], [[digital marketing]], and [[sports management]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://business.providence.edu/mba/certificateprograms/ | title=PCSB Graduate Certificate Programs | date=July 2020 }}</ref>

Created as a separate school in 2008, the School of Professional Studies includes undergraduate and graduate degree programs in [[education]] and [[special education]], [[social work]], and [[health policy]].<ref name="PCSPS">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/Academics/Professional+Studies/|title=Providence College – School of Professional Studies|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411025741/http://www.providence.edu/Academics/Professional+Studies/|archive-date=April 11, 2011}}</ref> It also offers a [[Academic certificate|certificate]] program in special education administration.<ref name="PCSPS" />

The School of Continuing Education offers courses to complete an [[associate's degree]] or [[bachelor's degree]] with programs including social sciences, theology, organizational studies, humanities, and liberal studies.<ref name="PCSCE">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/Academics/School+of+Continuing+Education/|title=Providence College – School of Continuing Education|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218013417/http://www.providence.edu/Academics/School+of+Continuing+Education/|archive-date=February 18, 2011}}</ref> In addition, it offers numerous [[Academic certificate|certificate]] programs, including a Teacher Certification Program (TCP).<ref name="PCSCE" />

===Academic programs===

====Liberal Arts Honors Program====
The Liberal Arts Honors Program was created in 1957<ref name="LAHonors">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/lah/ |title=Providence College – Liberal Arts Honors Program |work=Providence College |access-date=March 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223051058/http://www.providence.edu/LAH/ |archive-date=February 23, 2011 }}</ref> and accepts approximately the top 125 students in each freshman class, offering three levels of academic scholarships for participation in the program.<ref name="LAHonors" /> Honors students take separate Development of Western Civilization courses with smaller classes, in addition to one or two honors-level classes in other programs and a capstone honors "colloquium" course.<ref name="LAHonors" />

====Development of Western Civilization====
[[File:Providence College Ruane Center for the Humanities.jpg|thumb|right|The Ruane Center for the Humanities was built in 2013 for the Development of Western Civilization program]]
The Development of Western Civilization (commonly referred to by students as "Civ" or "DWC") is a two-year-long program of courses required of all students attending the school, taken in students' first four semesters at the school.<ref name="providence.edu">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/DWC/Pages/How-It-Works.aspx |title=How It Works - Development of Western Civilization - Providence College |access-date=May 10, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221551/http://www.providence.edu/DWC/Pages/How-It-Works.aspx |archive-date=May 12, 2014 }}</ref> Meeting in the Ruane Center for the Humanities, a lecture hall specifically built in 2013 for the program, the class meets three days a week, with one day being typically reserved for seminar work and/or exams. The class is taught by a team of professors, usually three, who specialize in literature, theology, philosophy, or history.<ref name="providence.edu" /> Students move through Western history, studying original texts in each of the four course disciplines.<ref name="DWC" /> The new Development of Western Civilization Program, implemented in late 2012, features three semesters of standard lectures which move chronologically from ancient history to the modern period. The fourth and final semester of the program is organized into various colloquia, specialized courses taught by two professors that are more concentrated to students' interests and majors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/DWC/Pages/spring2015colloquia.aspx |title=Spring 2015 Colloquia - Development of Western Civilization - Providence College |access-date=May 10, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512231328/http://www.providence.edu/DWC/Pages/spring2015colloquia.aspx |archive-date=May 12, 2014 }}</ref>

There is a tradition which has grown over time from the course called "Civ Scream." The event takes place the night before DWC final exams in December and May, and is usually centered on the "Quad" area between Aquinas, Meagher, and McDermott Halls.<ref name="CivScream">{{cite web|url=http://www.thecowl.com/2.7830/safety-and-security-warns-students-about-the-civ-scream-1.1099747 |title=Safety and Security Warns Students About the Civ Scream |work=The Cowl |first=Rick |last=Kurker |date=May 2, 2008 |access-date=March 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716230129/http://www.thecowl.com/2.7830/safety-and-security-warns-students-about-the-civ-scream-1.1099747 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref> It is intended to be a harmless gathering to let off steam from the long hours of studying for the intense course's final exam, and is completely unsanctioned.<ref name="CivScream" /> As such, the "Civ Scream" can become loud and rowdy with wild behavior, partying, and streaking.<ref name="CivScream" />

==Student life==
{| class="wikitable floatright sortable collapsible"; text-align:right; font-size:80%;"
|+ style="font-size:90%" |Student body composition as of May 2, 2022
|-
! Race and ethnicity<ref>{{cite web |title=College Scorecard: Providence College|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?217402-Providence-College |publisher=[[United States Department of Education]] |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref>
! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic whites|White]]
|align=right| {{bartable|77|%|2||background:gray}}
|-
| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic]]
|align=right| {{bartable|10|%|2||background:green}}
|-
| Other{{efn|Other consists of [[Multiracial Americans]] & those who prefer to not say.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|5|%|2||background:brown}}
|-
| [[African Americans|Black]]
|align=right| {{bartable|3|%|2||background:mediumblue}}
|-
| [[Asian Americans|Asian]]
|align=right| {{bartable|2|%|2||background:purple}}
|-
| [[Foreign national]]
|align=right| {{bartable|2|%|2||background:orange}}
|-
! colspan="4" data-sort-type=number |[[Economic diversity]]
|-
| [[American lower class|Low-income]]{{efn|The percentage of students who received an income-based federal [[Pell grant]] intended for low-income students.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|16|%|2||background:red}}
|-
| [[Affluence in the United States|Affluent]]{{efn|The percentage of students who are a part of the [[American middle class]] at the bare minimum.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|84|%|2||background:black}}
|}
The Providence College student population is made up of about 3,852 undergraduates and 735 postgraduate students. As of 2012, 58 percent of the student body is female, while 42 percent is male.<ref name="appguide" /> The student population is drawn mostly from the southern [[New England]] states of Rhode Island, [[Massachusetts]], and [[Connecticut]], as well as [[New York (state)|New York]], [[New Jersey]], and other [[Mid-Atlantic states]]. About one-third of incoming students attended Catholic high schools.<ref name="appguide" />

=== Diversity ===
A 2007 survey published by ''[[The Princeton Review]]'' rated Providence College as having the most homogeneous student population in the country, as well as ranking the college eighth nationally in the survey's "little race/class interaction" category.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pbn.com/REVIEW-Brown-students-happy-PC-students-drinkers,27028|title=REVIEW: Brown students happy, PC students drinkers|work=Providence Business News|date=August 24, 2007|access-date=March 16, 2011}}</ref> As of 2012, 88 percent of the student body is [[white people|white]] or unreported, while four percent of students come from outside of the United States.<ref name="appguide" /> In 2011, President Brian Shanley created an Office of Institutional Diversity, while hiring a [[Chief diversity officer]], to "help balance the College's socioeconomic representation."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alumni.providence.edu/s/1226/index.aspx?sid=1226&gid=1&pgid=1160&cid=2358&ecid=2358&crid=0&calpgid=300&calcid=950|title=President's Statement to the Campus Community on Diversity|work=Providence College Alumni Office|date=March 9, 2011|access-date=March 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811094327/http://alumni.providence.edu/s/1226/index.aspx?sid=1226&gid=1&pgid=1160&cid=2358&ecid=2358&crid=0&calpgid=300&calcid=950|archive-date=August 11, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2017, the school topped ''[[The Princeton Review]]'''s list of most segregated colleges.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fenton|first=Josh|title=PC Ranked Most Segregated College By Princeton Review|url=https://www.golocalprov.com/news/pc-ranked-most-segregated-college-by-princeton-review|access-date=2021-04-05|website=GoLocalProv|language=en}}</ref>

While 95 percent of the student population are residents, 17 percent live in nearby off-campus housing.<ref name="appguide" /> Parietal rules applying to all undergraduate freshmen limit visitation hours of opposite-sex students in dormitories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecowl.com/2.7830/questioning-parietals-at-pc-1.1100221 |title=Questioning Parietals at PC |work=The Cowl |first=Rick |last=Kurker |date=January 24, 2008 |access-date=March 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123100925/http://www.thecowl.com/2.7830/questioning-parietals-at-pc-1.1100221 |archive-date=January 23, 2011 }}</ref>

As of 2011, Providence College is ranked first in the country by ''[[The Princeton Review]]'' in the "Lots of Hard Liquor" category.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.princetonreview.com/Schoollist.aspx?type=r&id=722|title=The Best 373 Colleges-Social Scene: Lots of Hard Liquor|work=[[The Princeton Review]]|date=January 24, 2008|access-date=April 14, 2011}}</ref>

===Clubs and activities===
Students run the college's radio station, [[WDOM]], as well the on-campus television station, PCTV. The station was ranked the 11th-best college radio station in the country by the Princeton Review in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecowl.com/news/pctv-up-and-running-1.1379078 |title=PCTV Up and Running |work=The Cowl |first=Meghan |last=Conway |date=April 22, 2010 |access-date=March 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716230514/http://www.thecowl.com/news/pctv-up-and-running-1.1379078 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref> The student-run campus newspaper since 1935 has been ''The Cowl.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}''

The college does not officially sanction Greek life; there are no recognized [[fraternities and sororities|fraternities or sororities]] on or off campus. Although there are a few unaffiliated fraternities and sororities that some Providence College students join from surrounding schools such as [[Brown University]] and [[Rhode Island College]].<ref name="USN" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lul/chaptersframe.htm|title=Chapters of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.|website=columbia.edu|accessdate= August 14, 2022}}</ref>

The college's oldest club/student organization is Providence College Debate Society. It was founded in 1921 and has had several periods of inactivity and subsequent revival.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

==Athletics==
{{main|Providence Friars}}
[[File:Cornell_vs._Providence_College_NCAA_ice_hockey.jpg|thumb|Playing [[Cornell University]] at the [[Dunkin' Donuts Center]] in 2019]]
The school's 19 varsity men's and women's sports teams are called the ''[[Friar]]s'', after the Dominican Catholic order that runs the school.<ref name="Athletics">{{cite web|url=http://www.friars.com/school-bio/prov-athletics.html|title=This is Providence College Athletics|work=Friars.com|access-date=March 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711040440/http://www.friars.com/school-bio/prov-athletics.html|archive-date=July 11, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> They are the only collegiate team to use that team name. All teams participate in the [[NCAA Division I]] and in the [[Big East Conference]], except for the men's and women's [[ice hockey]] programs, which compete in [[Hockey East]]. In 2015, the men's hockey team won its first NCAA Division I National Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DI Men's Ice Hockey Championship History {{!}} NCAA.com |url=https://www.ncaa.com/history/icehockey-men/d1 |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=www.ncaa.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NCAA Tournament Results |url=https://www.collegehockeynews.com/reports/ncaa-tournament/2015 |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=College Hockey News |language=en}}</ref>

The team colors are black and white, the same as the [[Dominican Order|Dominicans]], with silver as an accent color.<ref name="Athletics" /> The school's current logos and identity marks were released in 2002, and feature the profile of a friar wearing the black cappa (hood) of the Dominicans, above the word mark.<ref name="Athletics" /> All teams use the primary logo except the hockey teams, which have used the "skating Friar" logo since 1973.<ref name="Athletics" /> In addition to the Friar mascot, the school's animal mascot was a [[Dalmatian (dog)|Dalmatian]] named "Friar Boy."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.friars.com/trads/mascot.html|title=Mascot History|work=Friars.com|access-date=March 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711040445/http://www.friars.com/trads/mascot.html|archive-date=2011-07-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> The school's closest rivalries are [[Boston University]] and [[Boston College]] in hockey and the [[University of Connecticut]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecowl.com/sports/the-sportsboss-1.1973064 |title=Providence-UConn: The Black and Blue Rivalry |work=The Cowl |first=Chris |last=Torello |date=February 10, 2011 |access-date=March 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716230531/http://www.thecowl.com/sports/the-sportsboss-1.1973064 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref> and the [[University of Rhode Island]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.projo.com/pc/content/sp_bkc_pc_uri04_12-04-09_TQGM6R9_v3.2d81c8a.html|title=College basketball: PC-URI rivalry may mean more to Rams players|work=[[The Providence Journal]]|first=Kevin|last=McNamara|date=December 4, 2009 |access-date=March 16, 2011}}</ref> in the school's other sports, especially in soccer, tennis, swimming and diving, and basketball. Providence College once had a well-respected intercollegiate football team: two former students played professional football for the [[New York Football Giants]] ([[Charles Avedisian]] and [[Hank Soar]]). The [[Providence Friars football]] program was discontinued in 1941.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

===Men's basketball===
{{main|Providence Friars men's basketball}}
[[File:Myles_Davis_Xavier.jpg|thumb|[[Xavier University]] playing Providence College at the [[Dunkin' Donuts Center]] in 2016]]
The Friars men's basketball team is an original member of the [[Big East Conference (1979–2013)|Big East Conference]], which was created in 1979 by a group led by former Providence coach [[Dave Gavitt]] and headquartered in Providence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.enquirer.com/bearcats/2003/11/05/wwwuc1hist.html|title=A history of the Big East|work=[[Cincinnati Enquirer]]|date=November 5, 2003|access-date=March 16, 2011}}</ref> The Friars play their home games at the 13,000-seat [[Amica Mutual Pavilion]] in downtown Providence, a facility that underwent an $80&nbsp;million renovation completed in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.projo.com/business/content/BZ_RECESSION_DUNK_CONVENTION_CEN_03-31-09_U6D_v172.3a181a7.html |title=The extensive renovation of The Dunk has yet to produce the revenue that was expected|work=[[The Providence Journal]]|first=Benjamin N.|last=Gedan|date=March 31, 2009|access-date=March 16, 2011}}</ref> Despite having the smallest enrollment of any Big East Conference school, the Friars have routinely averaged over 10,000 fans per game during the 30-plus year history of the facility,<ref name="BasketballRecords">{{cite web |url=http://issuu.com/friarbasketball/docs/thruyears?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true|title=Year-by-Year Results |work=Providence College athletics|year=2010|access-date=March 16, 2011}}</ref> all while earning postseason berths and placing many players in the [[National Basketball Association]]. In addition to producing NBA players, former Friars players and coaches have also gone on to become basketball icons in the coaching world, such as [[Rick Pitino]], [[Billy Donovan]], [[Lenny Wilkens]], [[Pete Gillen]], [[Rick Barnes]], [[Johnny Egan (basketball)|Johnny Egan]], and [[John Thompson (basketball)|John Thompson]]. They were coached by [[Ed Cooley]] from 2011 to 2023.

Providence College won the 1961 and 1963 [[National Invitational Tournament|NIT]] championship and participated in the 1973 and 1987 [[Final Four]], and the 1965 and 1997 squads advanced to the NCAA [[Elite Eight]].<ref name="BasketballRecords" /> Overall, the team has earned 19 [[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|NCAA basketball tournament]] berths and 18 [[National Invitation Tournament|NIT]] berths,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/providence/|title=Providence Friars Index|website=College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> as well as having numerous players named All-Americans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Providence Men's Basketball All-America Selections |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/providence/men/all-america.html |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NCAA College Basketball AP All-America Teams |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/all_america.html |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Marks and seals==
The college's graphic identity represents the shape of a window in Harkins Hall with a flame inside, representing ''[[Veritas]]'', or ''Truth'', the official college motto.<ref name="Seal">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/about+pc/fast+facts/graphic+identity.htm|title=Providence College – Graphic Identity|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516171353/http://www.providence.edu/About+PC/Fast+Facts/Graphic+Identity.htm|archive-date=May 16, 2011}}</ref> The college motto was borrowed from the [[Dominican Order]], and has been used since the college's inception.<ref name="Seal" />

The official seal of Providence College is an ornate triangle, representing the [[Trinity]], with the flame of learning and a scroll with the College Motto, ''Veritas'', superimposed on it.<ref name="Seal" /> The seal is surrounded by a ring with the words ''Sigillum Collegii Providentiensis'' ("Seal of Providence College") inside it.<ref name="Seal" />

==Notable alumni==
{{Main|List of Providence College alumni}}
A number of prominent local and national politicians and judges are Providence College alumni. Former United States Senator from Connecticut [[Chris Dodd]] graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in [[English literature]],<ref name="Alumni">{{cite web|url=http://www.providence.edu/Alumni/Notable+Alumni/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030823033245/http://www.providence.edu/Alumni/Notable+Alumni/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 23, 2003|title=Providence College – Notable Alumni|work=Providence College|access-date=March 16, 2011}}</ref> while his father, [[Thomas J. Dodd]], also a long-serving U.S. Senator from Connecticut, graduated in 1930 with a degree in philosophy.<ref name="Alumni" /> Former [[United States Representative]] from [[Rhode Island]] [[Patrick J. Kennedy]], the son of former United States Senator [[Ted Kennedy]], earned a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in 1991.<ref name="Alumni" />

In addition, 1963 graduate and star basketball player [[Raymond Flynn]] (Class of 1963) earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education&ndash;social studies before serving as a three-term [[Mayor of Boston]] and the [[United States Ambassador to the Holy See]].<ref name="Alumni" /> Six-term [[Mayor of Chicago]] [[Richard M. Daley]] graduated in 1964 from Providence College.<ref name="Alumni" /> Former [[United States Attorney General]], [[United States Senator]] from Rhode Island, and [[Governor of Rhode Island]] [[J. Howard McGrath]] was a 1926 graduate of the college.<ref name="Alumni" />

In athletics, two [[Basketball Hall of Fame]] players or coaches have graduated from Providence College: [[Lenny Wilkens]] and [[John Thompson (basketball)|John Thompson]].<ref name="Alumni" /> In ice hockey, Olympic champion goalie [[Sara DeCosta]],<ref name="women's ice hockey">{{cite web|url=https://friars.com/sports/2018/6/15/sports-w-hockey-archive-prov-w-hockey-archive-html.aspx/|title=Providence College – Women's Ice Hockey|work=Providence Friars Index|access-date=September 18, 2024}}</ref> played for Providence as well as current NHL forward [[Brandon Tanev]].<ref name="mens ice hockey">{{cite web|url=https://friars.com/sports/2018/6/15/sports-m-hockey-archive-prov-m-hockey-archive-html.aspx/|title=Providence College – Men's Ice Hockey|work=Providence Friars Index|access-date=September 18, 2024}}</ref> As well as this, [[Inter Miami]] footballer and 2018 MLS Cup winner [[Julian Gressel]] graduated from Providence College. In addition, two-time [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament]] champion, former [[University of Florida]] men's basketball and current [[Chicago Bulls]] head coach [[Billy Donovan]] (Class of 1987), graduated from Providence College.
<ref name="Alumni" /> Former [[Big East Conference (1979–2013)|Big East Conference]] commissioner [[John Marinatto]] (Class of 1979) is a Providence College graduate,<ref name="Alumni" /> while former [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] general manager [[Brian Burke (ice hockey)|Brian Burke]] (Class of 1977), former [[New Jersey Devils]] CEO/President and former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager and current New York Islander general manager [[Lou Lamoriello]] (Class of 1963), and [[Boston Celtics]] president [[Rich Gotham]] (Class of 1986) are also alumni.<ref name="Alumni" />

Actors [[John O'Hurley]] (Class of 1976), Matt Kinback (Class of 2007), film directors [[Peter Farrelly]] (Class of 1979) and [[James O'Brien (filmmaker)|James O'Brien]] (Class of 1992), actress and comedian [[Janeane Garofalo]] (Class of 1986) are graduates of Providence College, as are [[ESPN]] NBA and college basketball commentator [[Doris Burke]] (Class of 1987), and sports journalist [[Sean McAdam (journalist)|Sean McAdam]] (Class of 1981).<ref name="Alumni" />

==See also==
{{Portal|Education}}
*[[Catholic school]]
*[[Catholic university]]
*[[List of Rhode Island schools]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website}}
*[https://friars.com/Athletics Athletics' website]

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