Statements from Local 528 President Michael McDonald and RI Council 94 President J. Michael Downey regarding URI's closure of the W. Alton Jones Campus:
Michael McDonald - President, Local 528
Brothers and Sisters,
I am sad to share the news that the University of Rhode Island notified employees on June 9, 2020 that the W. Alton Jones Campus will be closing. No timetable for closure has been provided at this time.
I know W. Alton Jones is a special place for so many Local 528 members past and present. So many memories were made there. Long ago Local 528 members made a commitment to help make W. Alton Jones a thriving wonderful resource for environmental education, weddings, retreats, and conferences. I am abundantly proud of the work and effort put forth by so many for so long to make life-long memories for all who had the pleasure to visit.
Thank you to all our members past and present. You truly helped to make W. Alton Jones a treasure.
J. Michael Downey – President, RI Council 94, AFSCME
Thank you, President McDonald, for acknowledging all the great memories and hard work that our members have provided to the W. Alton Jones campus. I am committed to working with you to keep a watchful eye on what goes on at the W. Alton Jones Campus going forward. Hopefully we can work with the new board of trustees to keep the University’s Alton Jones Campus open.
Thank you for all you and Local 528 do for our state and especially the University of Rhode Island.
