RIIHEA

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (September 25, 2008) – On Monday, Oct. 6, Bryant University will host a special discussion for the public that will explore the subprime mortgage crisis that has sent 2 million American homeowners into foreclosure, prompted the government takeover of the country’s two biggest mortgage companies, and sparked the collapse of the nation’s fourth-largest investment bank.

The symposium, “Financial Markets in Crisis: What It Means for You,” begins at 7 p.m. in Janikies Auditorium. It will explore what led to the growth and collapse of the subprime lending market; what policy steps have been taken; and next steps to take to create a more stable and resilient financial market. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions.

University’s Reading Across the Curriculum Program features Mr. Shipler’s book, “The Working Poor”

BRISTOL, R.I., Sept. 9, 2008 – Pulitzer Prize-winning author David K. Shipler will explore his compelling novel, “The Working Poor: Invisible in America,” to the Roger Williams University community and the general public. The event is scheduled to take place on September 24 at 7 p.m. on the University’s Bristol campus.

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Will any of the 920 members of Bryant University’s Class of 2012 gain the notorious “Freshman 15”? Not if they take part in The Balanced Way, launched this month in the University’s recently renovated Salmanson Dining Hall.

The Balanced Way is a new nutrition program that makes it easy for students to get pre-plated balanced meals. Imagine that your plate is divided into quadrants. Half is filled with vegetables or fruit. A quarter features a protein dish, and another quarter is a whole-grain carbohydrate. Each balanced meal totals approximately 600 calories. Bryant students have the option to select a Balanced Way meal or any of the entrée choices from among Salmanson’s “all you care to eat” options.

Bryant is one of 30 campuses across the nation that is rolling out the new nutrition program offered by Sodexho, the national company that manages Bryant’s food services. Sodexho tested the program for two years and found that 50 percent of cafeteria diners regularly selected The Balanced Way meal.

The healthy eating option is the newest addition to Healthy YOU at Bryant U., an integrated approach to wellness launched by Bryant’s Healthy Campus Coalition last fall. The initiative aims to provide a supportive environment for making healthy, well-informed choices regarding such things as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

Individuals who are committed to adopting a healthier lifestyle can start by taking small steps, like having breakfast every day or selecting The Balanced Way plate for each meal, said Jennifer DiPrete, Bryant University’s health and wellness coordinator and a member of the coalition.

“Exercise and eating right improves your overall health, decreases your level of stress, and keeps you more organized and focused,” says Maria Musarskaya ’09 (Moscow, Russia), another member of the coalition.

EDITORS and REPORTERS: Photo opportunities and interviews are available. For details, please contact Tracie Sweeney at 401-232-6391 or send e-mail to tsweeney@bryant.edu.