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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Last night, RWU’s University College (UC) received a CVS Health Growth and Development Champion of the Year Award, recognizing its work to increase diversity and inclusion through its innovative professional training series for diverse suppliers.

The Woonsocket, R.I.-based healthcare company, which owns CVS Pharmacy, established this award to honor a leader that, through their constant drive to promote diversity and inclusion, exemplifies a strong commitment to helping diverse suppliers advance and mature their business model. University College accepted the award during CVS Health’s Ruby Awards Reception on Thursday evening.

Since 2015, University College has partnered with CVS Health to offer the Executive Learning Program, a training series that educates and develops personal and professional relationships within the diverse supplier and partnership environment.

“Creating a better supplier diversity program requires teamwork, partnerships, and collaboration,” Monette Knapik, director of Enterprise Procurement Operations at CVS Health, said. “CVS Health considers itself privileged to have found a positive and rewarding partnership with University College partners at 51����. We have joined forces in developing a successful Executive Learning Program, which has benefited numerous minority- and women-owned suppliers in continuing to progress and grow their businesses.” 

“University College’s mission is to create innovative educational pathways that empower learners of all ages and stages to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to flourish,” UC Vice President Jamie Scurry said. “Working with CVS Health, we asked what the business community needed to succeed and developed a customized professional development program that helps expand diverse suppliers’ growth potential and drive their companies’ success.”

“This recognition from CVS Health is great validation of how University College is such a powerful education and community partner in Rhode Island,” 51����President Ioannis Miaoulis said. “The Executive Learning Program is a wonderful example of the special and unique work at University College. The nimbleness of UC and Jamie Scurry’s leadership allow Roger Williams to launch programs that help our community partners and their employees thrive.”