Providence College notable alumni have left their mark across sports, politics, and entertainment, showcasing the Friars' spirit of excellence. From dominating courts to shaping policy, these famous graduates of Providence College inspire students and job seekers eyeing careers in higher ed. Explore sports figures, politics, and entertainment figures below, and check professor reviews on Rate My Professor for Providence College or browse academic jobs in Providence, higher ed jobs.
Sports reign supreme among Providence College celebrities, especially basketball and hockey alumni who reached pro levels and coaching stardom.
Providence College influential leaders in politics include U.S. senators and governors driving national and state policy.
Notable alumni from Providence College shine in TV and film with gritty roles.
While no Providence College presidents, billionaires, or Nobel winners yet, these grads prove PC builds trailblazers. Visit the official Providence College alumni page or Athletics Hall of Fame for more. Considering PC? Tailor your resume with our free resume template for faculty jobs or higher ed career advice.
Discovering the stories behind Providence College notable alumni is like uncovering hidden gems from the Dominican Republic-founded institution in Providence, Rhode Island. This Catholic liberal arts college, known as PC, has produced graduates who have made waves across sports, politics, and beyond, inspiring countless students and job seekers eyeing higher ed opportunities.
Take Billy Donovan, a basketball legend who graduated in 1987 with a degree in business administration. From leading PC's Friars to national prominence as a player, he went on to coach the University of Florida to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007, and now heads the Chicago Bulls. His journey showcases how PC's rigorous academics and competitive spirit propel alumni to elite levels in higher ed jobs like coaching.
In politics, Bob McDonnell (Class of 1976), earned his bachelor's in history and later became Governor of Virginia (2010-2014), navigating complex state leadership with a PC-honed ethical foundation. Claudine Schneider (Class of 1971), the first woman from Rhode Island elected to Congress, broke barriers in the U.S. House, advocating for environmental causes. These famous graduates of Providence College highlight the school's emphasis on public service.
Sports figures dominate, with NBA talents like Kris Dunn (attended, drafted 5th overall in 2016) and Bryce Cotton (Class of 2014), who dazzled in the Big East. Check out more in the sports figures list. Actor Richard Jenkins (Class of 1967), Oscar-nominated for The Visitor, credits PC's theater program for his Emmy-winning career in shows like The Exorcist.
These entertaining insights reveal PC's alumni network's power, fostering connections for career growth. Students considering PC can explore professor feedback on Rate My Professor or job openings in Providence. For more, visit the official PC alumni page or Friars Network.
Whether chasing Providence College breakthroughs in sports or leadership, these stories motivate. Parents and faculty see PC's impact on building influential leaders. Dive into higher ed career advice to emulate them.
Discover how Providence College (PC) notable alumni shine across key fields, rated on a 10-point scale using star ratings (✭ for filled, ☆ for empty). These ratings reflect the impact and number of famous graduates from Providence College, drawing from verified sources like the official PC Alumni site and Wikipedia's list. Strong showings in politics and sports highlight PC's legacy of leadership and athletic excellence, inspiring students and job seekers eyeing higher-ed careers.
These ratings motivate: PC alumni excel in public service and sports, with 100+ notables per EduRank. Students, emulate them by joining clubs; job seekers, connect via alumni events for Providence, Rhode Island opportunities like academic jobs in Providence. Faculty/parents: Highlight these in advising. No criminals listed, underscoring integrity. Dive deeper on Rate My Professor for PC or higher-ed jobs.
Providence College has alumni who have excelled in entertainment fields such as actors and directors, contributing to film and television with creative storytelling and performances that have reached wide audiences across the United States.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis Dugan | Actor and Film Director | English | 1967 | Known for acting in films like Happy Gilmore and directing several Adam Sandler comedies including Grown Ups. |
| Michael Corrente | Film Director | 1975 | Independent filmmaker recognized for directing movies such as Federal Hill and A Hole in One, often featuring Rhode Island settings. |
Providence College alumni have excelled as athletes, particularly in basketball, contributing to professional leagues like the NBA and WNBA, as well as coaching at high levels in NCAA programs. These sports figures highlight the university's strong tradition in Division I athletics, inspiring current Friars with their achievements in team sports and individual excellence.
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| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Donovan | Head coach, University of Florida men's basketball | Finance | 1987 | Legendary coach who led the Florida Gators to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007, and previously coached at Providence College. |
| John Thompson III | Former head coach, Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball | English | 1988 | Led Georgetown to the 2007 NCAA Final Four and served as athletic director at Georgetown University. |
| Eric Murdock | Former NBA player | Sociology | 1992 | Played nine seasons in the NBA with teams like the Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks after a standout college career at Providence. |
| God Shammgod | NBA assistant coach | 1997 | Former NBA point guard known for the 'Shammgod' dribble, now an assistant coach for the New York Knicks. | |
| Scoonie Penn | Former professional basketball player | Sociology | 2000 | 1999-2000 Big East Player of the Year who played professionally in the NBA and overseas leagues. |
| Bryce Cotton | Professional basketball player | Liberal Studies | 2014 | Two-time Big East Player of the Year who played in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz. |
| Dustin Hermanson | Former MLB pitcher | 1994 | Pitched eight seasons in Major League Baseball for teams including the Montreal Expos and Chicago White Sox. | |
| Ryan Manuel | Former professional baseball player | 2009 | Played minor league baseball in the San Diego Padres organization after a college career at Providence. | |
| LaNeshea Mecca | Professional basketball player | 2009 | Played professionally overseas following her basketball career with the Providence Friars. |
