KINGSTON, R.I.–Feb. 20, 2025–Howard S. Frank ’62 and his wife, Mary E. Frank, have made a $2 million gift to the University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center. The gift adds significant private support for a landmark project with a view to expanding access to the arts for students and the public.

In recognition of the Franks’ generosity, their name will be represented on the Howard ’62 and Mary E. Frank Gallery Atrium, the Howard ’62 and Mary E. Frank Gallery, and the Howard ’62 and Mary E. Frank Student/Experimental Gallery.

“We are proud that the Franks’ names will forever be associated with the arts here at URI,” said University President Marc B. Parlange. “The Fine Arts Center will be a transformative space that serves not just our campus, but all of Rhode Island, and especially our neighbors in South County. It’s a fitting tribute to the Franks, who care so deeply about the arts and the success of our students and faculty, and their extraordinary generosity will open doors to the life-changing power of the fine arts for generations to come.”

“When President Parlange and his wife Mary told us that they were exhibiting campus artists’ works in their home,” said Howard Frank, “we knew that they shared our deep dedication to the arts. The Fine Arts Center provides the opportunity to support an aspect of campus life that we think is very important and deserves to be better served on campus.”

The $99 million project includes new construction as well as upgrades to existing space that will result in a radically changed home for the visual and performing arts. Rhode Island voters approved a bond issue in 2021 to provide $57.3 million, and the Rhode Island General Assembly agreed to provide $17 million. Private philanthropy, led by the Franks’ commitment, provides further momentum as the effort moves toward completion.

“The new center will be a state-of-the-art home for the work of our student- and faculty-artists,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Jeannette E. Riley. “It will also encourage students from all academic areas to explore their creativity. Engaging students across the disciplines in the arts is key to the URI experience.”

“Universities have a responsibility to broaden the education of students beyond their specialized focus,” said Mary Frank. “Every student should have the opportunity to walk into the arts center and be unexpectedly transported by an experience that can ultimately alter their lives.”

Each year, 5,000 students take classes in the Fine Arts Center. It also welcomes 50,000 visitors annually for more than 100 concerts, eight main gallery shows, and five mainstage plays.

The Franks have previously contributed to URI with the Howard and Mary E. Frank Scholarship Endowment in the College of Business and the Agnes Doody Memorial Scholarship. They are also major supporters of arts institutions around the world, including the New World Symphony, Save Venice, Inc., the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the American Academy in Rome.

“We have always supported arts organizations in the communities where we live,” said Howard Frank. “We believe that all of the arts play an important role in helping people better understand their history. The creation of art must be fostered and the product properly preserved for future generations.”

Howard S. Frank received a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Rhode Island in 1962. After 23 years at Price Waterhouse Coopers he moved to Miami-based Carnival Corporation in 1989, where he advanced from Senior Vice President and CFO to vice chairman and chief operating officer until his retirement in 2013. During his 24-year career with Carnival, Howard was instrumental in building the largest cruise company and one of the largest leisure companies in the world. Howard currently serves as the lead director on the board of the St. Joe Company located in Panama City, Florida.

Mary E. Frank earned a Ph.D. in art history from Princeton University with a focus on the art of Renaissance Venice. Her most recent project was overseeing the publication of a monograph by David Rosand (1938–2014) on the sixteenth-century Venetian artist, Paolo Veronese. She has held leadership positions on a number of arts boards, including the Miami Art Museum (now The Pérez), and Save Venice. She is an active emerita member of the board of the American Academy in Rome. She recently joined the board of the New World Symphony, succeeding Howard, who was a long-time trustee. The Franks are also both dedicated supporters of their synagogue in Miami, Temple Judea.