Jim Taricani, investigative reporter at WJAR-TV, and Gina McCarthy, former head of the EPA
Jim Taricani, investigative reporter at WJAR-TV, and Gina McCarthy, former head of the EPA Credit: University of Rhode Island

Gina McCarthy, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency under President Barack Obama, will receive an honorary doctor of science degree and give the commencement address at the University of Rhode Island’s commencement on Sunday, May 20th.

McCarthy helped shape environmental and transportation policies in Massachusetts and Connecticut before joining the U.S. EPA in 2009. She was named administrator of the federal agency in 2013.

Also receiving an honorary doctorate at the commencement is Jim Taricani, a top investigative reporter for WJAR-TV. Taricani, who is retired, had a career spanning almost four decades with the Rhode Island NBC affiliate. He was known for his investigations of government corruption and organized crime.

URI will also award honorary degrees to Dr. Dharam Ablashi, a renowned scientist; Akihiro Nikkaku, CEO of Toray Industries; and Anne Mimi Sammis, an acclaimed Rhode Island-based painter and sculptor.

Scott MacKay retired in December, 2020.With a B.A. in political science and history from the University of Vermont and a wealth of knowledge of local politics, it was a given that Scott MacKay would become...