In July, President Ioannis Miaoulis discovered that his luck extended far beyond the classroom with a rare lottery win.
Mialous won $1 million in the February 2nd Mega Millions lottery, yet he did not realize it until July. The President purchased his ticket at the Stop & Shop on Metacom Avenue in Bristol. Like many casual lottery players, he didn’t think much of it. After realizing his numbers had not won the jackpot, Miaoulis tucked the ticket away in a drawer and forgot about it.
It was not until he heard on the news that the winning ticket had been sold at the same Stop & Shop that he checked his numbers. The winning combination for the $333 million drawing included his five numbers: 11, 22, 64, and 69. Although President Mialous missed the Mega Ball number of 18 by one, matching five numbers earned him the second prize of $1 million.
In an interview with the Providence Journal, Miaoulis reflected on his unexpected win. “You buy a dream for $10,” he said, describing his occasional lottery purchases. With astronomical odds against him, Miaoulis didn’t expect to win. Yet, once the realization hit, Mialous was ecstatic, feeling compelled to involve his family.
“When I confirmed it, my first thought was of my family,” Mialous told the Hawks Herald. “I was so excited that I was able to take one of my daughters with me to the Rhode Island Lottery office to claim the prize.”
His family celebrated the unexpected windfall by going to a nearby sushi restaurant. “My daughter couldn’t believe I had lunch with that check in my pocket,” Miaoulis recalled with a laugh.
Mialous, who took home substantial earnings after taxes, plans to use his winnings in a thoughtful manner. Despite the allure of newfound riches, the president has no intention of changing his lifestyle dramatically. In fact, he has committed to donating a portion of his winnings to both charity and Roger Williams University.
“I am planning to continue donating to Roger Williams University. This gift from my winnings would focus on supporting students,” he said. As a first-generation college graduate, Miaoulis emphasized the value of education and the importance of giving back to the community.
“I hope to see more people gain access to education and use their experiences to uplift others in their communities,” Miaoulis shared. “The ripple effect of a generous act toward providing educational opportunities is tremendous and creates positive momentum.”
When asked how he plans to enjoy the rest of his winnings, Miaoulis revealed that much of it will go toward helping his children. “I am sharing with my children, as they now have young families to care for and support,” he said. However, he is also keeping an eye on his future, setting aside a portion of the prize for his eventual retirement.
As an engineer, Miaoulis appreciates the improbable nature of his win, “I understand probability very well and could not believe I had a winning ticket,” he said. Yet even if he had won the full jackpot, Miaoulis said he wouldn’t have changed his role at the university. “My focus is on leading this amazing university,” he added, highlighting his commitment to RWU.
For now, Miaoulis continues to lead Roger Williams University, supporting students and staff while embracing a moment of fortune that highlights his dedication to education and family.
