On March 25th, renowned investor and philanthropist Mario Gabelli visited Roger Williams University from his home in New York to deliver the university’s second-ever graduate lecture for the business school. Speaking to graduating business majors, Dr. Gabelli shared life lessons, career insights, and his perspective on the evolving world our Hawks are soaring into.

The event began with an introduction by Heather Boujoulian, Chair of the RWU Board of Trustees, who welcomed Gabelli and acknowledged his longstanding support of the university. She remarked that they had “bent some rules to keep him a trustee” because of everything he has given to the university over the years. 

Gabelli, who recently funded the Gabelli Scholars program through his latest endowment, opened his speech with comments on March Madness that led into his presentation.  

Gabelli first became involved with RWU through one of his companies, Nortech, and has maintained a strong connection to the university ever since. His financial consulting firm, which employs professionals from 150 different undergraduate programs, proudly features multiple ‘

RWU alumni among its ranks.

Mario Gabelli speaking. Photo Courtesy of Claire Kelley.

Addressing graduating seniors, Gabelli emphasized the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing world. He advised students to “adapt to the world around you,” stressing that the most successful graduates will be those who can embrace change, innovation, and the digital revolution.

One of the most memorable moments of the lecture was Gabelli’s advice on building personal wealth. He encouraged students to start investing in themselves, emphasizing the power of financial discipline. His strategy? Save the cost of a daily drink—whether it’s a coffee, a drink at Portside Tavern, a night out at The Bean, or even a case of White Claws—and put that money into a Roth IRA.

He also shared his philosophy on success, emphasizing the value of having a “PHD”—not in academia, but in life: Passionate, Hungry, and Driven.

“Keep your options open,” Gabelli urged. “Earn compound knowledge, because it will always create returns.”

Gabelli’s visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of lifelong learning, adaptability, and investing in both knowledge and financial security. His words left students inspired to take charge of their futures, embrace change, and, as he put it, “become part of the digital revolution.”