May 20, 2015
In Memoriam: Rebecca L. Ramos, longtime College leader in information technology
Rebecca L. Ramos, former assistant vice president for information technology, died on March 26, 2015.
Ms. Ramos served the College for nearly 35 years in the field of computer services/information technology. She originally worked as a programmer/analyst for PC from 1976 to 1981. She returned in 1984 when she was named the director of administrative computing, and was later promoted to executive director of computer services. Ms. Ramos was named assistant vice president for information technology in 2003 and retained that title until leaving PC in December 2013.
A highly respected member of the College community, Ms. Ramos was afflicted with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Accompanied by her husband, she joined in the collegewide observance of the “Ice Bucket Challenge” on campus in September 2014.
“Becky was a tremendous employee and leader,” said John M. Sweeney, senior vice president for finance and business/CFO. “She loved Providence College. She loved her staff and worked so well with people throughout the College.”
She was effectually a pioneer among women in information technology in the 1970s, said Sweeney, who called her ascension to chief information officer at the College “remarkable.” Through all of the pressures and changes in informational technology over the years, Ms. Ramos “handled things with grace and determination” and was a source of inspiration to her staff and other colleagues.
Ms. Ramos had a special place in her heart for international students at the College, too, noted Sweeney. She would help them find employment in her department and elsewhere, and would make sure they had clothing and other provisions to ease their assimilation to life in a new surrounding.
A natural history enthusiast as well, Ms. Ramos donated a collection of books to the College’s Phillips Memorial Library last year.
A resident of Warwick, R.I., Ms. Ramos was a graduate of Warwick Veterans High School and the University of Rhode Island. She served as chair of the board of directors of the Ocean State Higher Education Economic Development and Administrative Network (OSHEAN). The network is a group of healthcare organizations, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, libraries, government agencies, and other community organizations that provides technology solutions and operational efficiencies.
Ms. Ramos was the wife of Owen L. Gibbons, Jr. She is also survived by her step-children, Owen L. Gibbons, III and his wife, Katherine, and Dawn E. Sicco and her husband, Mark; a brother, Jeffrey A. Ramos; two sisters, Cynthia B. Caramiciu and Roberta L. Ramos; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Sandra A. Sullivan.
Visiting hours were held in the Urquhart Murphy Funeral Home, Warwick, R.I.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be made to the ALS Association of Rhode Island, 2918 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886, or at webri.alsa.org.
