University of Rhode Island

DR. ROBERT P. "SPARKS" SORLIEN, Honorary Class '71, retired as a senior member of the University Faculty and Professor of English after serving 40 years as one of URI's most distinguished scholars, teachers and avid supporters of intercollegiate athletics. Sorlien also taught at the Naval War College in Newport for 27 years. He holds several regional and national sprint and jumping titles in Masters track & field competition. Sorlien was also inducted into the International Scholar-Athlete Hall of Fame in 2000.