WEST GREENWICH – The University of Rhode Island will celebrate the golden anniversary of its W. Alton Jones campus with a series of events throughout the year.

The 2,300-acre, forested campus was donated to the university in 1962 after its namesake was killed in a plane crash. The campus holds important roles as a conference center, youth camp and environmental-research facility.

Events marking the anniversary are slated to include nature walks, a dedication of the campus’ new telescope and observatory, and reunions for staff and alumni who worked or studied there.

“The campus provides tremendous value to the university, especially to our research scientists,” said URI President David M. Dooley.

A formal celebration expected to highlight the year of events is scheduled for September and will include remarks by Dooley and Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee. •