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 Campus AppealGiving at the office As the new academic year began, hundreds of University faculty and staff received a special 'thank you' from President Robert L. Carothers for more than just the dedication they show everyday in their jobs, but also for their generous gifts to the University. In thanking the employees gathered, the president announced that last year, through the University's annual Campus Community Appeal, 473 employees gave $187,000 to the University. The donations were made through the URI Foundation and the URI Annual Fund to benefit several areas. Carothers said that the value of these Community donations helped the Annual Fund to reach its highest-ever level of $1.3 million. He thanked last year's Community Appeal Chair Henry Pedro, assistant dean of the College of Pharmacy and class of '76, for his successful efforts. In looking ahead to the 2001-2002 campaign, President Carothers announced Paul DePace, associate director of Capital Projects and class of 1966 and 1975, as the new chair of the appeal. "As someone who plays a central role in renovating, restoring, and building just about all the facilities at the University, now Paul will also lead the charge in raising funds to help sustain and improve many of these well done works," said Carothers. "There are a couple of things that I believe strongly in, and giving back to the community is one of them," said DePace when asked why he volunteered to chair this year's appeal. "There's not enough money from the state and other resources to take care of all the needs here. I think we all have a responsibility to give back, to the best of our abilities, with our own time and our resources. It's really what makes a community work." The Campus Community Appeal includes all gifts to all funds at the University. Faculty and staff may make gifts to existing funds in their colleges, departments, or to any other endowments or annual fund. The following fund suggestions are included in this year's appeal: The Library for books, periodicals, scholarly journals and technology upgrades; the Excellence Fund that is unrestricted and supports a variety of needs; and the Convocation Center Campaign. Gifts to the Convocation Center can be made over a five-year period and contributors at and above $2,500 will be recognized on a master plaque. To date, over $13 million of the $15 million campaign has been raised. By Jhodi Redlich |
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