  | Steven Elterich '72 is URI's first online donor. | ||||||
Profile in GivingWhy waste time? Steven Elterich '71, M.B.A. '74, president of Fidelity eBusiness, saw a recent announcement in a University publication that the Annual Fund had inaugurated online contributions, and he stepped up the same day to make a generous pledge, becoming the first to contribute to the Annual Fund online. "I'm thrilled that Steve has taken the lead," said Maureen Coleman, director of the Annual Fund. "Alumni make tremendous contributions to our University each year, so I'm pleased we're able to offer the convenience of online giving." "It was natural for me," Elterich says. "Technology is at the heart of my business. I have to set a good example." Technology wasn't exactly in Elterich's plan when he earned his M.B.A. in 1974. Personal computers were still a dream and most businesses weren't computerized in any form, so universities didn't specifically prepare business students for the computerized future. "I took a basic computer science course, which was really all that was available back then," he said. "My adaptation to technology began immediately when I entered the workplace." "URI gave me a good foundation in business course work and a solid academic background. I got into the business world at the beginning of the computer revolution, so I had to learn business applications on the job. Fortunately, I've been in a position to adapt quickly and to be ahead of the curve a lot of the time." In his first job, Elterich was assigned projects to incorporate computer technology for competitive advantage. He later worked for Andersen Consulting for 14 years prior to joining Fidelity Investments in 1987, so he developed a strong base in strategic applications of technology. He first installed a major record keeping system that supported millions of Fidelity customers, then managed technology for Fidelity's 401(k) unit before becoming executive vice president of technology for Fidelity Employer Services in 1997. When Fidelity established its online trading and financial management company in September 1999, Elterich assumed the presidency. "My job is to drive Fidelity's Internet strategy forward," he explained. "The company has always been a passionate innovator in technology. We started online trading about five years ago, and now about 90 percent of our brokerage business is online. I believe that practically all financial services business will be done online eventually." Elterich said he's happy to be in a position to help URI, especially because he has firsthand knowledge about the cost of a college education. The New Jersey native now living in Canton, Mass., has one daughter in her freshman year of college and another will be on her way in two years. -- John Pantalone '72 |
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