Enjoying the all-classes barbecue at last year’s Reunion Weekend are, from left, Susan Duffy Haley ’82, Deborah Kirrane ’82, Susan Tranner ’82, and Tom Palamara ’80. Alumni in class years ending in 3 or 8 who are celebrating reunions this year are being asked to consider participating in their class’ reunion-giving program.

Theodore J. DeNicola ’74, senior major gifts officer, said he and other office staff members have been meeting with alumni, both individually and at College-hosted luncheons, to facilitate several special anniversary reunion-giving programs.
 
“These meetings are an opportunity to get alumni engaged and involved with Reunion Weekend events and reunion giving,” said DeNicola. “We always encourage them to set a class goal for their reunion giving.”

DeNicola said several reunion classes this year are focusing on providing funding for the new Concannon Fitness Center and for class scholarships.

The two-level, 23,000-square-foot fitness center is a state-of-the-art facility that features fitness and exercise equipment for novices and varsity student-athletes alike. It opened in September 2007 and is named for the family of College trustee William F. Concannon ’77.
 
“The fitness center adds a new vitality to the school,” said DeNicola. “It can help everyone on campus become the best they can be.” He added that alumni can receive a DVD and print materials about the fitness center if they contact the institutional advancement office at (401) 865-2414.

Marguerite Stokes ’86, major gifts officer, said many anniversary classes “have built a proud tradition of reunion giving at PC.” Stokes added, “The College is grateful for and encouraged by the interest and participation of several class leaders who remain involved and dedicated to the College in extraordinarily generous and commemorative ways.”  

By way of example, she cited the Class of 1953, whose legacy includes the Class of ’53 Scholarship Fund and the altar in St. Dominic Chapel dedicated in its honor. Stokes said that for their 55th anniversary, the class members’ goal is to raise money to dedicate the main entrance of the fitness center in its collective name.

Felicia Greene, assistant director of annual giving, is working with the Class of 1983—which is celebrating its silver anniversary—to reach its reunion-giving goal of raising $205,000. She said that this special 25th reunion celebration would be an opportunity for class members to designate their gift to either the Providence College Fund or the Class of ’83 Legacy Scholarship Fund.

She said that gifts to the PC Fund enable the College to fund critical initiatives benefiting current student programs. The Class of ’83 Legacy Scholarship Fund was established by class members to offer financial assistance to undergraduate students of alumni. Both of these opportunities offer a special way for alumni to commemorate their years at PC, said Greene.

To make a gift online, visit www.givetopc.org. Gifts must be received on or before June 30, 2008, to be recognized for 2007-2008 annual giving. To see if you or your spouse work for a matching gift company, visit www.matchinggifts.com/providence.