The Office of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement is rejuvenating its popular "Parents for Providence" program. One enhancement is the hiring of an assistant director of annual giving, whose primary responsibility will be to run the double-faceted parents’ program.

"There are many exciting initiatives taking place," said Lauren Jordan, the new assistant director. "The new Center for Catholic and Dominican Studies is now open, and construction on the new fitness center has begun. Classrooms and labs are being renovated, and innovative curricula are being developed. These initiatives are possible through the generous support of PC alumni as well as parents.

"Parents for Providence," continued Jordan, "is important because it helps parents of students at PC participate in and further these developments. Plus, it helps other parents understand why the giving of their time and the giving of their resources are so important."

Jordan said Parents for Providence is comprised of the Parents Council and the Parents Fund. She explained each.

"The council’s goal is to identify leadership parents who can assist with developing and managing local and regional events that promote the College," said Jordan.

"The Parents Fund is part of the Annual Fund and raises funds only from parents. These unrestricted funds provide critical operating dollars which are available for immediate use wherever there is a need," she said.

Jordan said her immediate task is to make contact with parents and form relationships. To this end, she has held a brunch with a small group of interested parents and another similar meeting is planned for the New Year.

"We’ve had a great response so far," she noted. "We’ve had some really enthusiastic parents get in touch with us."

Jordan said more enthusiastic parents are needed. To learn more or to get involved with Parents for Providence, call Jordan at (401) 865-1512, e-mail her at mychild@providence.edu, or visit Parents for Providence.