Providence, R.I.--David J. Aldrich '79, an alumnus who has spent the last 25 years in the technology industry, recently issued a leadership challenge to prospective members of the largest philanthropic society at Providence College, the St. Dominic Society.
In what is being called the St. Dominic Society Aldrich Challenge, Aldrich will contribute up to $50,000 for new leadership gifts--donations of $1,000 or more--made to either the PC Fund or the Angel Fund.
The PC Fund is the College's annual fund, dedicated to the institution's most pressing needs. The Angel Fund is an ongoing source of financial aid for students whose families have been faced with unexpected and extraordinary financial challenges.
The Aldrich Challenge formally was launched on October 1 and announced on October 2 during a St. Dominic Weekend reception for St. Dominic Society members at WaterFire Providence. New leadership gifts to the PC Fund or the Angel Fund this fiscal year automatically will be matched by Aldrich at the rate of 50 cents on the dollar, up to $1,000, while challenge funds are available.
Aldrich's contributions will be directed toward the PC Fund in order to help the College address its greatest needs. These priorities include providing students with an exceptional, transformative education, attracting and retaining talented faculty, and supporting innovative learning technologies and optimum spaces for studying and socializing on campus.
Gratitude expressed during reception
The brief speaking program at the WaterFire reception opened with remarks by David Wegrzyn, vice president for institutional advancement. He underscored the significance of the support provided by St. Dominic Society members particularly in the overall educational experience of the College's students. Last fiscal year, approximately 1,200 society members donated more than $9 million to PC, he said.
Prior to introducing Aldrich, College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80 expressed his gratitude to benefactors for their generosity and spirit of "giving back." He said, "You have given us Dominicans much to be grateful for and I want to thank you on behalf of us all."
Saying the College is "thriving" despite the difficult economic times, Father Shanley noted more than 50 new faculty members were hired during the last three years and that the College continues to upgrade its facilities, most recently the addition to the Slavin Center.
"With your help, PC is poised to become an even greater school," said Father Shanley, who added that Aldrich is an example of exceptional philanthropic leadership.
Aldrich, who is the president and chief executive officer of Skyworks Solutions, Inc., a Woburn, Mass.,-based company that produces analog and mixed signal semiconductors, said he was motivated to help his alma mater after talking with Father Shanley about the College's needs. A political science major at PC, Aldrich said he found the Angel Fund, which was established last winter, to be an appealing endeavor.
"I decided to try to help, and I humbly hope you will do the same," Aldrich told the benefactors.
For additional information on the Aldrich Challenge, contact Tracey Mullane in the Office of Institutional Advancement at 401-865-1580 or at tmullan1@providence.edu.
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