Providence, R.I.--The culmination of Providence College's St. Dominic Weekend, which honored the College's most generous donors and showcased the accomplishments it has achieved with their support, was the "St. Dominic Gala: Keeping the Promise" evening on October 3 in Peterson Recreation Center.

Highlighting the gala was the inaugural induction ceremony for PC's new 1917 Society, which recognizes those whose lifetime donations to PC total $250,000 or more. Approximately 90 alumni, their spouses, and/or foundations were inducted in recognition of the impact their gifts have made by transforming the College's academics and campus, and the lives of thousands of students.

The induction ceremony was conducted by Very Rev. D. Dominic Izzo, O.P. '88 & '05Hon., prior provincial of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph and chair of PC's Corporation, and College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80. It featured 34 inductees passing a torch that symbolized "keeping the promise" to provide students with a quality education and the facilities and support to achieve it.

PC students Charles da Silva '10 of Raynham, Mass., Jaimie Scambio '10 of Cranston, R.I., Tinacho Chitongo'10 of Harare, Zimbabwe, and Francine Chi '10 of Wrentham, Mass., took part in the ceremony as symbolic current and future student beneficiaries of the donors' generosity.

The 350 gala attendees included members of the St. Dominic Society, members of the Harkins Society (members include PC in their estate planning), and scholarship donors. The gala also featured the new "Keeping the Promise" video, which showcased the outcomes of the donors' financial support, the need for increased support, and reflections by alumni/ae on the importance of their PC years.

"Watershed moment"
The program began with remarks from Scambio, PC's senior class president, who thanked donors on behalf of current and future students for "making PC what it is today."

During his welcoming remarks, Father Shanley called the evening "a watershed moment in the history of the College" in which "we celebrate what we have achieved" and "are confident in going forward."

"It was vital that you came back to campus to see what you have helped us to do," Father Shanley said. He also noted the importance of the support of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph.

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