Providence, R.I.--The generosity of Providence College's leading benefactors was celebrated during the first-ever St. Dominic Weekend on October 2 and 3 on campus. More than 350 donors attended a series of events sponsored by the College.

The weekend was exclusively planned for the College's most loyal benefactors whose generosity shapes the foundation of the PC community. The goals of the weekend included connecting leadership donors with students and faculty, showing alumni what their support has done for the College, and thanking donors for their support.

The weekend paid tribute to all leadership donors--those who contribute $1,000 or more annually. Invitees included individuals who have created scholarship funds and members of special giving societies that recognize major donors to PC: the St. Dominic Society, the Harkins Society, and the 1917 Society.

Friday's featured events were a Veritas Reception for St. Dominic Society Veritas Circle donors and members of the newly-established School of Business Advisory Council. Also, more than 200 donors attended a reception and special WaterFire Providence viewing downtown.

Varied events throughout weekend

• Saturday's highlights included: "Breakfast in Friartown," which featured presentations by Robert G. Driscoll, Jr., associate vice president/athletic director, Friar coaches, and student-athletes.
• The Office of Career Services held an open house where staff members were on hand to review résumés and answer questions for young alumni.
• Rev. Joseph J. Guido, O.P., vice president for mission and ministry, led an enrichment presentation entitled "Through the Eyes of St. Dominic: The Landscape of Holiness." He shared artistic depictions of St. Dominic and visual images of the places where the saint lived and worked throughout his life in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. 
• George Zalucki '63, a motivational speaker and center on the 1961 Friars NIT championship team, spoke about "Interrelated Components of Personal Development and Achievement" in the Feinstein Academic Center. The event gave alumni the opportunity to interact with student organization leaders.
• Also, PC scholarship and Angel Fund leadership supporters were honored at a Scholarship Donor Lunch. More than 90 students that benefit from alumni financial support were in attendance. Approximately 250 people attended the Scholarship Donor Lunch intended to recognize scholarship and Angel Fund leadership supporters. Members of the offices of Institutional Advancement and Financial Aid joined donors and their student recipients at tables during the luncheon. The program included a video presentation and remarks by College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80 and Angel Fund leadership donor Robert W. Fiondella '64, retired CEO and chair of The Phoenix, a wealth management products and services provider.
• Father Shanley and the College's Cabinet fielded alumni questions about the current and future state of the College during a President's Forum. Following the forum, Mass was concelebrated at St. Dominic Chapel. Mass included a Pin Blessing Ceremony for members of the Harkins Society.
• The signature event of the weekend was the St. Dominic Gala in the Peterson Recreation Center. The gala featured the first induction of 1917 Society members.

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