photo by Mark SchmidtBy Carol Olechowski
During the recently concluded Campaign for the Libraries, parents of the UAlbany classes of 1999 through 2003 contributed more than $300,000 to help equip the new library. Now, their generosity will be commemorated with a lasting monument: the Parents Fountain, located in the spectacular gardens in front of the building.
The library campaign was launched in April 1998 to raise $3 million and earn a $500,000 challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation for the purpose of furnishing and equipping the new facility. By December 31, 1999, fundraisers had more than achieved their aim. In fact, thanks to support from 6,500 donors, the campaign exceeded its goal by more than $302,000.
In recognizing the parent donors to the campaign, said Vice President for University Advancement Robert Ashton, the naming will pay tribute to both �their generous support and their concern for students at the University.�
Michael Boots, director of annual giving, credited Parents� Fund co-chairs Karen and Dan Covitt for rallying other UAlbany parents to the cause. He also praised Annual Fund student callers for �doing an outstanding job.�
All 6,500 Campaign for the Libraries donors will have an opportunity May 3 to visit Parents Fountain during a �Victory Celebration� scheduled to honor them for the $3.3 million they contributed to the fundraising effort. Special guest speaker John E. Kelly III, general manager of IBM�s microelectronics division, will receive the Medallion of the University, the highest award UAlbany bestows. A reception for all donors is planned as part of the celebration.
Aside from providing a focal point for the May 3 celebration, the Parents Fountain is expected to become a new gathering place on the main campus. �It is our hope that generations of students will come to sit quietly on the benches in this garden, enjoy the music of the fountain, and recall the vital role parents and families have played in helping students experience the growth and excitement of study at a great University,� Ashton noted.
Added Boots: �We are very grateful to our parents for their phenomenal support. They gave Albany something very tangible that will benefit their children — and their grandchildren.�
