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University at Albany Honors
First Million Dollar Alumni Donors

A history-making gift was announced yesterday, November 6, at the University at Albany�s East Campus in Rensselaer, N.Y. Edward and Frances George (class of 1938), a married couple who met at the University more than 60 years ago, have given the University $1 million, the largest alumni gift ever received by the University. To acknowledge their generosity, the University will name the first building on the East Campus, which now houses the School of Public Health, in their honor.

The ceremony, held at what will now be called the Edward S. and Frances Gildea George Education Center, announced the gift and marks the first time in the University�s 153 year history that a building has been named for donors. The two-story building is the focal point of the East Campus.

Edward George is now retired from the U.S. Postal Service, and his wife Frances Gildea George is a New York State Department of Social Services retiree. Both also went on to earn their masters degrees at the University and Edward George received an Ed.D. from Columbia University. The couple said they originally got together because she could type and he had a car.

University President Karen R. Hitchcock said the naming of the building was a result of their commitment and support for the University. "They met, and fell in love with each other and with the school," she said. President Hitchcock added that, "There have been many changes in their lives but their love for each other and support for Albany never changed."

Edward George, who, in addition to his work with the Postal Service also taught high school mathematics and science, said they decided to give the gift because they believe in the power of education. "We are giving our todays so someone else can have a better tomorrow," he said.

When she worked for the Department of Social Services, Frances George was instrumental in starting the state�s food stamp program. During the ceremony, she said, "The University gave us our start in life and each other. It is a beacon of light for future generations." She added that the building will include her maiden name of Gildea to honor her father who had no male heirs.

The structure, located in Rensselaer at the site of the former Sterling Winthrop labs, houses the University�s School of Public Health. There is a library, video conferencing room, fiber optic communications link, and an auditorium. The Center also houses the Office of Health Research Inc. and the Association of County Youth Bureaus.

For more University at Albany information, visit our World Wide Web site at http://www.Albany.edu.

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November 7, 1997