Reasons to Give

Faculty and staff donors to the UAlbany Fund are celebrated at a breakfast reception

Purple & Gold Student Ambassador Will Pace, left, helped pay tribute to faculty and staff donors at a reception  in the Campus Center, including, left to right, Victoria Brock, administrative manager in CEAS, Diana Edelson, assistant dean in CEAS, and Paul Miesing, professor of Management. (Photo by Patrick Dodson)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 25, 2020) — For Regina Testa, UAlbany has been more than just a job. It’s been an opportunity to make a difference as a long-time library employee and as a donor.

It is that same motivation that has fueled current and retired faculty and staff members to give more than $11 million towards the University’s This Is Our Time fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $145 million and created 160 new endowed scholarships

At a breakfast reception earlier this month, the University celebrated its faculty and staff donors, the number of which has doubled in the past five years. Some 844 faculty and staff members gave in the last fiscal year. Though their reasons for giving vary, their commitment to the students and the University is shared.

In their own voices

I give because I love working here, love the students, love EOP, and hire many of these students. I love the library — working with a group of people who try hard every day to serve. — Regina Testa, head of the Innovate Make Create Center, University Libraries

I give because I want to see the University thrive and grow in new ways to provide an affordable, quality education. — Heather Murphy, Intensive English Language Program

I think it’s important to invest in what you believe in. This year, I gave to two UAlbany initiatives dear to my heart: The Puerto Rico Service Learning Project and Initiatives for Women. Both are inspired by my mother, Carmen Ortiz, my greatest role model. I think it’s important to support the PR project because our students will be affected in positive ways as they serve others, expand their perspective, and eventually leave UAlbany as better citizens of this world. — Daphne Jorgensen, assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

I donate to the Jonathan Whyte-Dixon Scholarship. Jon was a wonderful student and his spirit of generosity lives on in this scholarship, allowing others who are community oriented a chance to thrive at UAlbany. — Mayra Raxon, assistant director, Residential Life

I believe in higher education. And I want to help provide an excellent experience for our students. — Deborah Bernard, director of public services, University Libraries

I was a recipient of scholarships while a student-athlete here at UAlbany and it had a huge impact on my educational experience. Now as an employee I want to give back, not only out of appreciation, but because I know every dollar donated is an investment in our students. — Alyssa Lotmore, assistant to the dean for communications and engagement, School of Social Welfare

I used to be a UAlbany student with many needs and now I work with many students who have the same needs. I am so honored to be in a position to do something to support them. — Rachel Moody, director, International Academic Partnerships and International Academic Advising

I give because I see the University moving in an exciting direction. I want to be part of helping the University be the best it can possibly be! — Jaclyn Napoleon, director of graduate recruitment, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy

As an alum and a staff member, I am committed to making the next 175 year of UAlbany even greater. — Paul Grondahl, director, New York State Writers Institute

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