UAlbany's Five Quad Volunteer Service Dedicates New Ambulance with Help of 2008 Senior Class Gift
Ambulance unveiled during traditional "wet down" ceremony

Contact(s):  Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 16, 2008) -- State and local leaders and local emergency services today joined UAlbany's student-run Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service to celebrate the generosity of the 2008 Senior Class Gift, which helped purchase a new ambulance. The 2008 Senior Class Gift is considered one of the most successful in the University's history with over 400 pledged donations totaling more than $16,000. A traditional "wet down" ceremony by local fire departments marked the ambulance's official launch into service.

"This new ambulance represents the spirit and generosity of students in the Class of 2008 and allows Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service to continue its important work in providing emergency responses to the campus and surrounding community," said Interim President George M. Philip.

The Senior Class Gift, a more than 110-year-old University tradition, is a way for students to give back to UAlbany, serving as a living tribute to great memories, an outstanding education, and a bright future. One of the earliest-known class gifts dates back to 1897, when students donated funds toward the first Civil War Memorial Tablet, located in the Willet Street Building of the New York State Normal College, the predecessor of the University at Albany. Previous gifts also include stained glass windows at Dewey Library, the clock tower in the circle outside the Science Library, a bronze sculpture of UAlbany�s Great Dane mascot and scholarships for needy students.

�I congratulate Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service for their continued dedication to providing life-saving services in our community. This new ambulance is testament to ensuring that those in need can benefit from state-of-the-art equipment,� said Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, '76.

"We appreciate the spirit of giving the students have shown us throughout the year. We're excited to use this new ambulance to continue to provide around-the-clock care to the UAlbany community and beyond," said Ryan Jankow, '09, president of Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service."

The 2008 Senior Class was challenged by Philip, Foundation Board President George Hearst, and Vice President for Development Fardin Sanai, who each pledged $1,000 if more than 300 students donated this year. The class met the challenge with a record 484 students pledging donations.

�It�s a great feeling for the 2008 graduates to leave this lasting impression at UAlbany as we all move on in our careers,� said Nick Fahrenkopf, '08, 2008 Class Gift Committee.

Founded in 1973, Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service is run and operated by UAlbany students and is committed to providing a trained emergency response staff to the University and surrounding community. Each semester, Five Quad has between 50-90 active members (including actively participating alumni), 20-30 members-in-training, and two functional ambulances. Our active membership is composed of CPR certified attendants, New York State Emergency Medical Technicians, Drivers, and Crew Chiefs.

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