2008 Woodie Awards
Alumnus donates $1M for student wellness center
Jennifer Scungio
Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: News
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12/05/07 - University of Rhode Island students who once at their meals ate Roger Williams Dining Hall could soon be working out in the facility thanks to a $1 million donation from a URI alumnus.
Michael Fascitelli, a 1978 industrial engineering graduate, has enabled the university to go ahead with its future $5.5 million renovation plans for a fitness and wellness center in the heart of residential life.
The Roger Williams Dining Hall, which was closed upon completion of Hope Commons, is set to be transformed into a center where students can work out, take fitness classes and seek nutritional help.
Vice President for University Advancement Robert Beagle said a student fitness and wellness center is a much-needed amenity for students on campus.
"We're very appreciative of the gift," he said. "His donation will do a lot for building a facility for students, as well as help to recruit and maintain students. It's great to have an alumnus give this gift. It shows that alumni believe in the university and have great pride in the university."
Fascitelli, a North Providence native, is president of the Vornado Realty Trust. Beagle, who knows Fascitelli very well, said he has been very involved with the university.
"Mike cares a lot of public education and he wanted to make a gift that will make a difference for the campus community," Beagle said. "He's someone who really has an interest in campus community and believes one of the reasons for going to college is to make friends and build lifetime relationships."
Fascitelli's donation will honor his mother, Anna.
"To give back to URI, honor my mother and underscore our family's commitment to education is a unique opportunity," Fascitelli said in a press release. "What is especially appealing to [my wife] Beth and me about this wellness center is that it will be an additive part of the URI experience. College is a time to develop as a person. With the new wellness center, URI students will be better prepared to build fuller lives for themselves and their communities."
Michael Fascitelli, a 1978 industrial engineering graduate, has enabled the university to go ahead with its future $5.5 million renovation plans for a fitness and wellness center in the heart of residential life.
The Roger Williams Dining Hall, which was closed upon completion of Hope Commons, is set to be transformed into a center where students can work out, take fitness classes and seek nutritional help.
Vice President for University Advancement Robert Beagle said a student fitness and wellness center is a much-needed amenity for students on campus.
"We're very appreciative of the gift," he said. "His donation will do a lot for building a facility for students, as well as help to recruit and maintain students. It's great to have an alumnus give this gift. It shows that alumni believe in the university and have great pride in the university."
Fascitelli, a North Providence native, is president of the Vornado Realty Trust. Beagle, who knows Fascitelli very well, said he has been very involved with the university.
"Mike cares a lot of public education and he wanted to make a gift that will make a difference for the campus community," Beagle said. "He's someone who really has an interest in campus community and believes one of the reasons for going to college is to make friends and build lifetime relationships."
Fascitelli's donation will honor his mother, Anna.
"To give back to URI, honor my mother and underscore our family's commitment to education is a unique opportunity," Fascitelli said in a press release. "What is especially appealing to [my wife] Beth and me about this wellness center is that it will be an additive part of the URI experience. College is a time to develop as a person. With the new wellness center, URI students will be better prepared to build fuller lives for themselves and their communities."