Women’s Giving Circle Sponsors Books for the First Year Reading Program at Adelphi University

 GARDEN CITY, NY, November 2012—Adelphi University’s Women’s Giving Circle (WGC), a group of Adelphi alumnae, friends and parents committed to support the growth of the Adelphi community, made its inaugural contribution by purchasing more than 1,000 books for the First Year Reading Program for the class of 2016. Due to their generosity, each incoming freshman received a copy of Michael Pollan’s Omnivore’s Dilemma, at no cost. Omnivore’s Dilemma will be used by the students to participate in the First Year Reading Program as a vital part of transitioning from high school to college academics.  

WGC established in 2011, which now has seven members, has the sole mission to make an impact on Adelphi students, faculty and programs. The circle is designed for women who want to give back, pool ideas and funds, in order to make a greater difference as opposed to making individual contributions. Furthermore, each member brings with them a unique background, areas of interest and significant expertise, which empowers them to make not only financial donations, but also contributions of time and talent—and live up to their commitment to support the growth of the Adelphi community.  

Council members Melissa Driscoll and Judy Garczynski-Fleishman M.A. '92, Ph.D. '95 from Manhasset; Maureen Pollicino M.B.A. '78 from Plandome; Ann Dick '47 from Oyster Bay; Mary Perry M.S. '06 from Port Washington, Donna McCoyd '78, M.S. '02 from Garden City and Lynda Perdomo-Ayala '78 from Port Jefferson take great pride in their leadership position and are keenly aware of the impact. Council member Mary Perry, M.S. ’06 says, “Being a part of the Women’s Giving Circle is a way of empowering ourselves, and in turn, empowering Adelphi.”  

WGC works closely with the University’s Provost Office and council members vote on the allocation of the funds collected. While anyone can join the community, those who support the circle at an annual level of $1,000 (and graduates of the last decade who give $100 multiplied by the number of years since graduation) can become council members in the circle.   For more information, visit http://giving.adelphi.edu/womens-giving-circle/ or call Rory Shaffer-Walsh, director of major gifts, at (516) 877-3098.  

About Adelphi University: Adelphi is a world class, modern university with excellent and highly relevant programs where students prepare for lives of active citizenship and professional careers. Through its schools and programs—The College of Arts and Sciences, Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Honors College, Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, University College, Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, Schools of Nursing and Social Work—the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls nearly 8,000 students from 43 states and 45 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University, chartered in 1896, maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous professional preparation and active citizenship.
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