KINGSTON, R.I. -- February 1, 2002 -- A Wilton, Conn. couple has established a scholarship with an initial donation of $10,000 for children of firefighters, police or enlisted military personnel at the University of Rhode Island, their alma mater.

"It was a combination of events and factors that came together that created the scholarship," explained Philip Fitting from his Greenwich, Conn. office at Brookside International Incorporated, a private equity, growth and capital venture firm, where he is managing director. "My brother is a firefighter and we’ve had family members in the military. We know firsthand that money can be in short supply."

Fitting noted that the events of September 11 also shaped the couple’s thoughts about creating the scholarship.

The scholarship is named after the Fittings’ niece, Jennifer Corbett, who died of cancer when she was merely 15. "It is a way for us to memorializing her life," her uncle said. The endowed scholarship will be perpetual since only the interest will be given annually to needy recipients who are selected by URI’s Office of Financial Aid.

Philip Fitting and Martha Hopkins met in grammar school in Bristol, Rhode Island, but didn’t begin to date until they attended the University of Rhode Island.

Martha’s family has deep roots in the University. Her mother was an alumna and her grandfather, Professor Robert DeWolf, taught anatomy at the school for decades. Martha graduated in 1981 with a degree in human development and family studies.

"I’ve been very fortunate," said Fitting who graduated a year before his wife with a degree in finance from the College of Business Administration. "This is our way of giving back."

"The Fittings have been long time supporters of the University, donating generously to the Annual Fund and special building campaigns such as Ballentine Hall, home of the College of Business Administration," said Sarah Howard, a member of the URI's University Advancement Division. "This latest gift will help many students fund their education over the years."
For Information: Jan Wenzel, 874-2116