KINGSTON, R.I. — December 19, 2000 — Thanks to its donation of air monitoring equipment, R.I. Analytical will help the University of Rhode Island fight industrial pollution in the state. “We had some air testing equipment here that was barely used,” said Anthony “Tony” Perrotti, president of R.I. Analytical. “I thought it was a shame that it sat around gathering dust when I knew the University could make good use of it.” This gift of equipment is not the first time the University has benefited from the goodwill of R.I. Analytical or Perrotti. A 1962 alumnus with a degree in biology and a member of the Dean’s External Advisory Council of the College of Arts and Sciences, Perrotti likes to give back. “I see the University moving along much better and much faster. It’s drawing better-qualified students and establishing a national reputation. I want to be part of that. I have a real element of pride in URI.” Winifred Brownell, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, noted, “We deeply appreciate the generous donation of scientific equipment from Anthony Perrotti and R.I. Analytical for the URI Center for Pollution Prevention. This gift will enable faculty and students to enhance critical research on environmental assessment and pollution. Tony has supported URI in a number of important ways, including his volunteer work as a member of the Dean’s External Advisory Council and through his company’s sponsorship of world renowned artists in our Great Performances series.” R.I. Analytical has two buildings in Warwick and one in Newton, Mass ., and has a total of 62 employees. Specializing in environmental services, the company tests for contaminants in industrial sites, tests industrial waste products, and conducts lead testing, asbestos surveys, and water quality assessments. It also tests for exposure to industrial contaminants, noise, air, and water. Its long list of customers includes sewer treatment plants, hospitals, engineers, and homemakers. The URI Center for Pollution Prevention will be the primary user of the equipment. Since 1989, URI faculty and students in the center have helped prevent pollution at more than 300 companies. The center has worked with a wide variety of industries, including metal finishers, textile manufacturers, fish processors and jewelers. “The nature of our work is protecting the environment,” said Gene Park, assistant research professor of chemical engineering and co-director of the Center. “Air monitoring, particularly as it relates to worker health and safety, is important for our efforts. Donation of this air monitoring equipment provides us with an opportunity for additional research down the road.” R.I. Analytical has also contributed $2,500 to sponsor pianist Santiago Rodriquez, who will perform in a Great Performances Concert at URI in March 2001. “It’s a way to give back to URI. The education I received as a student has been the foundation of my success,” Perrotti said. For Information: Todd McLeish 874-7892