KINGSTON, R.I. – March 31, 2009 – Engineering students seeking much-needed scholarship assistance will get a significant boost thanks to a recent cash gift in the amount of $1 million received from an anonymous couple, both of whom are URI alumni. This gift is part of the University of Rhode Island’s “Making a Difference” capital campaign currently underway. It was made in honor of Dr. Thomas J. Kim, former dean of the College of Engineering and recently retired professor of mechanical engineering at URI (pictured right).
The generous donation will enhance the existing Thomas J. Kim Endowed Engineering Scholarship Fund, established in 1993 by Dr. Kim, to provide scholarship assistance to mechanical engineering students with demonstrated academic excellence. The recent $1 million contribution will expand that assistance to include students pursuing any discipline of engineering and will be awarded by the dean of the College based upon academic merit and financial need.
“Dr. Kim has been a much-respected and admired member of our faculty who not only holds impeccable professional credentials, but is highly regarded by all of his former students. The impact he has made on their education is clear and is demonstrated particularly well by this recent million-dollar gift in his honor,” said URI President Robert L. Carothers. “We have been very fortunate to have someone of his caliber contributing to furthering the academic reputation of this institution and we are pleased that, as a part of his legacy here at URI, student scholarship opportunities will be expanded.”
“This is truly a banner gift for URI and one that has helped us achieve and even surpass our campaign expectations to date. The magnitude of this gift and the impact it will have on future ranksof engineering students and the University in general will be very significant,” said URI Foundation President Glen R. Kerkian.
College of Engineering Dean Raymond Wright added, “This magnificent gift comes at a time when our need for scholarships is greatest. It is also remarkable that an outright donation of $1 million has been given anonymously. Such selfless consideration represents exemplary philanthropy, and is an outstanding testimonial to Tom Kim, one of the College’s finest teachers, mentors and
former dean.”
URI’s Making a Difference Campaign seeks $100 million to recruit and retain outstanding faculty, enhance the student-centered campus experience, provide undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships, and fund cutting-edge academic and research initiatives. For more information on the campaign, please contact the URI Foundation at 401.874.7900 or toll-free 1.877.874.5555 or visit www.urifoundation.org.