Donors RISE to the challenge

By Rose Hoonan, Staff Writer -- hoonan15@up.edu

The University's RISE Campaign has gathered over $130 million and hopes to reach $175 million by the end of the campaign on June 1.

"The RISE Campaign is the largest campaign for a private school in the Pacific Northwest," Vice President for University Relations Jim Lyons said. "By the end of the campaign, we will probably see around 45 to 50,000 single donations."

On Monday, the Hearst Foundations donated $100,000. The program supports four students each summer over a 10-week research project overseen by faculty advisors for college credit.

Donors come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are UP alumni or are parents of current or former students, and others are community members who are unaffiliated with the University.

"I think students are all profitable people in terms of service," Lyons said. "Donors see that when they come in contact with students, and they jump on board."

The donations are allocated to various funds such as student scholarships, the chapel and library renovations. In some cases, the donor decides where the money goes, and in others, the donation is unrestricted and the University places the money where it is needed.

"Just in the last three weeks, the size of donations ranged from $50 to $500,000," Lyons said. "It's been a really good year, and I am confident we will meet our goal. We are currently running significantly ahead of our projections of where we should be at this time."

UP donor Dr. Don Romanaggi

There is no coincidence that Dr. Don Romanaggi has the same name as the Old Science building - Romanaggi Hall.

"Have you ever heard of Romanaggi Hall?" Romanaggi said. "That's me."

His contributions to the University reflect his area of study. As a pre-med student, Romanaggi was familiar with science halls.

"I spent many an hour in chemistry and biology labs," Romanaggi said. "That's why I contribute to maintenance of science halls. It's important to keep them modern and make sure they're safe."

Romanaggi, who graduated in 1956, has been donating to the University since the 1970s. In addition to his contributions to Romanaggi Hall, he funds annual scholarships to help students with tuition.

"At the time I went to school, tuition was low," Romanaggi said. "In 1952 tuition was only $450."

UP donor Jim Berchtold

UP alumnus Jim Berchtold has donated to the University for over 25 years. His contributions are due to the fond memories of his time on The Bluff.

"I donate in part because of the strong memories I have at UP," Berchtold said. "The bonds with classmates and other people are ones I will never forget."

In addition to his contributions, Berchtold created a scholarship in honor of his wife, Amy Berchtold.

"She was a USC (University of Southern California) grad, and a big supporter of USC," Berchtold said. "But after her first exposure to the University, she was enamored with the principles of the University and its leaders."

In an effort to help UP maintain its quality education, Jim and Amy Berchtold give back.

"It's important to donate because all of the donations give the school the opportunity to continue its learning excellence," Berchtold said.

UP donor Rick Baek

UP alumnus Rich Baek spent over 20 years learning on The Bluff. After receiving a degree in engineering, Baek returned to the engineering school to earn his master's degree and his MBA, which he completed in 1993. Baek appreciates the learning excellence of the institution and its people.

"Everyone I see, their heart is in the right place," Baek said. "The University is vigorous and involved, and the academics are strong. When you put this together, it's where a whole person can be developed, and this is hard to find."

Baek chose several funds to donate to, including the Center for Entrepreneurship, the School of Engineering, the Library and the Chapel of Christ the Teacher.

"I'm passionate about a lot of things at the University, so it is difficult to choose," Baek said. "Among others, I chose the library because I certainly spent a lot of time there myself, and also, it needs updating. I also chose the chapel because it is a place of worship, which I see as the core center of spiritual growth."

Baek sees his donations having a lasting effect on the University and its people.

"By supporting the University, I know I will get manyfold return in the community," Baek said. "I know my donation will continue to give and provide return for years - if not decades - to come."