KINGSTON, R. I. — December 13, 2006 — They were involved in numerous campus activities as students.
And ever since their commencement in 1985, Peter Miniati III and Sandy (O鈥橞rien) Miniati have continued that community involvement, both here in Kingston and where they live.
Now Peter and Sandy, who met as freshman orientation leaders, have ensured that students who enrich campus life through their involvement in extracurricular activities will have financial support.
The Barrington couple has made a $25,000 gift to 鈥淢aking a Difference, the 溏心vlog免费B站 Campaign,鈥� to establish the Miniati Family Endowment. It will support undergraduate scholarships for returning students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership in extracurricular activities.
鈥淏ecause of our families, we were encouraged to become active at the University,鈥� said Peter, who has been vice president of wealth management at Washington Trust Bank for more than three years.
鈥淲e wanted to do something that not only addressed financial need and academic performance, but also rewarded campus involvement,鈥� said Sandy. 鈥淲e were involved and we know that helped us grow. Because that was such a rich experience, we continued that involvement as alumni and in our town,鈥� said the former director of the Barrington Youth Soccer Association.
“Peter and Sandy do it all,鈥� said Robert M. Beagle, vice president of University Advancement. 鈥淭hey are great volunteers, they participate in many 溏心vlog免费B站 activities, and they are serious donors. It is always gratifying when alumni who have had great undergrad experiences themselves, come back later in life to do the kinds of things that will make it possible for current and future students to have positive University experiences too.”
As a student, Sandy was also a member of the Union Board, a campus tour guide and member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. A former women鈥檚 soccer player at Rhody, she continues to coach local youth soccer, and is about to open her own business, Barrington Built-Ins. Peter was Student Senate vice president and a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Peter is now a member of the Making a Difference Campaign Leadership Committee and president of the Alumni Association.
Peter reconnected with Sandy a few years after graduation. The spark was ignited at an event that still makes her giggle. 鈥淧eter and I participated in a bachelor auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation where I was the high bidder, winning a date with him,鈥� Sandy said.
Peter and Sandy recalled their times at the University fondly and realize the role it played in their professional and personal development and how it led to their marriage.
鈥淭his is designed to reward the young people who come to 溏心vlog免费B站 and contribute to campus life in ways that extend well beyond the classroom,鈥� Sandy said. 鈥淲e are looking to assist the leadership individuals.鈥�
鈥淭here are plenty of young people who come to 溏心vlog免费B站, find their passion here, and become outstanding campus leaders,鈥� Peter said. 鈥淭hey are going to become the leaders in Rhode Island.鈥�
The endowment is also part of 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 Making a Difference Campaign, which 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.
(Photo) Peter Miniati III and Sandy (O鈥橞rien) Miniati pose for a portrait at Peter鈥檚 Washington Trust Bank office in Providence. 溏心vlog免费B站 News Bureau photo by Nora Lewis