An award of $273,000 isn’t big money by Ivy League standards, but for modest Westfield State College it’s all right. I donate a not-tiny amount of money to WSC every year. I always stipulate that my contribution go towards the Arts, in memory of my art instructor, Arno Maris. More about Mr. Maris in an upcoming post that I’ll call “Arno and the Nazi Bastards!”
WSC receives $273,000 award
Thursday, October 19, 2006
By ALEX PESHKOV
WESTFIELD – A state program that encourages private giving to the state’s public colleges and universities has awarded $273,000 to Westfield State College.
The money was provided by the Public Higher Education Endowment Incentive Program, college spokesman Craig Phelon said this week.
The state Legislature re-established the program this summer. It provides $1 in matching funds for every $2 raised from private donations.
Westfield State raised $546,000 from private donations during fiscal 2006, making the college eligible for the state funds, said Robert Siomek, executive director of the Division of Advancement and College Relations.
The funds were added to the Westfield Fund, managed by the Westfield State College Foundation. The fund is used to support several college programs.
"The Legislature has given us a great tool to encourage donations to the Westfield Fund," Ziomek said.
He praised state Sen. Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield, and state Rep. Don Humason, R-Westfield, for their strong support.
"Private fund-raising for public institutions of higher education has become an increasingly important part of the puzzle in ensuring our state colleges and universities remain affordable for all Massachusetts citizens," Knapik said. "I am proud to support this legislative initiative which allows for Westfield State College to be rewarded for its highly successful efforts over the past several years."
©2006 The Republican
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