Fall 1999 Newsletter

BiGALA Caps Off First Fundraising Campaign Over Goal!

This fall BiGALA is bringing to a close its first ever capital campaign having raised $66,000, 65% over its original goal! Thanks in large part to a generous gift by Michael Dively '61, the money raised in the campaign will initially fund the Summer Internship Program, but also financially underpin BiGALA's presence on campus.

One of the major programming initiatives of BiGALA, the Summer Internship Program each year awards stipends to two undergraduates to use in self-designed projects in an arena of the student's choice. The campaign was launched in April 1998 at the on-campus BiGALA reunion and showing of the AIDS Quilt, with an original goal of $40,000. Through Mike's generosity and forty-four other BiGALA members, this goal has been surpassed and support has been ensured for the Internship Program for years to come.

"From my experience as a professor at Albion College, I was aware of the value of internships," said Dively when asked what inspired his gift, "It gives students a chance to explore possible careers, to explore personal interests, and to grow personally. I think internships can be particularly helpful for gay and lesbian students as they explore themselves in the world, and from the feedback it seems the program is achieving this." "I wanted to make sure the internships would continue into the future so I have provided additional funding to the college to make sure this will happen... I hope that other alumni will share my enthusiasm and perhaps be able to assist financially in the years ahead to ensure the future of the program."

In response to Dively's contribution to the campaign, Executive Committee Board member and Chair of the Internship Program Susan Paulson '88, said "Mike's support validates the strength of this program and gives us the stability to continue to offer this important program into the future. BiGALA's Summer Internship Prorgam is now assured a permanent place alongside the College's other internship programs for years to come." There is still time to make a gift to the internship fund. Please contact Reese Hughes '85 in the College's development office for a pledge form (Reese.W.Hughes@williams.edu, (413) 597-4028). If you have made a pledge but not yet sent in your check, you will be receiving a reminder in the coming weeks. The Executive Committee of BiGALA is thankful to everyone who contributed to the campaign and in particular Michael Dively '61. Your support has made the internship program a reality and a great success!

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