December 2020
Meliora! Remarks from our Annual Giving Chair
With each new year, our University of Rochester family reflects on the past, and at the same time looks ahead with hope for a promising future, a fresh start, but one that takes into account lessons learned so that we emerge wiser and stronger and “ever better”.
While 2020 has been difficult, I am grateful for, and proud of, all that the University and the Medical Center have continued to achieve. Our world has changed dramatically, but we collectively remain focused on our university’s mission. Extraordinary health care, unprecedented discovery, and rigorous academics are at the core of what we do and are all critical for our future.
George Eastman Circle members have been tremendous supporters of our new emergency funds, created in 2020, to help those who need it most: students who are on campus; researchers in labs focusing on treatments and cures; and Medical Center patients battling COVID-19. So far, more than $1.6 million has been raised for the Student Emergency Fund, the Emergency Financial Aid Fund, the COVID-19 Response Fund, the Food Pantry, and the Staff Emergency Assistance Fund.
These results are amazing, and we are all so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support from our U of R community. I just want to urge those of you who have not already done so, to please be sure and make your membership payment before we close out 2020 – be assured that it will make a world of difference and serve those most in need. (Know that your support is also counted toward the University’s Together for Rochester campaign).
Here’s to a healthy, calm, prosperous, and much happier 2021. Thank you for all you are doing to make that possible.
Stay safe.
Meliora,
Gwen M. Greene ’65
Member, Board of Trustees
Chair, Annual Giving Programs
Hitting all the right notes: One student finds his voice with George Eastman Scholarship
Each year, scholarships offer students the incredible opportunity to study at the University of Rochester. For many, pursuing their dreams would not be possible without the assistance of Rochester donors. Joseph Kelly, a longtime supporter of the University of Rochester, has created a strong relationship with scholarship recipient Michael Aiello. Here, both Michael and Joseph reflect on the impact of the scholarship program and its many rewarding aspects.
Joseph Kelly
Q: Why did you decide to join the George Eastman Circle?
A: I joined the George Eastman Circle because of my love of music, opera, and musical theater, which I inherited from my mother. I also have a longstanding connection with the University of Rochester. In the 1970s, when I was a Professor of Scripture at St. Bernard’s Seminary, I was invited to teach courses on Catholicism for several semesters as a Lecturer in the Religion and Classical Studies Department of the University. Later in the 1980’s when I was Professor of Religious Studies at Nazareth College, as part of the Newman Community of the University, I served for four years as Chaplain to the Catholic Students at the Eastman School.
Q: Why did you choose to support the University through the Eastman Circle Scholarship in particular?
A: When it became financially possible for me to provide some assistance to young musicians, the Eastman School was the appropriate choice. I contribute to two scholarships. One honors my high school music teacher, Sister Edwina Butler and is now held by doctoral student, Michael Aiello. The other honors my mother, Genevieve Reagan Kelly and is now held by first-year Andrew Miller. This type of scholarship is very appealing to me because it awards the entire amount which I donate each year directly to the student for tuition reduction. I, too, am rewarded in many ways. I have the chance to get to know very talented young voice students and watch them grow each year as they prepare to embark on musical careers. I also have the pleasure of wonderful interaction with the amazing faculty members of the Eastman Voice and Opera Department.
Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about your George Eastman Circle membership?
A: As a member of the Dean’s Circle and the George Eastman Circle, I am in the company of other people who share my passion for supporting our next generation of terrific students.
Michael Aiello
Q: How has the Eastman Circle Scholarship influenced your University of Rochester experience?
A: The scholarship from the Eastman Circle is the central piece in my award package that allowed me to choose Eastman to pursue my doctoral degree. Without this extremely generous financial support I would not have even considered coming to Eastman in the first place. The Eastman Circle Scholarship has removed a great deal of financial stress from my mind and allowed me to concentrate solely on my education.
Q: How has your relationship with Joe enhanced your UR experience?
A: Joe and I have developed a close friendship over the past couple years. He has been incredibly supportive of my career aspirations and has taken a genuine interest in my success. Joe is a friend, a mentor, and one of my biggest supporters in Rochester. He has made my time in Rochester incredibly welcoming. I know that if I need advice or a different perspective I am able to turn to Joe whenever I need.
Q: What are your hopes for after graduation?
A: After graduation, I hope to start teaching at a University right away. I have found an intense satisfaction in voice teaching and am certain that I am on the right career path. I have no intention of giving up performing, but intend to find a new balance between a full time teaching job and singing gigs on the side.
Your Philanthropic Impact
George Eastman Circle members make an enormous impact each and every day. To learn more about the difference you make, click here to view our new 2019-20 Philanthropic Impact report.
Upcoming Virtual Events
December 11-13
International Theatre Program presents: The Government Inspector
Thursday, January 28
Rochester’s Quest to Beat COVID-19
As a valued member, we encourage you to visit the George Eastman Circle upcoming events page regularly for exclusive event opportunities.