Schenectady, N.Y. (May 3, 2002) – FleetBoston Financial Group has contributed $20,000 to the Union College Becker Career Center, to fund six student internships with non-profit organizations, Union President Roger Hull announced. The gift, in addition to three previous donations made to the College by FleetBoston in 1998, 1999 and 2000, totals $75,000 in support over the last four years.
“FleetBoston's on-going support demonstrates its commitment to community service, and to the belief that individuals and institutions alike have an obligation to make a difference in the communities in which they are a part,” Hull said.
Internships with Capital District non-profit organizations were made available to Union sophomores and juniors. Once chosen they commit to working full-time for 10 weeks and will receive a total of $3,300 distributed throughout the summer.
Michelle Arcuri, a Union College junior majoring in Economics, has been selected for an internship with Bethesda House, a day shelter for the homeless and mentally ill, in Schenectady. “I want to push my comfort limit while I still have the chance to,” said Arcuri. “After graduation an opportunity to volunteer at an organization like (Bethesda House) would not be feasible, if for no other reason than financial.”
Michelle will assist the staff of Bethesda House with their monthly newsletter, sort through clothing donations, assist in development of their website, and run a budgeting workshop for the guests, whose average yearly income is $10,000.
Union students will also give their time over the summer months at Girls, Inc.; the Schenectady Museum; the Citizen's Environmental Coalition; Schenectady Day Nursery; and the Nathan Littauer Hospital, as a result of the FleetBoston grant.
“Union College has a unique leadership role in Schenectady,” said Hermes Ames, President of Fleet Bank Upstate New York. “We are pleased to support their efforts to provide local non-profits with the benefit of their students' knowledge and expertise. This type of collaborative effort will benefit all of the participants as well as the entire community.