Institute for Portuguese and??Lusophone World Studies
??
Dear Friends of Portuguese Studies at Rhode Island College,
In my last message to you as Director, I would like to thank you all for your extraordinary support over the years in building the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Rhode Island College into the respected entity that it is today. The time, the talent and the generous donations of so many of you are responsible for the evolution of the grassroots organization “Friends of Portuguese Studies” in 2003 to the academic center that exists today at Rhode Island College.
None of this would have happened, of course, without the confidence and the support of the Rhode Island College administration, specifically the Office of the President, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Office of College Advancement and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Thank you for valuing and embracing diversity and opportunity which benefits all aspects of the Lusophone community in Rhode Island as well as Rhode Island College.
Thank you to the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly on projects large and small without compensation.?? These include Rhode Island College faculty of the Institute’s Academic Advisory Council and community leaders representing the diverse Luso-American community who constitute the Community Advisory Board.??
Financial support is always a necessity, not an option. The Portuguese Studies Endowment Fund, the Lema-Fernandes Portuguese Study Abroad Fund and the John A. and Mary V. Lima Portuguese Studies Scholarship Fund were all made possible through foundations and countless donors over the years, some of which include:
- Luso-American Development Foundation
- J. B. Fernandes Memorial Trust
- RI General Assembly
- John A. Lema and the John A. Lema Charitable Trust
- M. Rachel Sousa Charitable Trust
- Seven Castles Club
- Instituto Cam??es
- Gulbenkian Foundation
Most of all, my deepest appreciation goes to my colleague, Dr. Silvia Oliveira, for her tireless work and partnership over recent years. Since her arrival in 2011 as Portuguese Studies professor in the Department of Modern Languages and as Faculty Liaison to the IPLWS, Dr. Oliveira has restructured the Portuguese Studies program, grown enrollment in Portuguese Studies to the highest in the region, organized numerous academic and cultural events and spearheaded study abroad opportunities for RIC students. She has worked with me and advised on all Institute projects and activities and is ideally suited to step into the role of director.
It is my sincerest wish that all our stakeholders will value and support Dr. Oliveira as the new director of IPLWS.?? She has my full confidence and endorsement. I have no doubt that the IPLWS will ascend to new heights under her leadership.
With my heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for every success,
Marie??