Date:    July 19, 2005

To:       Members of the University Community

From:  Karen Kavanagh

          Executive Vice President for Administrative Affairs

    
Over the years, the Rutgers University community has given generously to the University Condolence Fund. This is a special resource supporting expressions of sympathy on the passing of active or retired faculty or staff. The many thank you notes and phone calls of appreciation we have received show that these expressions of sympathy are deeply appreciated by the bereaved.

Through the fund, the university sends either a basket of fruit to the home of the bereaved or a scarlet and white flower arrangement to the funeral home or memorial service. In addition, the President, on behalf of the university community, sends a condolence letter to the next of kin, and the Rutgers flag in front of Old Queen's is flown at half-staff in memory of the deceased.

Voluntary contributions from faculty and staff members support the University Condolence Fund. Since the last appeal for donations several years ago, we have sent a yearly average of 25 to 30 memorials expressing sympathy on the passing of Rutgers employees and retirees.

So that the university may continue to honor and remember our colleagues in this special way, we are asking you to make a contribution to the fund today. Please make checks payable to Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and send them via campus mail to:

Office of Administrative Affairs
University Condolence Fund
Old Queen's, Room 207
83 Somerset Street, College Avenue Campus

Thank you for your consideration and support.