From the winter 2008 issue of UConn Momentum
A couple with four degrees from UConn between them has endowed two new permanent scholarship funds. J. Peter ’82 ’83 ’85 and Jennifer ’92 Natale have given $50,000 to establish scholarships for fine arts majors and student leaders. In addition to this new gift, the Natales are longtime supporters of the track and field team.
“Our primary mission in establishing these scholarships is to provide support for students interested in pursuing opportunities that we both found to be of such great value: athletics, fine arts and leadership,” says the couple. “In time, our hope is that students who benefit from our gift will in turn give, and continue the cycle of giving for generation after generation of UConn students.”
While attending UConn, the Natales pursued a number of academic and co-curricular interests. Mr. Natale earned bachelor’s degrees in geography and in geology and geophysics as well as an M.B.A. Mrs. Natale earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Outside the classroom, Mr. Natale gravitated toward the arts, and Mrs. Natale ran on the track and field team. Both were involved in student government and the Department of Residential Life as resident assistants and hall directors. The couple’s scholarships reflect their wide-ranging passions.
As a former professional trumpet player, Mr. Natale is pleased to be able to support students interested in the performing arts. The J. Peter & Jennifer Natale Fine Arts Scholarship is particularly meaningful because Mr. Natale’s brother, David, a painter and musician, graduated from the UConn School of Fine Arts in 1982.
“My commitment to fine arts stems from a lifelong commitment to music, art and theater. It’s a commitment that began in childhood and continued through a professional career in music that spanned over a decade,” adds Mr. Natale.
David Woods, dean of the School of Fine Arts, says the scholarship will provide critical assistance for talented students and also contribute to the school’s high reputation.
“This financial assistance is essential to attract the best artists and scholars possible to the campus,” says Woods. “Scholarships such as this expand and enhance the possibilities for students. They contribute significantly to the stature and quality of our program.”
The couple credits their leadership training at UConn with putting them on the road to success. Mr. Natale is chief information officer for Becton, Dickinson & Co., a Fortune 500 medical technologies company. Mrs. Natale notes that UConn’s program helped her develop the skills needed to become an effective leader working with local charities and international philanthropic foundations.
“Both of us were actively involved in student leadership organizations while attending the University of Connecticut. The value of these experiences has paid dividends for us in the roles we have today,” says the couple.
The J. Peter & Jennifer Natale Student Leader Scholarship will be given to high-achieving students who take on leadership roles, such as peer mentors, community assistants or student government representatives.
UConn’s leadership activities are experiential, offering hands-on lessons to complement what students learn in the classroom, says Christine Wilson, associate dean of students and director of student activities. Student leaders have opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors and participate in a variety of activities.
“Our programs, services, retreats and conferences can be costly, so we are fortunate that donors like the Natales can help support student leaders,” says Wilson.
To support the School of Fine Arts, please contact Paul Goldberg at 860.486.0394 or by e-mail. To support leadership programs, please contact Becky McEnery at 860.486.6851 or by e-mail.
