The University of Rhode Island has announced a $10 million gift from alumnus Michael D. Fascitelli ('78, H'08) and his wife, Elizabeth, in support of its College of Engineering.

Half of the gift will be used to fund research and laboratory equipment in the new Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering on the university's Kingston campus, while the remainder will establish an endowed fund in support of the dean's priorities. Scheduled to open this fall, the 190,000-square-foot, $150 million facility will feature advanced tech equipment, including a nanoparticle analyzer, high-speed camera, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometer, as well as flexible-use spaces for collaboration.

A managing partner of MDF Capital and the Imperial Companies, Michael Fascitelli serves on the executive committee of the URI Foundation board of directors. Elizabeth C. Fascitelli is a managing director at Goldman Sachs. The couple's previously provided support for the Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center, named in honor of Fascitelli's mother, and a scholarship that provides financial assistance to students from North Providence.

"The talent and innovation coming out of URI Engineering are undeniable," said Fascitelli. "The College of Engineering has been a leading institution for the region, and its partnerships reach around the world through the International Engineering Program. Beth and I are very happy to play a part in this next phase for the college."

(Image credit: Ballinger)