Women’s Philanthropy Profiles

Lasting Connections Make an Imprint on the Future

When Cynthia Davis Sculco ’65 gets together with her Chi Omega sisters, they are known to burst out in song. Their enthusiasm and talent can be traced to the singing competitions when they were students at URI.

“We still sound pretty good; and we still know all the words,” laughs Sculco.

When she gathers with her friends from the nursing program, they reminisce about late night studying in a “spooky dormitory” in Providence and tests with Professor Welk. Her class of 16 is still a tight-knit group.

Her experiences at URI shaped who she has become as a person and as a nursing educator.

“I knew I wanted to earn a BSN, and I couldn’t afford the other schools I looked at,” said Sculco. “URI has always had a good reputation and when I received a scholarship it changed the course of my life…and started me on my career that I love. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

“My husband Thomas and I both feel very grateful for the support we received to go to college,” she said. “We are committed to giving back so others can have the same opportunity.”

In 2007, in honor of the College of Nursing’s 65th anniversary, the Sculcos offered to “match” gifts that would create new endowments for nursing. The “Sculco Challenge” resulted in seven endowed funds for nursing scholarships and academic support. At this point 45 scholarships have been awarded, and the endowments assure a bright future for generations of nursing students.

Recently they established the Cynthia and Thomas Sculco Graduate Nursing Research Scholars Fund to help recruit exceptional Ph.D. candidates by accelerating their Ph.D. experience and sustaining their academic work during the summer.

Sculco’s commitment to the College of Nursing is personal and extends beyond her financial support. She has participated on the Nursing advisory board and mentored students. She enjoys attending reunions, catching up with friends, and seeing the University’s progress.

“URI is in an incredible position to become renowned as a world-class university,” said Sculco. “I’m proud to be a graduate of URI and the College of Nursing.” And she sings her alma mater with gusto.