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The Slezak Memorial Fellowship is currently supporting Yuehua Yu, a full-time graduate student in chemistry who expects to graduate in 2009.

Dr. Jane Ann Slezak Gives Back to Her 'Favorite Alma Mater'

As the "lone female student in nuclear chemistry" Jane Ann Slezak never imagined that the Walker Building lab in which she earned an "A" with Dr. Herbert Clark would ever be named for her. Today, Dr. Slezak recalls her stint as a teaching assistant in the lab and considers the recognition "a special treat" as well as "a bonus" for her charitable giving.

Jane Ann Slezak earned her Ph.D. in chemistry at RPI. She continued her studies, completing a post-doctorate program in quantum chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, a second post-doctorate in statistical mechanics at Syracuse University, and returning to RPI for a third in biomedical engineering.

Since 1987 Dr. Slezak has served as a professor of chemistry at Fulton Montgomery Community College, a distinction she credits to her alma mater: "RPI is very well-respected in the community. I attribute my being hired as the first female in the science division to my RPI degree."

Grateful for the exceptional education that has made her success possible, Dr. Slezak decided to express her appreciation by endowing a memorial scholarship. Following the death of her parents, she established The Slezak Memorial Fellowship to preserve their memory and to show her gratitude to them and to RPI. The Fellowship is currently supporting Yuehua Yu, a full-time graduate student in chemistry who expects to graduate in 2009. In addition, Dr. Slezak funded several gifts at Rensselaer that will supplement her income after her retirement.

Sam Wait '53, Associate Dean, School of Science, says, "It seems clear that Dr. Slezak highly values her Rensselaer education because she has combined financial, estate and charitable planning to maximize her impact at the Institute."

Dr. Slezak concludes: "There are countless worthy causes that cry for donations. I have become selective with my philanthropy, and I consider "my favorite" alma mater, RPI, as one of the most worthy causes."

The information in this Web site is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income tax include federal taxes only. Individual state taxes and/or state law may impact your results.

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