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Lema, the son of a Portuguese immigrant, was honored as a 2009 Partner in Philanthropy at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Tuesday at Rhode Island COnvention Center.
He was nominated by the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies and the Rhode Island College Foundation because of his generous contribution of $100,000 over two years. He said he was looking for a way to support Portuguese Studies at Rhode Island College and to honor the memory of his parents.
His donation opened the John A. and Mary V. Lima Memorial Scholarship Fund for Portuguese Studies at Rhode Island College. The endowment fund will generate scholarship awards for years to come for qualified and deserving students studying Portuguese language and Lusophone culture at RIC.
He was nominated by the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies and the Rhode Island College Foundation.
Marie R. Fraley, Interim Director for the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies, said Lema is an avid and energetic traveler who has introduced many friends to the sights of Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira.
"He is anxious to give students the opportunity to study the language and culture for their enrichment and for the advancement of their careers," she said.
Students enrolled at RIC who wish to apply for the scholarship should apply by contacting Fraley at 401-456-8496 or sending an email to mfraley1@ric.edu.
