For Joe Rigali ’70, being a founding donor of the Equity Fund is key to making an impact for students today
As one of the founding donors to Williston’s Equity Fund, Joe Rigali ’70 is helping to create a sense of belonging for current students. Now in its third year, this donor-supported fund helps underwrite the true expense of the Williston experience for students from families with very high financial need, covering the cost of such items as team gear, calculators, college application fees, and pizza with friends on the weekends. Rigali, who is a Williston Trustee and an active member of the school’s DEIB committee, has been encouraged by the school’s commitment to its 2021 strategic plan for DEIB (see the full plan at williston.com/diversity), which aims to make the school a more welcoming community for all students from all backgrounds. “I believe in the plan’s long term goals, but I also wanted to find immediate and concrete ways to make a difference in the daily lives of students now,” he says. “The Equity Fund’s purpose aligns perfectly with my intent, and I hope it is affecting the lives of students today.”