The Renaissance Society gave audio-visual equipment worth almost $4,000 to the Library Media Center, as a way to thank the Library for helping the organization.

The Renaissance Society ?” an organization that acts as a “Center for Learning in retirement,” according to its website ?” has two programs that meet in the Library on Friday mornings: The Travel and Adventure Program and the Mini-Seminar Program, which is a weekly presentation by various experts in different fields.

Renaissance Society President John Andrew said the audio-visual equipment is frequently used by these two programs. Andrew said Fang Gu, head of Library Media Services, and staff member Rubby Hampton, requested for AV equipment but were denied because of university budgetary restraints.

Gu said two DVD players, one worldwide VHS format player, two wall interface converters, which support laptop connection to the ceiling projector, two new computers, and accessories ?” such as a remote point navigator that is used during Power Point presentations ?” was installed.

The new equipment was installed and in place before a celebration of the donation took place on Friday.

The Renaissance Society decided to donate the gifts at a board meeting.

“Our Board determined that it would be mutually beneficial to assist the media center in updating the equipment and approve the purchase and donation of the needed equipment,” Andrew said.

And both parties seem to agree that the installation of the new equipment is a mutual benefit.

“We received a really wonderful gift that allowed us to enhance rooms in the Library Media Center, said Fred Batt, associate dean for Public Services for the Library. “The equipment is important, in that it helps us address the Library’s teaching and learning mission.”

“This generous gift allows us to enhance multimedia information access,” Batt continued. “We really appreciate this support from the Renaissance Society.”

Tamara Trujillo, senior associate Library dean and coordinator for collection development collected the award from Andrew.

“The media budget is always short, so this gift goes a long way to help the Library Media Center,” Trujillo said.

The Renaissance Society meets every Friday to discuss topics and hear from expert keynote speakers.

“The goals of the Society are to provide opportunities for continued learning and to foster creative expression for the members,” Batt said.

Philip Malan can be reached at [email protected]