May 20, 2015
Why I give: Kathy Calnan ’94
For Kathryn (Parrella) Calnan ’94, gratitude is expressed through giving.
At 18, Calnan entered Providence College intending to become an actor. When she realized her talents were better matched to the business end of theatre, she considered transferring — until two faculty members helped her find a way to combine her interests by offering a course in theatre management and assisting her in obtaining internships. Today, she counts John P. Garrity ’73, associate professor of theatre arts, and Joseph A. Gemma ’75 & ’77G, assistant professor of management, as both mentors and friends.
Calnan, who majored in theatre arts with a minor in business studies, is director of development at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, overseeing a staff of seven. She is married and the mother of three daughters.
When Calnan was a senior, members of her class were challenged to donate $100 to PC, payable over the first four years following graduation.
“That got me and others into the habit of giving, and as time went on and I could, I tried to give a little bit more,” said Calnan, who has given every year since her graduation.
Calnan also gives of her time. A class agent, she helped plan her 20th reunion last year. She returns to campus to serve on alumni career panels.
“During times in my life when I wasn’t living within a commutable distance of the college, it was harder to do that, but pretty much since I graduated, I’ve tried to be supportive with money, or time, or both if possible,” Calnan said. “I enjoyed every moment of my days at PC, and I’m grateful for what John Garrity and Joe Gemma did to get me on the right road. They made it possible for me to stay at PC.”
