“It’s kind of hard to jog there,” Donna Rueli says of the Charles River campus, given the multitudes of cars zipping down the streets. While their son Brendan (CGS’04) likes jogging on Commonwealth Avenue, Donna and her husband, Joseph, are ensuring that he and his fellow jogging mates have the option of indoor fitness facilities.

	Donna and Joseph Rueli with their sons (from left) Brian (CAS'02), Brendan (CGS'04), and Chris. Photo courtesy of Donnal Rueli.

The Ruelis think supporting BU — alma mater of their eldest son, Brian (CAS’02) — is important. They donated to the College of Arts and Sciences last year, and to the Parents Fund the year before that. Their recent pledge to the University will help fund construction of the John Hancock Student Village, the sports, recreation, and housing complex being built along Commonwealth Avenue.

“It seems like it’s a great center of activity for the whole University,” says Joe, executive vice president at Citigroup Investments. “We thought that was the place we could offer a little help.” Donna also is enthusiastic about the Village’s role in the typical student’s life. “It’s a place for all levels of athletes,” she says, “whether you’re a hockey superstar or you’re on an intramural team. I think the Student Village is for all kids.”

While Brian earned his degree in international relations before construction even began on the Village’s arena and Fitness and Recreation Center, Brendan will be able to enjoy them when they open in 2005. An Eagle Scout who plans to study at the School of Management, he likes playing tennis and basketball. Donna is especially reassured that he’ll have a place to jog on the new Track and Tennis Center’s elevated track, away from Comm. Ave.’s traffic.

Joe and Donna have been keeping tabs on the Village’s progress from their Connecticut home and plan on visiting it in person. “We get into the city several times when school’s in session,” says Joe. “We’ll be sure to check it out.”

The Ruelis hope BU remains part of their family after the Student Village opens and Brendan graduates. Their youngest son, Christopher, has liked what he’s seen on campus visits with his brothers. His mother warns him to stay on top of his grades if he wants an acceptance letter. Joe agrees. “When you look at Boston, there are schools, and then there is a handful of schools that people really want to get into,” he says. “And BU’s right up on that list.”

— Jennifer Becker