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In Memory of Thomas K. Plofchan,
Sr. Vice President for Institutional Advancement
University of the Incarnate Word

Tom and Paula Plofchan

It is with utmost sorrow and respect that the University of the Incarnate Word expresses its condolences to the family and friends of Thomas K. Plofchan, Sr., Vice President for Institutional Advancement from 1986 to 2001.

Through his hard work and perseverance, the University reached the highest levels of fund raising success since its founding in 1881 by the Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Last year, Tom was named Outstanding Fundraising Executive and his accomplishment was celebrated at San Antonio's 20th Annual National Philanthropy Day.

Aside from being one of the region's most accomplished fund raising professionals, Tom was himself a giver. He donated generously to those same university projects to which he so successfully convinced others to donate.

He was devoted to his large and growing family. Despite his professional challenges, he and his wife, Paula, found time to attend the baptisms and confirmations of each of their 11 (now 12) grandchildren, even though all of them live out of Texas. Tom was an accomplished organist and tenor, and he volunteered his talents at countless anniversaries and weddings, including those of his children.

And he was dedicated to the mission of the university. Though he could have retired, especially after illness began to slow his step, he continued to work steadily to finish the Science & Engineering fund raising campaign. And he almost did. The campaign is now in its final phase, scheduled for completion in July, 2002. In the process, he assembled the largest group of individual donors, or Associates, in the history of the university.

Nothing could honor his memory more than to join us in the successful completion of the Science and Engineering campaign by July, and help the university meet the requirements for a $l,000,000.00 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. Gifts or multi-year pledges are welcomed.

In addition, the university has established the Thomas K. Plofchan, Sr. Scholarship Fund in his memory. Contributions of support to either or both of these projects can be made to: University of the Incarnate Word, UPO 390, 4302 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209