In a demonstration of his company's commitment to education and technology, Bell Atlantic's Charles E. Gwaltney, area manager for external affairs, recently presented a check for $110,000 to President James V. Koch. The contribution is one in a series of gifts from Bell Atlantic to Old Dominion over the past few years.

The contribution brings the Campaign for Old Dominion University, the school's first capital campaign, to $45.5 million, or 95 percent of its $47.8 million goal. Since 1995, Bell Atlantic has given the university $405,000, all of which has been earmarked for the distance learning program.

This latest gift will fund the purchase of two-way interactive video and audio equipment to link Norfolk elementary schools to the university's teacher preparation program in the Darden College of Education. The equipment will be used specifically for electronic field trips and student mentoring.

"We are grateful to Bell Atlantic for helping us work more closely with local public school systems," said President Koch. "It is programs such as this that help promote lifelong learning among youth the very youngsters who will one day work at Bell Atlantic and other technologically advanced companies."