Aretha Franklin, Joshua Bell to perform for RPI president

TROY -- Aretha Franklin will sing at RPI in December at a celebration of Shirley Ann Jackson's 10 years as president and the culmination of the $1.4 billion capital campaign she led.

Joshua Bell, one of the world's most acclaimed violinists, will also perform at the weekend celebration Dec. 4 to 6. Franklin's and Bell's performances are open only to RPI students, staff and alumni.

But there also will be public events showcasing improvements to the school under Jackson's tenure.

On Monday, the Chronicle of Higher Education identified Jackson as the highest paid president of a private university in the country with a salary and benefits package worth $1.6 million.

Jackson returned 5 percent of her salary to scholarships at the school last year.

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