Campaign for the Second Century Update

Thanks to several recent major gifts, including a one-of-a-kind sculpture by a renowned New Jersey artist, Montclair State University's Campaign for the Second Century has officially passed the $30 million mark of its $50 million goal to build a stronger future for Montclair State and its students.

The George and Helen Segal Foundation has made a gift of the late Mr. Segal's sculpture "Street Crossing," worth nearly $1 million. This spring Montclair State will unveil the permanent installation of "Street Crossing," a seven-figure bronze sculpture that embodies the culmination of Segal's aesthetic. This marks the new partnership of Montclair State with the George and Helen Segal Foundation, which maintains the artist's estate and a vast collection of his works, many of which have yet to be seen by the public.

MSU named the University's art gallery, the George Segal Gallery, a magnificent 7,000-square-foot space, in honor of this renowned New Jersey sculptor. Helen Segal and Rena B. Segal '75, the widow and daughter of the artist, and president and vice president, respectively, of the George and Helen Segal Foundation, and Susan Kutliroff, Segal's niece and secretary/treasurer of the Segal Foundation, will be the guests of honor at the opening reception. The George Segal Gallery will be the new home to nationally significant exhibitions focusing on masters of the 20th and 21st centuries.

"Street Crossing" by George Segal Photo credit: © Donald Lokuta/Licensed by VAGA, New York, N.Y.

The Segal Gallery opening on April 5 also will mark the beginning of a two-week exhibition that documents the creation of "Street Crossing." The Gallery also will feature a major exhibition of Alexander Calder's weavings, the first retrospective of these works created for the American Bicentennial, in spring 2006. Already scheduled for Montclair State's Centennial Celebration in 2008 is a major retrospective of Segal's work.

In other Campaign news, Edward Leshowitz '36 has given $1 million to name the new recital hall for the Music Department in the renovated Chapin Hall, in memory of his son. The Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall will be designed by David Greenberg, the same acoustician who designed the Alexander Kasser Theater. The new hall is scheduled to open in fall 2007 (click here for related story).

Leshowitz received an honorary doctor of humane letters from MSU in 1996. He was a co-founder and senior partner of Cali Associates with Angelo Cali '36, his childhood friend and Montclair State classmate, and Cali's brother John. Now known as Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, the company is one of New Jersey's largest and most successful businesses.

In 1994 he established the Edward Leshowitz Urban Initiative Program, which supported MSU initiatives that sought to find solutions to crucial problems confronting urban communities in close proximity to campus. Leshowitz also donated funds to create the Leshowitz Family Scholarship and is a longtime supporter of Montclair State's Annual Fund.

Former Dean of Students Lawton W. Blanton, Jr., who passed away in May 2005, willed his home and a generous cash gift to the University. Blanton served as director of Admissions from 1957 to 1961, and dean of students from 1961 until his retirement in 1980. Blanton Hall, a student residence facility, was named for Blanton in 1982. He was a major proponent of the residential experience at MSU and strived for more student residences throughout his tenure as dean. 

In addition, Eva S. Walther '34 recently established a charitable gift annuity to MSU. This gift will establish the Eva S. Walther '34 Scholarship, which will benefit Montclair State students studying English or music.

Other recent significant Campaign gifts from individuals include generous donations from Sanfurd G. Bluestein, who made a gift to the Music Department Piano Fund; and Annette Catino '78, president of QualCare, Inc. MSU Foundation Board members who recently made gifts to the University include Angelo R. Cali '36, Rev. Dr. Audrey Vincentz Leef '43 and Robert Jay Lieberman.

The $50 million Campaign for the Second Century culminates in 2008, Montclair State's centennial. Paul V. Stahlin '74 and Douglas L. Kennedy are co-chairs of the Campaign, which seeks to raise funds to support ongoing major capital projects, including the Alexander Kasser Theater, the Children's Center and University Hall, the largest academic building on campus, as well as a new recreation center, currently under construction, and major renovation and renewal of existing academic buildings. Campaign funds also will support faculty chairs, professorships and lectureships, undergraduate scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships, student development, academic programs, and library and information technology.