Montclair State University

It takes a noble person to plant a tree whose shade he will never enjoy - Anonymous

Despite the economic challenges that we face, Montclair State University’s College of the Arts is thriving like never before with record-breaking enrollment and a host of exciting new programs for the public. Your generosity is needed to provide scholarships for worthy and talented students, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree. Also, the University is seeking sponsors for several important capital projects including renovation and maintenance of Calcia Hall, the L. Howard Fox Theater and the McEachern Music Building. As you know, equipment is also an ongoing concern for anyone involved in the arts. We gratefully accept in-kind donations of musical instruments – especially pianos! – lighting, film and video, A/V and other stage equipment.

Several recent gifts from alumni and friends, including the University’s first-ever scholarship from the Liberace Foundation, will help CART students to achieve their full potential:

TINA NA HUANG (M.A. '09, Violin Performance) is the first Cali School Liberace Scholar, awarded by the Liberace Foundation. Tina studies with YI-WEN JIANG, violinist with the Shanghai Quartet. She is the co-concertmaster of the MSU Symphony Orchestra. Legendary entertainer Liberace created his Foundation for the Performing & Creative Arts in 1976 because he had received scholarship support to study at a conservatory in Wisconsin for 17 years and was always grateful for the positive difference that scholarships had made in his life.

Back in his student days, DANIEL G. “DON” ALEXANDAER’s (’48) favorite teacher was music professor Dr. Edna McEachern, for whom the current music building was named. The loyal alumnus recently made a donation to establish the McEachern Music Library Fund in honor of his “Mentor in Music” at Montclair State. His gift will support the purchase of music books, scores, music and other invaluable materials for the Cali School. It will also ensure a permanent place in the new Cali School of Music building to honor Professor McEachern and her memory.

Frank H. Granito, Jr., Esq. made a very personal gift in honor of his beloved wife HELEN ALTIERI GRANITO (’55), known affectionately as Betty. As a student, Betty lived on the third floor of Chapin Hall, the building now being renovated for the Cali School of Music. Betty’s old room will be dedicated in her honor, with a plaque and picture to let generations of students know about a special person who came before them, as well as Frank and Betty’s enduring love.

Alumni RONN (’64) and KATE (’66) SACCHIERO of Stanhope, NJ donated more than 800 volumes of music, books and other printed materials to the Cali School of Music. Many thanks for their generosity!

McElroy Memorial: On November 15^th, some 70 Speech & Theater alumni, faculty and friends gathered to pay tribute to the memory of distinguished faculty member Clyde McElroy who passed away in July. Retired faculty member Wayne Bond served as the master of ceremony for a short presentation about “Dr. Mac” and for many heartfelt testimonies by those who knew him best. As part of his final wishes, Dr. Mac designated Montclair State University to receive a portion of his estate to establish a permanent scholarship in theater.

For further information about how you can assist the College of the Arts, please contact Keith Wiggs, Development Officer, at 973-655-3443 or wiggsk@mail.montclair.edu or visit http://www.montclair.edu/Arts/giving/

Article Entered Into News System: Wednesday, February 4 2009
Article Last Edited: Wednesday, February 11 2009