Campaign for the Second Century Update

Building a Stronger Future for Montclair State
More than $35 Million of $50 Million Goal Raised So Far

Thanks to several recent major gifts, including a famous sculpture by a renowned New Jersey artist, Montclair State University's Campaign for the Second Century has now officially passed the $35 million mark of its $50 million goal to build a stronger future for Montclair State and its students.

The George and Helen Segal Foundation made a gift of the late Mr. Segal's sculpture Street Crossing, worth nearly $1 million. On April 5, 2006, Montclair State officially unveiled the permanent installation of Street Crossing, a seven-figure bronze sculpture that embodies the culmination of Segal's aesthetic. MSU has named the University's art gallery, a magnificent 7,000-square-foot space, in honor of this internationally acclaimed sculptor.

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 renowned Alexander Kasser Theater. The new hall is scheduled to open in fall 2008. The late John J. McMullen and The McMullen Family Foundation have made a gift of $1 million. McMullen, the former owner and chairman of the New Jersey Devils National Hockey League team, received an honorary doctoral degree from MSU in 2003. A lifetime Montclair resident, he was a 1936 graduate of Montclair High School and his daughter, Catherine McMullen-Blake, is a 1985 Montclair State graduate. A naval architect and marine engineer, he was chairman and founder of John J. McMullen Associates, one of the most prominent and successful naval architectural firms in the U.S.

Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr. has made a commitment to support a major gift to name the endowed chair in Italian and Italian American Studies at Montclair State University. The chair will be named in honor of Mr. Inserra's parents, Theresa and Lawrence R. Inserra.

The long history and tradition of Panzer College continues to this day, and the graduates have remained loyal to their alma mater and Montclair State. The members of the Panzer Trust made a major gift to name the Panzer Exercise Science and Physical Education Laboratory Suite in University Hall.

Other recent significant campaign gifts from individuals include generous donations from Annette Catino '78, president of QualCare, Inc., and Dr. Sanfurd G. Bluestein, who made a gift to the Music Department Piano Fund. MSU Foundation Board members who recently made gifts to the University include Angelo R. Cali '36, the 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, the recently opened University Hall, 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.