Panzer Trust Provides Exercise Lab Suite, Reinforces Panzer Legacy at Montclair State

The long history of Panzer College continues to this day, and the graduates remain loyal to their alma mater and to 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.

“Panzer alumni are fervent about keeping the name of Panzer at Montclair State because we believe it shows that MSU maintains the highest quality of teaching preparation,” says Malcolm Simon '54, First Vice President of the Panzer Trust.

Two rooms are named in honor of Louis J. Peragallo '49 and Florence K. Peragallo '49, both leaders of the Panzer alumni for many years.

One of the exercise laboratories is named for Dr. Margaret C. Brown, a beloved Panzer professor and president when most of the Trust members were in school. “Dr. Brown embodied the professionalism of the school and demanded professionalism from the students,” says Mr. Peragallo.

The fourth room is named for Panzer professor and registrar Dr. Hazel M. Wacker. She also served as advisor to Panzer student groups and directed the on-site camping experiences and offcampus community service leadership requirements. Dr. Wacker served as a professor and chair of the physical education department at Montclair State College from 1973 until her retirement in 1978. She was very active with the Panzer alumni group for many years. The Exercise Science and Physical Education Department was first known as the Newark Normal School of Physical Education and Hygiene. In 1928, the name of the institution changed to Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene in honor of Henry Panzer, the Director of the Normal School. Margaret C. Brown, who had served as teacher, registrar, and dean of the institution since 1921, was elected president and treasurer in 1932.

“Panzer alumni were instilled with a high sense of professional pride in their responsibilities and were keenly sought after by the schools,” Mr. Simon says. “Professor Henry Panzer and Drs. Margaret Brown and Hazel Wacker were instrumental in instilling this sense of pride. They set high standards for their students.”

Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene merged with Montclair State College in 1958, bringing to the union its high professional and academic standards, planned professional laboratory experiences, a curriculum of quality, traditions of 41 years, and supportive and influential alumni.

Dr. Domenica Desiderioscioli is an associate professor in the Exercise Science and Physical Education program. Known to all as “Dr. Desi,” she proudly carries on the Panzer name and reputation with her hundreds of students in the program today. “Through the years we have benefited from tremendous support from the Panzer alumni and the Panzer Trust,” says Dr. Desi.

At a recent “Dance in the Schools” class, Dr. Desi spoke with her students— all undergraduate teacher education students training to be K-12 physical education teachers and coaches—about the proud history and legacy of their program through Panzer College.

“We have such a strong program that when our students apply for jobs, their resumes rise to the surface,” Dr. Desi says proudly. “We graduate very marketable, outstanding teachers.” In 2007, Panzer College will celebrate its 90th anniversary. Panzer is a key part of Montclair State and its singular tradition will continue as the University prepares for its second hundred years.