Press Releases

Montclair State University Launches $50 Million Campaign for the Second Century

October 28, 2004

MONTCLAIR, N.J. - Dr. Susan A. Cole, president of Montclair State University (MSU) and the MSU University Board of Trustees, the MSU Foundation Board and the Alumni Association Board have launched a $50 million capital campaign, The Campaign for the Second Century. “During its second century, about 350,000 students will receive degrees from the University,” said Dr. Cole. “We want to provide them with the facilities, faculty and scholarships that they will need to succeed.”

The Campaign, which has been in its quiet phase since 2002, launched its public phase in October 2004 and culminates in 2008, Montclair State's Centennial. "I am proud to announce that we are already over the halfway mark toward our $50 million goal for Montclair State's Campaign for the Second Century," said Douglas L. Kennedy, Campaign chairman. "I am looking forward to working with everyone to make this a successful campaign that will build a stronger future for the University." Kennedy also is vice chair of the MSU Board of Trustees.

The Campaign for the Second Century will enable Montclair State to continue to respond to the growing demand for public higher education. “We educate the leaders of tomorrow, and as applications and enrollments grow, the Campaign will help us to continue to serve as a richly diverse university for intellectually talented and ambitious students from all economic backgrounds,” said President Cole. “Half of our students are the first in their families to go to college - as have been so many of our graduates throughout Montclair State's history.”

The Campaign for the Second Century leadership committee comprises alumni, members of the Alumni Association and MSU Foundation Boards, and members of the MSU Board of Trustees. Current campaign leaders include Frank Alvarez '76, superintendent of the Montclair Public Schools; Doris Beck '50, community volunteer; Susan Blount, chief investment counsel, Prudential Insurance Company; Rose C. Cali '80, founder of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center; Gregory Collins '79, partner, Mitchell & Titus, LLP; Angelo J. Genova '75, senior partner, Genova, Burns & Vernoia; George Hiltzik, an attorney at N.S. Bienstock, Inc. in New York City; Douglas L. Kennedy, president of the New Jersey division of North Fork Bank; Patrick G. LePore, executive vice president of Cardinal Health; Preston D. Pinkett III, senior vice president of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority; and Paul V. Stahlin '74, chair and president of the MSU Foundation Board. Other members will be added throughout the Campaign.

"My fellow board members and I are excited about helping to ensure the success of this major Campaign for Montclair State University, which will support the University's tremendous growth and continue to make an MSU education accessible to new generations of deserving students," said MSU Board of Trustees chairman George Hiltzik. "By eliciting the support of corporations, foundations and individuals who care about public higher education, we can make a difference in New Jersey."

"The Campaign for the Second Century will raise funds for purposes not covered by state support, including facilities, program enhancement, library and information technology, endowed professorships and, of course, scholarships," said Dr. Thomas J. Haynes, MSU's vice president for University Advancement. "Scholarships to support the recruitment of diverse and talented students, and fellowships for our graduate programs, are among the best investments that can be made for the future."

The $50 million which The Campaign for the Second Century seeks to raise includes $18 million to support ongoing major capital projects, including the Alexander Kasser Theater, University Hall, a new academic building, the largest ever on campus, and The Children's Center, a new recreation center, and major renovation and renewal of existing academic buildings. In addition, the Campaign seeks to raise $10 million for faculty chairs, professorships and lectureships; $10 million for undergraduate scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and student development; $10 million for academic programs; and $2 million for library and information technology.

For more information on Montclair State University's Campaign for the Second Century or Campaign events, contact Nancy Masterson-Newkirk at 973-655-4332 or e-mail mastersonnen@mail.montclair.edu.

MSU is New Jersey's second-largest and fastest-growing university. It offers the advantages of a large university - a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum with a global focus, a broad variety of superior graduate programs, and a diverse faculty and student body - combined with a small college's attention to students.

More information on the University is available online at www.montclair.edu.