by
NANCY MASTERSON-NEWKIRK
It's no secret that the demand for public higher education is growing
rapidly in New Jersey as the number of high school graduates increases
in unprecedented numbers each year. According to the New Jersey Association
of State Colleges and Universities, student demand for a full-time, residential
experience at a state institution is higher than ever before. The challenge
is to keep New Jersey's best and brightest from migrating out of
state for their college experience, a trend that has long hurt the state's
economy as many of the 60 percent of high school graduates who leave never
return to the state's workforce.
Montclair State took a major step in responding to this critical need
in October when it launched a $50 million capital campaign. With private
philanthropy indispensable to higher education in the state, The Campaign
for the Second Century will raise much-needed funds to help Montclair
State provide for New Jersey's growing number of college-bound students.
The Garden State ranks a disappointing 44th among states when it comes
to providing per capita seats for students in public higher education.
Over the next five years, New Jersey will experience the fifth highest
nationwide increase in college-age students. By 2010, New Jersey high
schools will graduate 20 percent more students than in 2000.
With state appropriations for public universities and colleges expected
to continue on its historic downturn, the campaign is essential in meeting
the rising demand for high-quality public education, raising funds for
purposes not covered by state support including facilities, program enhancement,
library and information technology, endowed professorships and scholarships.
Montclair State President Susan A. Cole has been a vocal advocate on the
issue of growing to capacity and has been steadfast in her vision to make
Montclair State a national and international model for public higher education
in the 21st century. "We educate the leaders of tomorrow," she
said. "As applications and enrollments grow, The Campaign for
the Second Century will help Montclair State continue to serve as
a richly diverse university for intellectually talented and ambitious
students from all economic backgrounds." Half of today's students
at Montclair State are the first in their families to go to college, a
trend that has been consistent throughout the University's history.
Cole added, "We want to provide our students with the facilities,
faculty and scholarships they will need to succeed."
Montclair State is strong and poised to serve future generations of deserving
students while remaining true to its historic character and traditions.
Early in its history, Montclair State marshaled the talent and infrastructure
to build a world-renowned program in pedagogy.
While it continues to graduate hundreds of highly qualified teachers a
year, the University offers an array of preeminent programs in new and
growing fields.
The state's second-largest, fastest growing university, Montclair
State prepares students for success in a changing, knowledge-driven economy
and for leadership positions in industries such as education, telecommunications,
high technology and pharmaceuticals, among others.
In its quiet phase since 2002, The Campaign for the Second Century
culminates in 2008, Montclair State's centennial. The Campaign
will raise funds to support ongoing major capital projects, including
the recently completed Alexander
Kasser Theater; a new academic
building, the largest teaching facility on campus, and The
Children's Center, both under construction; a new recreation center,
currently in design; 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
.
"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," said Thomas J. Haynes,
vice president for University Advancement.
A Campaign Leadership Committee includes alumni, members of the Alumni
Association and Foundation boards, and members of the MSU Board of Trustees.
Alumni Campaign leaders are Frank Alvarez '76, Doris Beck '50, Rose C.
Cali '80, Gregory Collins '79, Angelo J. Genova '75 and Paul V. Stahlin
'74. Other members are Susan Blount, chief investment counsel, Prudential
Insurance Company, Patrick G. LePore, executive vice president of Cardinal
Health; and Preston D. Pinkett III, senior vice president of the New Jersey
Economic and Development Authority.
Douglas L. Kennedy, president of the New Jersey division of North Fork
Bank, is campaign chair. New members will be added throughout the Campaign.
University officials will travel across the country gaining support for
the effort by reaching out to alumni, friends and all who care about making
access to high-quality public higher education a reality. In November,
Michael Kogan, a professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion,
hosted a luncheon with Cole and alumni in Charleston, S.C., where he is
a longtime summer resident. The gathering was an opportunity for Cole
to reach out to alumni in South Carolina and update them on the many recent
developments on campus. There are approximately 200 MSU alumni in the
area.
Future gatherings for alumni and friends will take place throughout New
Jersey as well as in California, Florida, New York City, Philadelphia,
South Carolina and Washington, D.C. These events will offer alumni and
friends the opportunity to renew and forge bonds of friendship with former
classmates, peers, faculty, current students and leaders in the state
who are committed to supporting public higher education. They also will
be able to share their cherished memories about their experiences on campus
and their lifelong impact. "Montclair State alumni are witnesses
and representatives of the University's heritage and values,"
said Haynes, "and through the Campaign, will help to shape the future
of the institution."
Amid its entrepreneurial growth, the University works closely with alumni--its
link to the vital traditions of the past--to preserve such hallmark
traits as small classrooms, close student-faculty mentoring relationships,
and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Today's visionary change is
firmly rooted in these core values.
For more information on Montclair State University's Campaign for
the Second Century or Campaign events, contact Nancy Masterson-Newkirk
at 973-655-4332, e-mail mastersonnen@mail.montclair.edu
or go to www.montclair.edu/campaign2ndcentury/.
Read more about The Campaign for the Second Century:
The
Campaign at a glance
Kennedy takes leadership role on Campaign committee