![\"Student](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/giving\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/150\/2022\/10\/2022-10-17_casaboa-02.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\u201cI really enjoyed working with Montclair to create opportunities for early-stage tech companies that are preparing for growth,\u201d Casabona says. \u201cI began thinking about how else I could get involved with and support the University and its students. I wanted to do something extra.\u201d<\/p>\n
He had been reflecting on his own career trajectory, and about what he saw as a real need among the young entrepreneurs he met. \u201cWhen I was working toward becoming an engineer, I didn\u2019t have an opportunity to learn how to make presentations in front of an audience,\u201d Casabona explains. \u201cI suspected that there were students in science and technology majors who would benefit from a program to strengthen their communication skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
Realizing the solution was an event that showcased the communication skills of fellow students, Casabona worked with CSAM to develop the Mario M. Casabona Future Scientists Awards Program. He also provided the philanthropic investment needed to launch the initiative.<\/p>\n
Casabona Future Scientists are trained to convey their scientific research to the general public and non-science professionals. The program focuses specifically on encouraging students to enhance the communication and presentation skills that are essential for explaining ideas to non-science audiences. \u201cCommunication skills, in particular the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific and technological information in layman\u2019s terms, are crucial for every STEM professional, regardless of their discipline or career path,\u201d Casabona says.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never went through a formal class or program to learn how to make presentations,\u201d he continues. \u201cI had to learn through trial and error. This program addresses an important gap in how we prepare young people for success.\u201d<\/p>\n
It also is representative of the College\u2019s commitment to providing high-value experiential learning opportunities and cutting-edge research for students and the dedicated faculty members who train them. Hands-on participation in research helps students identify their own passion within their discipline, while also helping them develop skills that will enhance their career prospects.<\/p>\n
With Dean Billings\u2019 leadership and Casabona\u2019s continued generosity, the Casabona Future Scientists Awards Program has been expanded and now takes place each semester, giving even more students an opportunity to participate. \u201cOur CSAM research students are able to explore and apply classroom lessons in real time, year-round. We have built a community that supports student-faculty research and the events that share results,\u201d says Billings. \u201cThe ability to communicate science and technology concepts is a powerful force multiplier, which helps educate and build trust across our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n The program is very empowering for the students who participate, inspiring for the mentors, and personally rewarding for Casabona \u2013 an added bonus to a partnership that provides real value to students, to the University, and to the state. \u201cThe campus is diverse, and so many students have an immigrant background,\u201d he says. \u201cAs a first-generation American myself, I can relate to that. The professors care and students know that. Everyone is working hard to realize a greater potential.\u201d<\/p>\n Casabona is among a growing number of philanthropists who support colleges and universities they did not<\/em> attend. Nationally, giving from non-alumni individuals is on the rise, and according to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education it comprised 16.6% of all giving to higher education institutions by 2021.*<\/p>\n \u201cInvesting in Montclair is a way for me to support the New Jersey ecosystem, and I have seen the University make such progress,\u201d Casabona says. \u201cThe institution has invested in bringing recognized academics to campus who have, in turn, been successful in attracting significant funding for research and programs. It is very exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are deeply grateful to donors like Mr. Casabona, who recognize the impact Montclair can have on so many aspects of New Jersey\u2019s economy and in advancing the greater good,\u201d says Vice President for Development Colleen Coppla. \u201cHis support is transforming students\u2019 chances for success, while helping them bring innovative ideas into the marketplace and into our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n When the opportunity presents itself, Casabona encourages other business leaders to see the investment potential that he has witnessed at Montclair. \u201cOnce you get involved and get to know the University, you begin to understand that there is real momentum, and real value here.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Student](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/giving\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/150\/2022\/10\/2022-10-17_casaboa-03.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
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