Allen was an inaugural member of the then College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) Advisory Board and was steadfast in her involvement \u2013 an extension of her exceptional commitment to Montclair and to its teacher education students in particular. A dedicated supporter, Allen served on the Alumni Association Board, as a member of her 50th Anniversary Reunion Committee and participated in panel discussions and on annual scholarship dinner committees over the years. She was honored as a distinguished alumna in 2016 as part of the University\u2019s Convocation exercises.<\/p>\n Supporting her passion for the University was Allen\u2019s beloved husband, Craig, who passed away in 2019.<\/p>\n \u201cI fondly recall that Arlene and Craig were on campus for numerous events throughout the years,\u201d says Frank Alvarez \u201976, fellow CEEL advisory board member. \u201cShe was totally committed to Montclair State University\u2026and she leaves a great legacy behind through her service and contributions to the University.\u201d<\/p>\n Transforming students\u2019 lives<\/strong><\/p>\n Eager to help students become teachers, Allen had established two scholarships at the University \u2013 the Arlene Allen Student Teacher Scholarship in 2009 and the Craig and Arlene Crescenzi Allen Endowed Scholarship in 2011 \u2013 to help support Montclair teacher education majors during their student teaching experience. Allen was a loyal donor to her alma mater, and in addition to providing scholarship support had made the lead gift to establish the Dr. Russell Krauss Classroom in University Hall, which was dedicated in 2008, in memory of a beloved professor and mentor.<\/p>\n \u201cFinancial support from Arlene\u2019s endowment will provide critical support for generations of future teachers who otherwise would find it very difficult to afford college,\u201d says Tamara Lucas, professor emerita and former dean of CEHS. \u201cMany students at Montclair are from families for whom college expenses pose a major challenge. Many of those students have the potential to become excellent teachers \u2013 teachers who understand the challenges faced by future generations of students much like themselves. By making a college degree and teacher certification financially feasible for many students, Arlene\u2019s endowment will not only contribute to their individual success, but also help to provide well prepared teachers for New Jersey\u2019s students.\u201d<\/p>\n A past recipient of Allen\u2019s scholarship support, Begona Plasencia-Guzman \u201922 majored in Spanish and was part of the University\u2019s Teacher Education program. She is now working as a Spanish teacher at Montclair High School. \u201cThe scholarship was instrumental in my ability to complete my education. Without it, graduating would have been an even greater challenge\u2026and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities it afforded me,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cScholarships like this not only alleviate financial burdens but also instill hope in students, enabling them to realize their aspirations. Mrs. Allen\u2019s generosity has made a lasting impact on my life and countless others. I hope her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students,\u201d says Plasencia-Guzman.<\/p>\n \u201cI am forever grateful for the opportunity Mrs. Allen enabled me to have,\u201d says Elijah Hampton, who is graduating this month with a Master of Arts in Teaching, after completing his clinical requirements as a student teacher for 7th and 8th grade ELA at Elizabeth Public Schools. \u201cI want to serve as an educator because I would like to have an impact on others, as prior teachers have had on me,\u201d he shares. \u201cReceiving the Craig and Arlene Crescenzi Allen Endowed Scholarship was a huge help toward my senior year. I am a service member, but I don\u2019t get full coverage, so receiving this scholarship covered the remainder of the costs. I had financial freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cArlene\u2019s transformative legacy gift reflects her commitment to advancing education and empowering future generations of student teachers and educators, and we are grateful for the impact she has made possible through her remarkable commitment to her alma mater,\u201d says Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement.<\/p>\n Allen\u2019s generosity of spirit will now live on for years to come. \u201cArlene\u2019s heart was full of love and deep caring about higher education and Montclair State University,\u201d says Yake. \u201cShe thrived as a teacher and valued teaching as a profession, and wanted to \u2018pass it along\u2019 to others….This gave her great joy to be able to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n To learn how you can make a transformative impact and leave a lasting legacy, please contact Ely F. Santoni at 973-655-3695. Your planned gift has the power to change lives and shape the future in profound ways.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n![\"Arlene](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/giving\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/150\/2024\/05\/030919_1012_Annual-Scholarship-Dinner-AH.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
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