{"id":1628,"date":"2024-05-22T10:56:12","date_gmt":"2024-05-22T14:56:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/giving\/?p=1628"},"modified":"2024-05-22T11:23:49","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T15:23:49","slug":"celebrating-philanthropy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/giving\/2024\/05\/22\/celebrating-philanthropy\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Philanthropy"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was an evening to give back to those who give, as more than 180 guests gathered on May 8 for Montclair State University\u2019s Donor Celebration, held in the School of Communication and Media. The festive event featured a program in Presentation Hall followed by a reception in the lobby, marked by views of the New York City skyline.<\/p>\n

Welcoming guests, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters shared, \u201cThis evening is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the important role philanthropy plays in the growth of Montclair State University and in improving the lives of our students and the world around us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important for us to come together as a community of donors and celebrate the power of philanthropy,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

\"Rita
Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement welcomes attendees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Among the invited guests were members of the President\u2019s Club, which is the University\u2019s leadership annual giving society; the Carpe Diem Society, those who have committed legacy gifts; and members of the 1908 Loyalty Society, donors who give consecutively, some of whom have been donating to Montclair every year for more than 30 years. Bloomfield College of Montclair State University donors attended as well.<\/p>\n

In his remarks, Montclair President Jonathan Koppell shared updates on the University\u2019s progress, partnerships and purpose. \u201cWe believe students from all backgrounds are deserving of a high quality, affordable education\u2026which Montclair delivers,\u201d said Koppell. \u201cWe come together tonight to thank you for your generous support of our mission. We can\u2019t achieve our important work without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

President Koppell urged the audience to join in opposing proposed funding cuts that will negatively impact Bloomfield College of Montclair State University and Montclair State University students by visiting fundmontclairandbloomfield.com<\/a>. The platform provides customizable email language to send to state legislators to show support for equitable higher education funding in New Jersey.<\/p>\n

\"President
President Jonathan Koppell shared updates on the University\u2019s progress, partnerships and purpose.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Students share gratitude<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alumnus Greg Collins, chair of the Montclair State University Foundation, expressed his appreciation to donors and introduced the student segment of the program, which included remarks from three student speakers. \u201cYour generous support across all areas of the University has directly helped our students,\u201d he shared. \u201cFrom providing support for scholarships, internships, research opportunities, campus programs and more, you are making a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so grateful that I can attend an institution this precious with this much financial support,\u201d said Ethan Garcia, a junior at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University who is double majoring in Creative Arts and Technology and Business Administration and serves in multiple campus leadership positions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thank you all as donors for your continuous support of Bloomfield and Montclair and for believing in our school\u2019s mission to serve students like me,\u201d said Garcia. \u201cI would not be where I am today without your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Theatre
Guests filled Presentation Hall in the School of Communication and Media for the program.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Julie Baker, a sophomore Exercise Science major with a concentration in Pre-Professional Studies, shared her gratitude for the opportunity to get so much from her Montclair experience, including being a member of the Montclair women\u2019s soccer team and the Montclairs honors program, a Presidential Scholarship recipient, earning dean\u2019s list each semester and serving as as ambassador for The Hidden Opponent, a club for athlete\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs donors, you make it possible for students to succeed at Montclair,\u201d said Baker. \u201cAfter completing my Bachelor in Science, I hope to continue my education in nursing\u2026 I am confident in my abilities that Montclair has taught me and will continue to teach me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReceiving scholarships during my time at Montclair took a weight off my shoulders and allowed me to live on campus,\u201d shared Aracelly Cabrejo, a senior who majored in Accounting and will be attending graduate school in the fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing able to live on campus opened other opportunities for me to learn and grow as a leader. I wouldn\u2019t have been able to experience this without scholarship support, so I thank you as generous donors for making opportunities like this possible and enhancing so many students\u2019 lives,\u201d said Cabrejo.<\/p>\n

\"Student
Theatre and Dance students performed selections from the production of Sophisticated Ladies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Showcasing the University\u2019s arts excellence, Department of Theatre and Dance students performed selections from the production of Sophisticated Ladies. Amidst an array of food stations and the serenade of live music by the student jazz trio, guests mingled and interacted with fellow donors and students.<\/p>\n

\u201cMontclair delivers transformational opportunities to students from all backgrounds, and we are grateful for our community of donors for sharing their time, resources and energy to help make this University everything it can be,\u201d says Walters.<\/p>\n

\"Group
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University friends connect.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Three
Montclair State University Foundation board member Jim Merli, Melissa Sluyter and Trustee Kent Sluyter enjoy the reception.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

View more photos from the event.<\/a><\/p>\n

Story by Development Communications Director Laura Iandiorio. Photos by John J. LaRosa for Montclair State University.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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