On May 22, Montclair State University will pay tribute to the distinguished service of President Susan A. Cole \u2013 and honor four distinguished alumni \u2013 at the 2021 Annual Scholarship Fundraiser. Proceeds from the outdoor, on-campus event will provide continued scholarship support for future generations of Montclair State students.<\/p>\n
The night will honor the immeasurable impact of Montclair State President Susan A. Cole <\/a>and her 23 years of distinguished service and leadership as she prepares to retire in July.<\/p>\n \u201cSusan Cole has led the University through a remarkable period of growth and transformation,\u201d said Francis M. Cuss, MD, chair of the Montclair State University Board of Trustees. \u201cThanks to her vision, her leadership and her tireless efforts over the past two decades, the University is well prepared for continuing academic progress and a bright future, and we applaud President Cole for all she has done for Montclair State students and the State of New Jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n Four graduates of Montclair State \u2013 philanthropic leader Rose L. Cali \u201980, former Chairman of the Deloitte US Board of Directors Michael J. Fucci \u201980, NBCUniversal Sales Account Manager Denise Rover \u201984 and NewsOne at ABC News Vice President Al Prieto \u201984 \u2013 will also be recognized for their contributions to the University and the community. The evening will feature performances by students from Montclair State\u2019s College of the Arts in the outdoor Amphitheater adjacent to the Alexander Kasser Theater.<\/p>\n Since 1999, the Annual Scholarship Fundraiser has raised millions of dollars to support student scholarships that provide financial assistance to hundreds of students of limited financial means, enabling them to pursue and complete their studies at Montclair State.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery scholarship dollar raised matters for Montclair State students, with more than 70% of our students relying on some form of financial assistance to attend college,\u201d says Vice President for Development Colleen Coppla. \u201cWe are tremendously grateful for the network of support that lifts our students up and helps them transform their lives through an excellent and affordable Montclair State education.\u201d<\/p>\n Rose L. Cali<\/a> will receive the Mary Mochary and Michael Kasser Award for Philanthropic Leadership for her decades-long advocacy for community partnerships and educational causes\u00a0 \u2013 including an endowed gift for music student scholarships that she and her late husband, John, established through the John J. Cali School of Music<\/a> and her extensive service to the University on multiple boards and as the founder, former president and CEO of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n Michael J. Fucci<\/a> will be honored with the Rose and John J. Cali Award for Business Leadership and Community Engagement, which is given to a member of the business community committed to creating strategic partnerships that enhance research and discovery and ultimately benefit the larger community.<\/p>\n Denise Rover<\/a> and Al Prieto<\/a> are co-honorees and will receive the Margaret and Herman Sokol Award for Alumni Achievement and Civic Leadership, which is bestowed on a Montclair State graduate who has made a significant contribution to industry, culture and\/or society. In addition to their decorated careers, both alumni have been integral members of the University\u2019s College of the Arts, with both serving on the College\u2019s Advisory Board and Prieto also serving as a member of the Advisory Board of its School of Communication and Media<\/a>.<\/p>\n Top sponsors of the event include the McMullen Family Foundation, ADP, Deloitte, Inserra Supermarkets, Liberty Coca-Cola Beverage, Michael Kasser and Mary Mochary Families, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Rose L. Cali, and Schumacher Chevrolet Auto Group.<\/p>\n All Montclair State University guests, students and staff who are registered for the event are required to complete a COVID-19 screening assessment prior to arriving on campus. Please read important event information<\/a> for additional details about the event and our safety protocols.<\/p>\n The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on May 22. For more information or to support student scholarships, visit montclair.edu\/annual-scholarship-fundraiser<\/a>.<\/p>\n Note: Please see deloitte.com\/us\/about<\/a> for a detailed description of Deloitte\u2019s legal structure.<\/p>\n