Meet Our Donors
We are thankful for those who have made an estate gift to Montclair State University. Here are their stories.
Fostering Success: A Lasting Legacy
Deborah Fish Ragin decided she wanted to help students who face especially challenging obstacles successfully graduate. Read more to find out she is using her legacy to invest in their future success.
Continuing a Legacy Dedicated to Education
For Ruth Moore ’52 MEd, pursuing a path of education was a natural decision and a choice she hopes that her support will make possible for future generations.
Montclair Gave Her a ‘Thoughtful Life’
She found her community of classical music fans and so much more as a Montclair student. Through her estate gift, Carol Jigarjian ’59 will support future students, so they can benefit from the same kind of experience.
Staying True to Your Values
Peter Wosh believes you must stay true to your values, remember your roots and pay it forward by giving back. By honoring his wife’s wishes to leave a legacy at her alma mater, he is doing all that and more.
Creating Pathways to Success
For Montclair resident Julia Lanigan, ensuring that students can transform their lives through education is a priority.
Investing in Montclair State’s Mission, Now and in the Future
Though he never attended Montclair State University, Jerry Appelstein knows a good thing when he sees one. His passion for the University’s mission inspired him to create scholarships for future students.
Remembering the Past, Ensuring the Future
My life has been interesting and full of adventures, and I owe my best experiences to Montclair State University,” says Dr. Edward J. Faleski ’68. Through a gift in his will, he plans to help the next generation of students benefit.
Living His Legacy Today
The desire to teach came early in life for alumnus Fredric Bednarek '59. Growing up in Oakland, New Jersey, he chose Montclair State because of its excellent teaching program.
Scholarship Honors Dr. Susan Gail Wray
Dr. Susan Wray was committed to improving the quality of teacher education. Her legacy continues to influence teacher education through the Dr. Susan Wray Endowed Graduate Scholarship.
Achieving My Dream and Becoming the First in My Family to Go to College
Rev. Dr. Glenmore Bembry Jr. '78 believes in leaving a legacy. His will be one of giving back and supporting students.
Peter P. Balsamo ’72, ’74 MA Establishes a Permanent Legacy Through an IRA
In the summer of 1971, Peter P. Balsamo studied abroad in Spain, an experience made possible through a scholarship. Now a firm believer in the value of studying abroad, he's paying forward the opportunity for deserving students for generations to come with an endowed scholarship.
Judy Graef '66, '69 MA Makes Gifts to Montclair State to Fund "Pay It Forward Scholarship"
Judy Graef knew she wanted to help when she learned how many students nearly achieve their degree when unexpected circumstances interfere financially. By giving from her IRA, she's proud to establish a scholarship to support those students.
Maryann Bond Doherty ’58 Reunion Volunteer Gives Back with Gift Annuity
Maryann Bond Doherty understands the value of giving, whether it be her time, talent or treasure. Now, with their charitable gift annuity, she and her husband get a little back, too.
Carpe Diem Society Member Decides to Start His Legacy Now!
Proud of his Montclair State education, Fred Bednarek made future provisions for the Montclair State University Foundation to be used for a scholarship. But after seeing how a fellow alumnus made a difference, he decided he wanted to see the impact of his generosity during his lifetime.
Paying It Forward with a Life-Changing Scholarship
Thanks to scholarships, Jean Trotta Cooper and her late husband, Edward, received Montclair State University educations that launched their successful teaching careers. That's why Jean finds fulfillment in helping future teachers do the same with a scholarship they established at MSU.
Conrad J. Schmitt Hall Officially Dedicated Montclair State University Celebrates Generous Bequest
Thanks to his generosity, Montclair State University students interested in language studies will enjoy the same opportunities that led Conrad J. Schmitt into a successful career.
“Education is About Opening Doors”
Ann Wilson Hartmann credits Monclair State University with the solid foundation on which she built her career. Her unrestricted estate gift will allow MSU to meet its most pressing needs and prepare students for all that lies ahead of them.
For a Song: Marian McGinty, Friend to Montclair State, Funds Two Music Scholarships
Though Marian McGinty did not attend Montclair State University, she still found a new beginning at the University. Her hope is that the music scholarships she established for female vocalists will serve the same purpose for their recipients.
“Education is Empowerment”:
Ruth Wing Morgan ’50, ’60 MA
As a testament to their strong belief in the value of education, Ruth Wing Morgan established a scholarship in her and her late husband's names. By giving to the fund annually, she's able to witness the lives changed and bettered by their generosity and a Montclair State University education.