Carol Jigarjian ’59
Montclair State University opened Carol Jigarjian’s eyes to a level of diversity she had not encountered before, while providing her with a stellar music education experience.
Carol began playing piano as a child and remained passionate about classical music as she neared graduation from Clifton High School. “At Montclair, I found an entire community of classical music fans,” she recalls. “The program was very intense. I majored in piano with a voice minor, and we had to perform regularly.”
“The faculty was excellent,” Carol continues. “They performed regularly, which meant they had to continually work to maintain their skills as well.”
Carol’s post-college career began in the public school system. Within a few years she branched out into library work, earning a master’s in library science from Southern Connecticut State University. But music remained her passion. She continued to teach privately and sang with the Fairfield County Chorale.
“The Chorale did beautiful work,” she notes. “Twice we performed at Carnegie Hall!”
Carol is also grateful for the University’s role in expanding her world view. “Montclair gives you a broad liberal arts education,” she says. “It also is a community that teaches you to think for yourself and to develop an appreciation for people from other backgrounds, which is so important if you plan to become an educator yourself.”
Through her estate gift to Montclair’s John J. Cali School of Music, Carol will help ensure that future musicians enjoy the same quality and diversity as they prepare for careers as artists and music educators.
“Montclair gave me so much,” she says. “I was able to enjoy a nice career and to live a thoughtful life. Montclair is a quality school. I want to help others experience a Montclair education.”
Like Carol, you can help build a brighter future for Montclair State University students through a gift in your estate plan. To learn more, contact Ely F. Santoni, CFRE at 973-655-3695 or santonituere@montclair.edu.