Significant New Gifts Establish Pesce Family Mentoring Institute and Support University's Center for Chinese Art

William Paterson raised $4.5 million in new donations and commitments during 2013-14—an increase of 45 percent over the previous year.

Henrietta Pesce ’72, MA ’75, Will Pesce ’73, Katie Pesce Mangum, Michael Pesce, and William Mangum

William Paterson raised $4.5 million in new donations and commitments in support of the University, its students, and academic excellence during 2013-14—a significant increase of 45 percent over the previous year. 

Several recent notable gifts during the summer contributed to this year’s fundraising success. A significant gift from long-time benefactors William J. Pesce ‘73, a member of the William Paterson University Board of Trustees and retired president and CEO of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., his wife Henrietta M. Pesce ‘72, MA ’75, and their children Michael and Katie will establish the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute in the University’s Career Development Center. The Institute will help prepare students for their careers or graduate education by connecting successful professionals, including alumni and community partners, with William Paterson undergraduate students.

The University also received a $600,000 pledge from the Shanghai William Chinese Art Foundation in Shanghai, China in support of William Paterson’s Center for Chinese Art.  The gift to the University’s Center for Chinese Art will support its mission of promoting understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and art through a variety of programs, including master artist exchanges, exhibitions in the William Paterson University Galleries featuring important Chinese artists, and programs such as lectures and cultural events.

“This summer was a very good fundraising season for the University as we continue to benefit from alumni and friends who are engaged in the life of the University,” says President Kathleen Waldron.  “We also recently benefitted from a gift from the Holly Beach Public Library Association which gave $400,000 to be used for student scholarships, which will be of enormous help to our students who struggle with the cost of attending college.”