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Alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, friends, and community partners gathered recently for William Paterson University’s 35th Annual Legacy Award Gala, raising nearly $117,000 to support student scholarships through the William Paterson University Foundation.
The annual event celebrated three honorees whose contributions have strengthened the University, enriched student experiences, and advanced educational opportunity: Professor of Music Carol Frierson-Campbell (Distinguished Current Faculty/Staff award); Professor Emeritus of Political Science Martin Weinstein (Distinguished Emeritus Faculty/Staff award); and Risepoint (Distinguished Organization award).
The gala, now in its 35th year, remains the University’s signature scholarship fundraising event. This year’s event included $16,500 raised through the Kind Kiosk initiative, which encourages guests to make donations during the evening’s program.
“Your giving, our students’ Will. Power, and our know-how together change lives, change communities, and change the social fabric of the region,” University President Richard J. Helldobler told attendees. “When you leave here this evening, please know that your presence and your generous giving are truly changing lives.”
In welcoming attendees, Sandra Diaz, vice president for institutional advancement and president of the William Paterson University Foundation, emphasized the importance of philanthropy in helping students achieve their educational goals.
“Every gift made represents an investment in the promise and potential of our students,” Diaz says. “The generosity of our alumni and friends helps remove barriers, expand opportunities, and ensure that more students can achieve their educational goals. Together, we are strengthening their future.”
Distinguished Current Faculty/Staff: Carol Frierson-Campbell
Frierson-Campbell, a professor of music who joined the William Paterson faculty in 2000, was recognized for her decades of leadership in music education, scholarship, and community engagement.
A nationally respected scholar and educator, she has dedicated much of her career to expanding access to music education in traditionally underserved communities. Her work led to the creation of Music Mentors, an ongoing initiative that connects William Paterson music students with young musicians from Paterson and other Title I school districts through lessons, mentoring, summer programming, and professional development opportunities for arts educators.
Her impact extends beyond New Jersey through international collaborations and cultural exchanges, including multiple residencies with the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music and service as a Fulbright Scholar in Jordan in 2024. She and her husband, Bob, are active donors to many of William Paterson's philanthropic initiatives, and they plan to continue their support long into the future.
Distinguished Emeritus Faculty/Staff: Martin Weinstein
Weinstein was honored for a distinguished career spanning 40 years on the William Paterson faculty and a lifetime of scholarship, teaching, and service.
A professor emeritus of political science, Weinstein co-founded the University’s award-winning Model United Nations program, helping generations of students develop a deeper understanding of international affairs, diplomacy, and global citizenship.
An expert in Latin American politics and history, he is the author and editor of numerous books and scholarly publications and has received two Fulbright awards during his career. In recognition of his commitment to students, the Martin Weinstein Scholarship was established in 2004 by a William Paterson alumnus.
Distinguished Organization: Risepoint
The Distinguished Organization Award was presented to Risepoint, a longtime partner in William Paterson’s efforts to expand access to higher education through online learning.
Since partnering with the University to launch WP Online in 2020, Risepoint has helped support the growth of 73 online academic programs that have enrolled more than 13,000 students. Together, William Paterson and Risepoint have expanded opportunities for working adults and other learners seeking flexible, career-focused educational pathways in fields such as healthcare, education, and business.
Students Showcase the Impact of Donor Support
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the address from Legacy Scholar Wood-Janny Nashtaby Fifi ‘26, a management major and recipient of the Maryann Carroll and Les Guthrie Annual Scholarship.
Fifi shared how donor support helped transform her college experience, allowing her to focus on academics, pursue leadership opportunities, and prepare for a successful future.
“The financial burdens that were alleviated due to this donor scholarship allowed me to focus more on my education, fully engage, and pursue opportunities that have shaped who I am today,” she said, noting her role as president of the Haitian American Student Association and mentee with the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute.
“Being a donor scholarship recipient means being entrusted with an opportunity to grow, lead, and give back, while honoring the generosity of those who believed in my potential,” she said.
The evening also recognized seven additional Legacy Scholars – University students whose academic achievements and leadership exemplify the impact of donor-supported scholarships.
As the gala concluded, attendees celebrated not only the accomplishments of this year’s honorees, but also the collective generosity that continues to open doors for William Paterson students.
Through the support of alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and partners, the Legacy Award Gala continues to strengthen the University’s mission and ensure that future generations of Pioneers have the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed.
