INFORMATION FOR
Click Photo to View Honoree Speech
Visit Website »
Stephen and Roxanne Adzima
Kevin and Rachel Burkhardt
Prof. Gihan Mohamad
Linda Niro '76
David Reiner
Maria Rollins
Fredric J. Sirota
Jennifer Mazawey Vinosky and Michael Vinosky '95
Dr. Kathleen Waldron
Crunch Gym
First Onsite Property Restoration
ICA Risk Management Consultants
KRS CPAs, LLC
ShopRite of Passaic/Clifton
Universal Electric Motor Service
North Jersey Federal Credit Union
Vida Story ‘83
Lynne Mueller
Christopher Manley
James & Sharon Nall
Prof. Emerita Marjorie Goldstein
Nora Cruz and Katie Florio
Mr. Larry Singer and Dr. Anne Ciliberti
Clarke Caton Hintz Architects
Michele Garcia '15
MARS Coaching
John and Gail Galandak
Dr. Kara M. Rabbitt
Bob and Wendy Fetterly
Reliance Graphics Inc.
New Jersey Jazz Society
The Cannon Family
Arnie and Myrna Speert
Vince Budesa
Name: Cameron Dockery
Class Standing: Senior
Major(s): Political Science
Minor(s): Africana World Studies
Scholarship(s): Henry Taub Annual Scholarship
View Scholar Speech »
Receiving a donor scholarship has meant the absolute world to me! My scholarship relieved a real concern I had for myself when I was preparing for college and life afterward. My donor scholarship has been my ticket to the immense growth I have had over the past four years, all without the concern of paying for my education. It has offered me the greatest opportunity of being able to focus primarily on my grades here at William Paterson, which has in turn allowed me to enrich myself both academically and professionally, and to become one of the top student leaders by involving myself in various student activities.
Name: Kalie Gomez
Major(s): Communication; Economics
Minor(s): Global Public Health Honors Program
Concentration(s): Journalism
Scholarship(s): Casey Zimmer Annual Scholarship; Margaret Hayes Suited for Success Endowed Award
Earning support from donors excelled my confidence and expanded my horizons. It has allowed me to build a relationship with my donor, as well as allowing them to get to know my journey and how their support has propelled me further. The donor scholarship has relieved a big financial burden for me. I have been able to focus more on my studies, become more involved on campus, and prepare to enter the workforce. Knowing that many faculty members, as well as my donor, have great faith in my success further motivates me to seize every opportunity that William Paterson offers.
Name: Heidi Gonzales
Class Standing: Junior
Major(s): Criminology and Criminal Justice
Minor(s): Forensic Studies; Sociology
Scholarship(s): Selma Potash Endowed Scholarship
Receiving a donor scholarship has meant much more than the obvious surface level of financial assistance. It has not only meant receiving recognition for my work, but also seeing that someone as passionate and ambitious as my donor was able to see my potential and extend their generosity towards investing in me. Being an honored recipient impacted my experience at William Paterson in multiple ways. After meeting my donor, hearing her inspiring story and knowing that someone believes in me gave me tremendous motivation to persevere. Additionally, this scholarship has provided networking opportunities with individuals who offer valuable support. Finding financial relief has also allowed me to continue using resources on campus to further reach my goals.
Name: Nathaniel Petion Jolimere
Major(s): Finance
Scholarship(s): Purple Thread Sunrise Annual Scholarship
It has been an enormous pleasure for me to be granted a donor scholarship. In my pursuit of scholarships, I never imagined that my community involvement could lead to such recognition. It not only validates my efforts, but also emphasizes that contributing to my community is a meaningful endeavor, acknowledged and rewarded by others. The impact of receiving a donor scholarship at William Paterson has been transformative. Meeting my donors and experiencing their generosity has shifted my perspective on the undergraduate journey. Knowing that there are incredible individuals supporting students like me has fueled my motivation and commitment to excel in my education, instilling a sense of confidence that someone is championing my success.
Name: Sofia Lauret
Major(s): Secondary Education; Spanish
Minor(s): Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology Honors Program
Concentration(s): English as a Second Language
Scholarship(s): Maureen and Patrick O'Connor Annual Scholarship
Having been awarded a donor scholarship has truly been a meaningful gift to me. As a first-generation woman pursuing a college education with the goal of becoming a teacher, receiving this scholarship has opened my eyes to the generosity and kind-heartedness of my donors, inspiring me to aspire to one day become someone who can provide assistance to a student in need. I have personally encountered the financial challenges associated with education, which often hinder meaningful experiences. However, being awarded this scholarship has enabled me to wholeheartedly focus on my education and explore my true passions. I am sincerely grateful to my donors for their substantial contribution to my education.
Name: Joshua McCollum
Major(s): Early Childhood Education; Sociology
Minor(s): Humanities Honors Program
Concentration(s): Teachers of Students with Disabilities
Scholarship(s): Alice Waldron Endowed Scholarship; Future Educator Annual Scholarship
Receiving a donor scholarship has meant so much to me! I was stressing so much and pressing to work and get good grades with hopes of getting more aid for paying for school, and I was able to receive a blessing! Since receiving a donor scholarship, I have been able to enjoy attending William Paterson University without much stress. As of now, with the help of this scholarship, I have been able to not only pay out of pocket for tuition, but I have also been able to focus on my academics and earn good grades.
Name: Jason Peralta
Major(s): Environmental Sustainability
Minor(s): Anthropology; Public Health; Global Public Health Honors Program
Scholarship(s): Community Service Annual Scholarship
Receiving a donor scholarship provides the opportunity for me to pay for tuition. Not only is this a special privilege, but a wonderful blessing that donors care about students receiving a higher education. I also feel honored to be a recipient of a donor scholarship, knowing that I carry a legacy behind the award. Not only does the scholarship help me continue my education, but to be able to network and meet the donors personally is a great experience. The heartfelt gratitude to share with these donors, as well as make connections, makes my relationship with William Paterson stronger.
Name: Honey Prajapati
Major(s): Biology
Minor(s): Cognitive Science Honors Program
Concentration(s): Pre-Medical Professions
Scholarship(s): C. Kent Warner Annual Scholarship; Carol and Ken Trella Annual Scholarship
Receiving a donor scholarship has given me additional resources that will allow me to become the first person in my family to hold a bachelor’s degree from an American university. It reflects the confidence that I hold and my ability to step out of my comfort zone. Receiving a donor scholarship has enabled me to participate in extracurricular activities at William Paterson, including serving as the vice president for the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students. The donor scholarship has also allowed me to work fewer hours as a tutor for biology courses on campus.
This year is the 33rd year of the Legacy Award Gala, sponsored by the William Paterson University Foundation. The Legacy Award honors those who exemplify the leadership of our namesake, William Paterson, by demonstrating a strong support for public higher education in the state of New Jersey, and generosity to others through philanthropic leadership. Funds raised through the gala directly affect the lives of our students, most of whom rely on scholarships to complete their studies. With your generous support of the Gala, you can truly make a difference in the lives of our students through scholarships and programming as we strive to achieve the University's mission of academic excellence and student success. The William Paterson University of New Jersey Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity, Tax ID# 22-3160107.
RICHARD HELLDOBLER President William Paterson University
PAMELA L. FERGUSON Foundation President Vice President for Institutional Advancement, William Paterson University
AARON VAN DUYNE III '75, M.A. '08 Foundation Chairperson Senior Principal, Van Duyne CPAs & Advisors
The Grove 691 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 973.239.0270
