Fred and Susan Gruel Endow Scholarship for First-Generation Students

Fred Gruel, chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, and his wife Susan have pledged $100,000 to establish the Frederick and Susan Gruel Endowed Scholarship Fund.  The scholarship will support a full-time, first-generation student at the University who demonstrates academic excellence and financial need.

Gruel, who retired in 2013 as president and CEO of AAA New Jersey Automobile Club, joined the William Paterson Board of Trustees in 1992 and has served as chair since 2012; he previously served as chair from 1996 to 2000 and as vice chair from 2000 to 2004.  

“Having the privilege of sitting on the Board of Trustees and seeing the quality of the students at William Paterson and the efforts they put forth to achieve an education, it made so much sense to us to provide assistance by establishing a scholarship fund,” says Fred Gruel.  “Susan and I are so proud to give the gift of helping someone gain an education, and we know it will touch students for generations.  Our hope is that those who benefit will one day pay it forward.”

“Scholarship support is transformative for our students, providing them with the financial means to take advantage of the academic programs and experiences available to them,” says President Kathleen Waldron. “We are so grateful to Fred and Susan for their commitment to our students and for their dedication to supporting academic excellence at William Paterson.”