A Time for Celebration
Two distinguished individuals were recognized for achievements beneficial to the state and our nation, as well as an organization exceptional for its commitment to NJIT’s mission, at Celebration, NJIT’s annual fundraiser for campuswide scholarship endowment funds, held Nov. 9, 2018 at The Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange.
Since its inception in 1995, Celebration has raised nearly $6 million in endowed scholarship funds, ensuring that top-quality higher education is accessible to talented, motivated students.
“This year, Celebration takes on additional significance, because tonight we publicly mark the successful completion of our NJIT NEXT campaign – the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the university’s entire history,” said NJIT President Joel S. Bloom. “I am delighted to share with all of you that, thanks to contributions from more than 23,000 alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends, foundations and corporations, we surpassed the NEXT campaign’s $200 million goal by more than a million dollars.”
In his remarks, Bloom provided a preview of an initiative that will allow the purchase of the Mueller’s Florist property at the corner of NJIT’s campus at Central Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. This new mixed-use building will provide multipurpose classrooms, meeting spaces and other amenities that enhance the student experience and support student success.
Gregory Sauter, founder of Smart City Works and a member of the NJIT Board of Overseers, and Stephanie Tonic, senior vice president, Wells Fargo At Work Director and a member of the NJIT Board of Overseers, served as co-chairs of this year’s event. ABBA: The Concert provided the evening’s entertainment.
Along with raising funds, Celebration also is an occasion to recognize important friends and alumni of the university.
R. Cynthia Pruett ’55, retired director of environmental affairs at IBM Technology Group, was awarded the President’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement. Active as an alumnus, Pruett served on the advisory board for the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, received an Outstanding Alumni Award, and supports a scholarship, since 1993, for women studying engineering.
Daniel J. Carroll Jr. ’65, ’70, retired president and chief executive officer at Telcordia Technologies, received the Edward F. Weston Medal for Professional Achievement, given to an alumnus in recognition of outstanding professional and civic accomplishments, as well as support of the university.
IBM Corporation received the Outstanding Corporate Partner Award. Naguib Attia, vice president of Global University Programs, accepted the award on the organization’s behalf.
At the event, Dikasse Zalla ’19, a senior majoring in international business, emphasized how scholarship support has enabled her to pursue her dreams.
“You’ve probably heard the quote, ‘Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make,’ which is what I’ve been working toward when I acquire a new certification, a new badge or a new skill," she said. “But I want to furthermore remind that each and every one of you, ladies and gentlemen, have also invested in me and all the other scholars present here tonight, through generous scholarships, unique opportunities and incredible support. So, for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
