TCNJ

20 On Saturday, April 25, approximately 1,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends gathered on a sunny and crisp Quimby's Prairie to be a part of college history. TCNJ President R. Barbara Gitenstein announced that the college was undertaking its first-ever comprehensive campaign to ensure that a TCNJ education continues to be both exceptional and accessible for hardworking, high-achieving students. The campaign—subtitled "Innovate, Inspire, Engage"—has a goal of raising at least $40 million by June 2017 to advance four priorities: student support, academic enrichment (including support for faculty research and scholarship), the student experience, and capital improvements. One of the first gifts to put the campaign on track during its quiet phase was a $1 million donation that created TCNJ's first endowed chair, the Barbara Meyers Pelson '59 Chair in Faculty-Student Engagement. "As an alumna, I know firsthand the impact that our school makes in the lives of all who attend," Barbara Meyers Pelson '59, a co-chair of the campaign, told those in attendance that day. "TCNJ has an exciting vision for the future, and I hope my gift inspires others to come forward to support this effort in their own large or small way. Every gift makes a difference." Associate Professor of Biology Amanda Norvell agrees. "You don't need to give enough to name a building to make a difference at TCNJ," says Norvell. "I've seen the impact even a small gift in support of mentored research makes in the educational experience and life trajectory of a student." "I'm not a TCNJ graduate, but I have been involved with this great institution for more years than I can remember," said campaign co-chair Allen Silk during the launch. "I remain committed to TCNJ because of its importance to the region, its commitment to excellence in everything that it does, and the outstanding leadership that guides it. I'm energized by its potential and am excited to be a part of this campaign." "This fundraising effort is about ensuring that the college can continue to attract the best and brightest students and faculty," says Gitenstein. "The fact that we're already more than halfway toward our goal shows there is overwhelming enthusiasm and support for the effort." Above: Campaign leaders include the Honorable James J. Florio '62; Barbara Meyers Pelson '59, co-chair; Theresa M. Martinac '72, MEd '73; Allen M. Silk, Esq., co-chair; and TCNJ President R. Barbara Gitenstein. WE INNOVATE. WE INSPIRE. WE ENGAGE.

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