FDU Now: Profiles in Giving
Fred and Noreen Hassan
"We decided to support Fairleigh Dickinson because we believe in the mission of this fine institution. Giving aspirational people an opportunity to expand their learning experience is important to us."
"FDU produces graduates who make a significant impact on our region and around the world. We salute FDU and look forward to seeing more students benefit and grow."
A $500,000 gift from Fred Hassan, chairman of the board and CEO of Schering-Plough Corporation, and his wife, Noreen, is supporting The Monninger Center for Learning and Research at the College at Florham.
Mary Kay Mastronardy Stratis, BA'69, MAT'71
"I believe that the track at the Rothman Center will continue to be a much used feature of the Metropolitan Campus. First and foremost, this facility has served FDU's track team for training and competition but the Rothman Center has also served other schools and organizations. Besides functioning as a track for area high schools, the entire arena has been useful for college fairs and sports camps. I believe it also plays a key role in the recruitment process for the Metropolitan Campus. I am happy to be able to facilitate the replacement of the track and auxiliary courts and witness the renewal of spirit, use and functionality for this wonderful facility."
A University trustee, Mary Kay's generous gift of $440,000 provided a new indoor running track at the Rothman Center on the Metropolitan Campus. Commenting on Mary Kay's gift, David Langford, director of athletics, Metropolitan Campus, said, "We are very lucky to have an alumna like Mary Kay Stratis. She gives so much of her time and talent to our University."
Greg Olsen, BS'66, BS'68, MS'68
"Floating in space aboard the International Space Station, 240 miles above the earth, I thought about FDU, the things I learned and the professors who changed my life. I thought 'here's a kid from New Jersey who had very little prospects early in life, living his dream of being in space. It all started at FDU.' "
"The faculty at FDU believed in me even before I believed in myself. They saw my potential and drew it out of me. I think that's the greatest gift I've ever received."
"FDU gave me the chance I needed to succeed. My two physics professors, Lee Gildart and Oswald Haase gave me the tools and knowledge to make a difference in the world."
"I can never repay what my mentors gave me, but I can pass along their gift-the opportunity to succeed-to today's FDU students."
A highly-successful entrepreneur, space-traveler and University trustee, Greg's $5 million gift to the University last year was the largest contribution in Fairleigh Dickinson's 64-year history. At Greg's request, the University dedicated the Lee Gildart and Oswald Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering in honor of two retired physics professors who had a profound impact on Greg's life and career.
Among other areas of the University impacted by Greg's gift was the Technical Enrichment Outreach Program. The program promotes computer science, engineering, mathematics and engineering technology to public high schools with large populations of under-represented minority and/or financially disadvantaged students.
Antoinette Petrocelli
"We became part of the FDU legacy because FDU was willing to open its doors to my husband, Anthony J. Petrocelli. He placed so much value on the education he received at FDU, that he decided to support the University in continuing to educate future global leaders who can benefit as well as he did. Having been involved in many aspects of education all my life and sharing these benefits with him, I plan to continue his commitment."
With more than 30 years of experience in education, University Trustee Ann Petrocelli is passionate about learing. It's a passion she shared with her late husband, Anthony J. Petrocelli, a trustee of the University who earned a degree in business management as a nontraditional student at FDU.
In April 2005, the University dedicated the Anthony J. Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies in recognition of the generous commitment of $4 million from Tony and Ann.
Kenneth Vehrkens, dean of the Petrocelli College, said, "Ann is committed to providing access and opportunity to higher education for students of all ages. She is involved in many of the programs offered by the college. She has made curriculum recommendations for Camp Discovery, a summer educational experience for students in grades 1-8, and has served as a chaperon on many field trips. Ann is very interested in providing educational opportunities for students from other countries. She has been very supportive of the Petrocelli College's Puerta al Futuro (Gateway to the Future) initiatives for recent Latino immigrants."