Philanthropy Highlighted at Sixth Annual Spring Gala

Individual and corporate philanthropy was the focus of The College of New Jersey Foundation’s Sixth Annual Spring Gala, which was hosted on campus the evening of Friday, May 19.

The Spring Gala, a fundraising event in support of student scholarships at the College, showcased the new library and was also staged in the nearby Alumni Grove and Eickhoff Hall.

In addition to dinner, live music, dancing, and a silent auction, the highlight of the event was the presentation of The College of New Jersey Foundation’s top awards. 

2006 TCNJ Corporation of the Year – Wachovia Bank, N.A.

A longtime supporter of the College and of the greater Mercer County community, Wachovia has provided valuable financial resources and counsel since TCNJ Foundation’s incorporation in the 1970s. Most recently, Wachovia has invested in an assortment of merit-based and need-based scholarship programs at the College, in addition to a number of academic programs and college-wide events. Wachovia continues to provide key leadership to the College with representation on the Board of Trustees, TCNJ Foundation, the Alumni Association and various advisory boards.

2006 Citizen of the Year – Patrick L. Ryan

A native of Mercer County, Pat Ryan (Hopewell Township) has continued a family legacy of community and philanthropic support of a wide assortment of organizations, including the College.  Chairman and founder of Hopewell Valley Community Bank, Ryan has provided leadership, financial support, and “hands on” involvement in an array of activities at the College that have ranged from his longtime support of intercollegiate athletics to a five-year tenure as chair of TCNJ Foundation’s Golf and Tennis Classic, which raised nearly $150,000 in scholarship support.  In addition, his wife, Mika, served as women’s basketball coach at the College, retiring as the program’s winningest coach.

2006 Presidential Honoree – Connie F. Calisti `78

This award, which is presented annually to a high-achieving member of one of the College’s leadership boards, was awarded to Connie F. Calisti `78, who in addition to her position as chair of TCNJ’s Foundation, has chaired or co-chaired TCNJ’s Spring Gala in each of its years. Calisti, who holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, is director of government affairs at New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company, headquartered in West Trenton. A member of the Foundation since 1994, Calisti has also served on a number of statewide commerce and economic leadership positions.