reception honors those who 'pay it forward'; trustee donates $250,000

Though their generosity is appreciated every day of the year, the President's Scholarship Reception the evening of April 27 was a special time to acknowledge and thank the many individuals who support TCNJ students with their selfless donations.

Labeling her as “one of our most dedicated alumna,” College president R. Barbara Gitenstein commended “longtime friend of the College and very dear personal friend” Barbara Pelson ’59 for her $250,000 gift to the School of Art, Media, and Music. 

Jim Lentini, Dean of Art, Media, and Music, thanked Pelson for her “very generous gift that will support scholarships,” and will “bring students to TCNJ that are highly gifted in the arts.” 

To show the school’s gratitude to Pelson, Gitenstein unveiled a plaque announcing the renaming of the lobby of the music building, the “physical locale of her first love,” as the Barbara Pelson Lobby.

Pelson said that she was “overwhelmed” at the honor.  “It’s very touching.  I’m very humbled by it.  It’s a great feeling to be able to give a gift, to give back…I believe so much in these great students.  I’m so proud of this great institution.”

Later on in the evening, scholarship recipients and their benefactors enjoyed drinks and appetizers at what Gitenstein deemed “the first of what we hope will be an annual President’s Scholarship Reception,” held in and around Paul Loser Hall.

Gitenstein thanked the benefactors for their kind donations, noting that “these people represent almost $2 million in one year,” Gitenstein said, providing “New Jersey’s brightest and most talented citizens” with the funds to support their higher-learning endeavors.

In the wake of massive state budget cuts resulting in the slashing of higher education funds, Gitenstein stressed the fact that now, more than ever, TCNJ must rely on the “strength of philanthropic community.”

“We need to continue to build on the very solid foundation,” said Gitenstein.  She encouraged the students in attendance to “follow the example of those around you.  Pay it forward.”