TCNJ Receives Largest Donation in 151-Year History

The College is proud to announce receipt of the largest donation in the institution’s history. The $5 million gift annuity from Tom and Carol Loser will support TCNJ’s School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science. It will also honor Carol by naming the dean’s position in the school after her, a tribute in conjunction with the couple’s 25th wedding anniversary.

During her professional career, Carol Loser worked in the field of genetics. She was a trained biologist and a member of the 1950s Rockefeller Institute scientific team that first discovered genes are made of DNA and that DNA transmits hereditary information. Their finding set the course for biological research and has provided greater understanding of the mysteries of life and disease.

"We are extraordinarily grateful for the generosity of the Losers and for the relationship they have developed over the years with The College of New Jersey,” said TCNJ President R. Barbara Gitenstein.  “It is both humbling and apt that such a close and long-term relationship would develop between the College and a family of such exceptional individuals, who have their roots in the Trenton community."

When the gift matures and becomes available, finances will be allocated to the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science to be used at the discretion and in support of the dean’s position. Funds will be invested in programs, faculty, and student activities that are consistent with and advance TCNJ’s mission.

“Obviously, this is an incredible honor for the College and I’m deeply appreciative that the Losers would designate this gift to support the dean’s position,” noted Susan Bakewell-Sachs, dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science. “This helps secure a bright future for the nursing programs and the school.”

A Trenton-area native, Tom Loser was a businessman in the field of industrial chemicals. He was president and co-founder of Wyrough & Loser, Inc., a Ewing-based chemical firm that established a new form of specialty chemicals for the rubber industry. In 1987, he and Carol provided TCNJ with a $1 million gift, which was then the largest single private gift in the College’s history. The contribution helped fund Paul Loser Hall, named after Tom’s late father, who was a longtime superintendent of schools in Trenton. Dedicated in 1997, Paul Loser Hall houses the nursing programs, the Office of Admissions, and serves as a meeting location and reception center. Dr. Paul D. Loser, the younger brother of Tom, was the first business lecturer invited to Trenton State Teachers College. He created (and for many years chaired) what is now The College of New Jersey Foundation.

In addition to honoring his wife, Tom Loser said that his decision to support The College of New Jersey was because, “The state has a treasure in its hands (in TCNJ)…” and “…excellence costs, but mediocrity costs more.”