Domenick Stampone ’94 (far left), president of the Alumni Association, joins Faculty Service Award recipient Barbara Grant ’54 (fourth from left) and Distinguished Alumni Award recipients (left to right) Judith Lissemore Merz ’69, M.A. ’70, Tami Cotsakos ’71, Suzanne Kabis ’75, Annmarie Puleio ’75 and Sam Dedio ’88

The William Paterson University Foundation raised close to $500,000, the highest amount ever generated by the Legacy gala, during the 17th annual dinner and silent auction held on April 14 at The Villa at Mountain Lakes.  The event raises funds to support the University’s mission of promoting student success and academic excellence.

The Legacy Award honors individuals and corporations who, through their acts and deeds, epitomize the spirit of William Paterson, the University’s namesake and the New Jersey patriot and statesman whose visionary leadership was critical in the development of the state and the nation.  Recipients of this year’s Legacy Award were David F. Bolger of Ridgewood, president of Bolger & Co., Inc. and The Bolger Foundation; David J. Kasparian of Englewood and Michael N. Kasparian of Ho-Ho-Kus, partners, MDK Development, LLC, headquartered in Paramus; and Unilever, headquartered in Englewood.

President Arnold Speert (far left) and Sandra Deller (second from left), vice president for institutional advancement, with Legacy Award honorees (left to right) David J. Kasparian, partner, MDK Development; David F. Bolger, president of Bolger & Co. Inc. and The Bolger Foundation; Michael N. Kasparian, partner, MDK Development; and Paul Bello, vice president, Unilever, who accepted the award on behalf of Unilever

The event also included the presentation of the University’s Distinguished Alumni Awards and Faculty Service Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented by the William Paterson Alumni Association to outstanding University alumni in recognition of significant achievement. Recipients were: Tami Cotsakos ’71, vice chairman, Mainstream Holdings, LLC; Sam Dedio ’88 of Kinnelon, senior portfolio manager and head of U.S. active equity, Julius Baer Investment Management; Suzanne Mechanic Kabis ’75, M.D., of Skillman, president of The Renal Group of Central New Jersey, associate professor of clinical medicine, UMDNJ, and senior attending, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital; Judith Lissemore Merz ’69, M.A. ’70, M.Ed, ’76, Ed.D., of Sun City Center, Florida, formerly of Wayne, retired superintendent, Cedar Grove Public Schools; and Annmarie Puleio ’75, of Westfield, executive director, The Fred C. Rummel Foundation.

“In the near future, we look forward to some exciting news about a magnanimous gesture during the gala by Christos Cotsakos and Suzanne Cotsakos, the daughter of Christos and Tami,” says Sandra S. Deller, vice president for institutional advancement and president of the William Paterson University Foundation. “This gift will benefit the Department of Music in recognition of Tami Cotsakos’ Distinguished Alumni Award. I am also pleased to announce that during the same evening we learned of a generous contribution from David Bolger to benefit clinical instruction at The Nel Bolger, RN Nursing Laboratory." 

The Faculty Service Award is given by the University’s Alumni Association to faculty members nominated by William Paterson alumni in recognition of demonstrated career achievement and commitment to the University. This year's recipient was Barbara M. Grant ’54, Ed.D., of Wyckoff, professor emeritus of curriculum and instruction.

“Partnerships form the bedrock of the University’s ability to play a vital and vibrant role in our students’ lives,” says President Arnold Speert.  “The generosity of our donors and other friends of the University combine with our faculty and students to create a potent formula for success.  Partnerships help to generate the crucial resources that we rely on day after day as a University committed to the highest possible quality.  We greatly appreciate their investment in our students and this great institution.”

“Support for the Legacy Award Gala helps William Paterson to develop and enhance programs that engage students in new and innovative ways,” says Deller. “It helps us to provide all students—commuters and residents—with a living-learning environment that enriches their educational experiences in the classrooms, labs, studios and throughout our active campus. Most importantly, support enables us to offer scholarships to exceptional students – often with significant financial need.”