Major Contribution
Educational Leadership Scholarships and Aspiring Leaders

A four-year full scholarship from Paterson State College changed the course of Marjorie Heller’s life. A 1962 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education, Heller, superintendent of schools in Little Silver for more than nine years, took the opportunity presented to her and never looked back. “The scholarship was a chance to follow a different career path,” she says. “I had virtually no money and no idea of attending college.” But all that changed when a guidance counselor at Clifton High School met with her in June, just a few days before she was set to graduate and begin a secretarial job. “The guidance counselor looked at my grades and realized I could be eligible for a scholarship based on my class rank. Paterson State took me with no college prep credits based on my academic potential,” she continues.

“The college opened up a new life for me. It gave me a tremendous start.” Education became increasingly important. She earned a master’s degree in education and a doctorate in educational administration from Rutgers University. A classroom teacher for many years, she worked her way up to leadership positions in administration. “No other work is as important or rewarding as teaching,” she says. “But now we need more people to step into educational leadership. It’s important for institutions like William Paterson to encourage educators to prepare for leadership positions.” To that end, Dr. Heller encourages teachers in her district to pursue advanced degrees.

Besides generous grants for scholarships in educational leadership, Heller has also set up a charitable trust for William Paterson University through her estate. “Because William Paterson gave me a life-altering experience, I am now in a position to be able to give back to the University,” she says. “I greatly appreciate the opportunity they gave to me many years ago. Most places can use some economic support. It was natural for me to give to William Paterson; it’s a very deserving place. Since I have been so closely involved in the field of education, I want to support the people coming behind me.”