Reunion Class of ’65 Hits Their Goal!

In 2015, to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of their graduation from Montclair State, the Class of 1965 set forth to collectively raise $100,000 to establish an endowed scholarship.

Just a few years later, in 2019, their goal has been met! The Class of 1965 – 50^th Reunion Endowed Scholarship was created thanks to the generosity of this class. Through cash gifts, pledges and bequests, members of the class proudly joined together to pay it forward to future generations of students.

As graduates of Montclair State College in 1965, many were first – or second – generation students who attended college because their parents strongly believed in the American Dream. On May 22, 2015, members of the class had the opportunity to return to the campus that enabled them to fulfill their dreams as they attended their 50^th Reunion.

Many of the graduates from the Class of 1965 went on to become teachers, department heads, administrators and athletic coaches. Through their commitment to support their alma mater, the class endowed scholarship awarded annually will support the generations of Montclair State students to come.

Fundraising efforts were led by a dedicated Reunion Committee who volunteered to organize, plan and promote their class reunion and class gift.

The Class of 1965 50^th Reunion Committee included Marie Bagnato Attanasio, Claire Trudgen Dixon, Kenneth Licker, Herman “Bud” Meyers, Stephen Pepe, Kathleen Laughlin Pomerantz, Donald Schlenger, Mireille Lipsitz Schuck, Jacqueline Masar Schlenger, Barry A. Smith and Joan Sirisky Wechter.

“The Class of 1965 was pleased that it was able to raise funds for a scholarship that leaves a lasting legacy to help current and future students at Montclair State to fulfill their dreams.” says Stephen Pepe. Reminiscing about his time as an undergrad, Pepe says, “For me and most of my classmates, we were the first in our family to attend college. Montclair State was the affordable option, especially for those of us who commuted.”

The Class of 1965 Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student. Scholarship support is a key pillar of Soar, The Campaign for Montclair State University.

For more information on supporting scholarships at Montclair State, contact Kara Baldwin Brennan ’92, Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, at 973-655-7492 or brennanka@montclair.edu.

Class of 1969, now it’s your turn to celebrate! Come back to campus to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of your graduation from Montclair State. To learn more about planned activities, visit the reunion website or contact Karen Hackett, Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, at 973-655-4207 or hackettk@montclair.edu.