Denise Rover

2021 Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Co-Honoree

Denise Rover ‘84

Margaret And Herman Sokol Award For Alumni Achievement And Civic Leadership

Herman ’37 and Margaret ’38 Sokol enjoyed successful careers after graduating from Montclair State University and were generous benefactors committed to improving future lives. Their philanthropy has established the University’s first endowed professorship and the Margaret and Herman Sokol Institute of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences that advances research on solutions to global health issues. Herman was president of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and part of the team that discovered tetracycline. Margaret was a public school math and science teacher. This award honors the commitment made by the Sokol Family and is bestowed on a Montclair State graduate who has made a significant contribution to industry, culture and /or society.

Denise recently completed two consecutive two-year terms as the President of the New York Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In her 37 years as a member, she was elected to the Board of Governors of the New York Chapter for three terms. She also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the organization. Denise was elected as a Trustee of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for two terms, and was Chair of the Moving Forward: Daytime Emmy ® Awards Committee.

Skating has been a passion for most of Denise’s life. She remains active with U.S. Figure Skating, a governing body of the U.S. Olympic Committee. She has attended 23 World Figure Skating Championships, and several Winter Olympics. With her combined skating and media backgrounds, Denise often shares insights and ideas with skating officials on broadcasting and advertising matters.

Denise established the Rover Family Fund for Breast Cancer Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as a tribute to her late parents. She works closely with staff to fund it annually.

Montclair State University, and specifically its School of Communication and Media, is important to Denise. She was appointed to the Board of Advisors of the College of the Arts. Denise has been an active donor to her alma mater over the years, and has provided generous scholarship support for students in the College of the Arts.

Faith and philanthropy are important pillars to Denise. She was recently reappointed to the Finance Council of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ.  She also serves on the Budget Committee, and Insurance and Benefits Committee. Denise was also appointed to the Board of Overseers at Seton Hall University/Immaculate Conception Seminary. She was invested into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and has rank of a Lady Commander.