Recipients: Rachel Benoit, David Long, Stephen Fahy, Maisy Coyne

Anne Kirby taught special education for more than twenty years in the Montclair public schools. She served as president of the Teachers Club of Montclair in the 1980’s. The Kirby family endowed the Anne Kirby Memorial Scholarship for graduate students preparing to be teachers. According to Cornelious Kirby, Anne’s husband, Montclair State was chosen as a home for the scholarship “due to the excellence of its teaching program and its long-standing local involvement.” This scholarship will assist matriculated graduate students in the M.Ed. or MAT degree program with at least 9 credit hours who teach or are preparing to teach.

Recipient: Nikole Lange, Taylor Waddleton, Mariella Pueblo

Arlene Allen is a graduate of Montclair State University and a talented and dedicated English and English Literature teacher who retired several years ago. Arlene has been an extremely active, devoted, and generous Montclair alumna. This award provides three scholarships to assist our education students during their student teaching semester.

Recipient: Robert Onoz

The Barbara Ferguson Scholarship is presented to a qualifying undergraduate student enrolled in the College of Education and Human Services Teacher Education program who plans to teach Chemistry or Physics.

Recipient: Ralph Marotti

Both Byron and Myrtis Yake come from families filled with educators – teachers, principals, superintendents, and college professors. Recognizing the importance and impact of the many educators in their lives, they are honored to give this scholarship to assist a Montclair State education student during their student teaching experience.

Recipient: Lauren Wright

The Charles and Dorothy Farinella Scholarship is presented to a qualifying undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in the College of Education and Human Services’ Teacher Education program who will be in their student teaching semester.

Recipient: Elijah Hampton

Together Craig and Arlene Crescenzi Allen have endowed the Craig and Arlene Crescenzi Allen Endowed Scholarship. Craig is a retired manager from BASF. He used to drive Arlene to campus when they were dating and recalls that she took her studies very seriously and spent a lot of time in the library. They are wonderful friends to MSU! This scholarship is awarded to assist one full-time rising junior or prospective senior enrolled in the Teacher Education program who plans to teach in the humanities with at least 3.5 GPA.

Recipient: Laura Brienza

Barbara Horn Buhrer graduated from Montclair State with an English degree in 1943 and worked as a librarian for many years in Livingston. She met her husband at a Sophomore Dance in the building now known as College Hall, and was married to Ed Buhrer (’48, ’52 MA) for 67 years. Sadly, Ed passed away in 2010 and Barbara passed away last April. We are honored to present the scholarship in her memory. The Edward and Barbara Buhrer Endowed Scholarship funds a scholarship for a full-time undergraduate student or graduate student, majoring in Social Studies or English pursuing Teacher Certification.

Recipient: Steffi Grant

The Edward and Jean Cooper Scholarship for Teacher Training award is presented to a qualifying undergraduate student enrolled in the College of Education and Human Services Teacher Education program.

Recipient: Alessia Arcieri, Amber Francy, Emily Perez, Cathleen Paluszek

The Dr. Elton Robertson Technology Award is given to support an outstanding full-time undergraduate math major in the Teacher Education Program who demonstrates computer proficiency and ability to incorporate technology in their teaching. This award assists the student in purchasing technology hardware or software for classroom use during the student teaching semester.

Recipient: Anthony Gachetti

George Hennings’ time at MSU had a lasting effect on his life. He deepened his love of science and became a lifelong learner. He was a high school science teacher and later a college professor. The education George received at Montclair State started him down a path of professional successes and personal satisfaction. It’s a path that he wants to make sure is available to young people starting out today. The recipient of this scholarship should be enrolled in a program in science education and have completed 48 credits and achieved a minimum grade point average of at least 3.5.

Recipient: TBD

The J. Thomas Flagg Award is presented to an outstanding graduating senior completing student teaching in the College of Education and Human Services’ Teacher Education program.

Recipient: Annalesa DiLaurenzio

John Greco was part of the Montclair State family beginning in 1997, when he began his academic and athletic careers here. John graduated from MSU with a BA in 2000 and became the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach for the Red Hawks in 2003 until 2010. This scholarship, in honor of John Greco, represents all that he did for his students and players over the years as well as the special role that MSU played in his life. But more importantly, it is a testament to the amazing person he was and the way he lived his life. This scholarship is given to provide assistance to an education student during his/her student teaching semester.

Recipient: Giana DiLascio

The Kathryn E. Stilwell Memorial Award was established by the Bergen County Retired Educators Association to honor the memory of Kathryn Stilwell. Kay Stilwell was a graduate of Montclair State University, the first full-time president of the NJEA, the NEA and the Bergen County REA, and an outstanding leader in New Jersey education. This scholarship award is presented annually to a junior or senior who plans to enter the teaching field and demonstrates strong academic performance.

Recipient: Julie Weinstein

Long-time supporters of the University, Ralph and Margaret Miano generously provide the Miano Science/Math Teacher Education Scholarship to assist an outstanding, full-time undergraduate Science/Math major who is entering the senior semester. It provides financial support as the student conducts his/her student teaching experience.

Recipients: Madison Chaplin

The Michael and Marianne Autorino Endowed Scholarship award is presented to a deserving full-time or part-time undergraduate student who is enrolled in the teacher education program with a grade point average of a 3.0 or higher.

Recipients: Daliah Legensky

Nancy Myers-Alvarez and Frank Alvarez, both alumni of Montclair State, have had a life-long commitment to public education and to nurturing talented, novice educators who will contribute to enhancing the profession and ensuring that all students achieve at the highest possible levels.

Recipient: Breann O’Neill

Nel Noddings, a renowned educational philosopher, recalls seeing the dome at MSU from her elementary school classroom and knew at a young age that she wanted to attend MSU and become a teacher. She and her late husband Jim established the Nel and James Noddings scholarship, thinking of the many Montclair State students today who—like Nel—are the first in the families to go to school, of modest means, in need of a scholarship. The scholarship is for individuals in their student teaching semester who are preparing to be math teachers.

Recipient: Shanika Forbes

Susan Hudock Michelli and Nicholas Michelli were children of immigrants from Southern Italy and Slovakia. Both understood the importance of education and encouraged their children to pursue every educational opportunity. Nicholas was a successful businessman in Paterson, NJ and Susan was a registered nurse in School #6 in Paterson. Their son, Nick Michelli, is Dean Emeritus of Montclair State’s College of Education and Human Services, where he served as dean for 20 years. The Susan and Nicholas Michelli award is given to a student who shows a commitment to urban education in keeping with Montclair’s mission.

Recipient: Esmeralda Tamayo

The Paula Haas Dotson Scholarship is presented to a qualifying undergraduate English Major who is enrolled in the College of Education and Human Services Teacher Education program.

Recipient: Allyssa Romero

Susan Blount and Rick Bard have been wonderful friends and supporters to MSU and both have shared a sustained interest in championing education in New Jersey. The Richard A. Bard Scholarship in Science Education provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who are preparing to be science teachers and are enrolled in the Teacher Preparation Program.

Recipient: Bethany Olive

The Robert Pines Scholarship is awarded in honor of Dr. Pines, Professor Emeritus, who was Director of the Teacher Education Program at Montclair State for many years. This scholarship is offered to an outstanding undergraduate student enrolled in both the Montclair State Honors Program and the Teacher Education Program. The recipient must demonstrate creativity in planning, teaching, assessing, and engaging students in authentic learning and critical thinking.

Recipients: Jennifer Peralta

Ruth Lewin graduated from Montclair State College with her master’s degree in 1951. She devoted her life to teaching and was honored several times during her teaching career. She established this award to give back to the teaching profession by providing assistance to deserving students in the teacher preparation.

Recipients: Nicholas Lipari Pazienza, Maliah Mckenzie, Christian Rhodes, Jennifer Smith, Denisse Vargas, Veronica Monetti, Savannah Costa, Daria Esposito, Cristina Gerace, Jacquelyn Zayle

The Teachers Club of Montclair has a tradition of honoring students in their junior year, with the hope of encouraging and supporting students in the year before they embark upon their teaching careers.The Teachers Club is mostly composed of retired teachers who meet regularly and often invite award recipients to share their experiences. They are involved in supporting many educational activities. The Teachers Club of Montclair has been extremely supportive over the past several years, donating over $200,000 for scholarships to Montclair State students.

Recipient: Brianna Nicole Mazzaro

Wamwari Waichungo came to Montclair State from Kenya to study quantitative methods. While waiting to register for classes she saw a food science sign and wondered what it involved. She spoke to the advisor (Dr. John Specchio) and changed her major to home economics with a concentration in food and nutrition. She has served on her 25th reunion committee, participated in an alumni panel for Women in Entrepreneurship week and hosted a reception for Montclair State alumni in Atlanta. She has established the Waichungo Food Science Scholarships for students who are pursuing a degree in Nutrition and Food Science with a Food Science Concentration. The Waichungo Food Science Scholarship is presented to a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership in nutrition and food science.

Recipient: Erica G. Kessler

The Ruslink-Health and Nutrition Sciences award is presented to a student in Nutrition and Food Studies who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership skills, and research potential.

Recipient: Kadijah Casanovas

The Peins Health and Nutrition Sciences Scholarship award goes to an outstanding female undergraduate who is a full-time junior or senior Nutrition and Food Science major.

Recipient: Isabella Souraya Ghaleb

Katharine Hall was founder of the Home Economics Department at Montclair State University. She was chair of the department for many years and was active in the associated professional organization – Family and Consumer Sciences.The Katharine B. Hall Scholarship recognizes the professional and academic accomplishments of a full-time undergraduate prospective senior student majoring in Nutrition and Food Science at MSU with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Preference is given to students who are active participants in the activities of the department or members of a professional organization affiliated with their course of study.

Recipient: Chelsea Irene Donlon

The Nutrition and Food Science Undergraduate Leadership Award is presented to a student who by academic performance, leadership skills, and professional disposition are poised to make significant contributions in the field of Nutrition and Food Science.

Recipient: Olaoluwa Oluwafemi Olayeni

The Nutrition and Food Science Graduate Leadership Award is presented to a Graduate student who by academic performance, leadership skills, and professional disposition is poised to make significant contributions in the field of Nutrition and Food Science.

The Addiction Workforce Promotion Scholarship is presented to one full-time student accepted into the Master’s level Addiction Counseling Program in CEHS and majoring in Addiction Counseling.

Outstanding Professional Achievement in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Award Recipient: Robert J. Zeglin, PhD

Outstanding Professional Achievement in School Counseling Award Recipient: Jacqueline T. Schumacher

Outstanding Professional Achievement in Addictions Counseling Award Recipient: Melissa Sampath

Outstanding Professional Achievement in Student Affairs/Higher Education Counseling Award Recipient: Megan E. Delaney, PhD

Outstanding Professional Achievement in Addictions Workshop Scholarship 2022-2023 through MSU Award Recipient: Haley D. Hassan

Counseling award honors graduates who serve the community and are role models to all who know them.

Recipients: Tia McKenzie, Kelly Hayes

This award is presented to a B.S. in Public Health student who has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence through course work. This individual has been a leader both in classroom settings and during practical work experiences, promoting professional values and exhibiting leadership in the field of public health.

Recipient: Frandina Volcy, Janki Shah

The Public Health Award recognizes a graduating B.S. in Public Health major who has already made contributions toward promoting good health in the community. This award is presented to an individual who is in good academic standing and who has demonstrated a commitment to improving public health at the community level via the implementation of sound public health theories, principles, and practices.

Recipient: Mikaela Kestler, War Talley

The Public Health Leadership Award (GR) is awarded to an MPH student who, by academic performance, leadership skill, and professional disposition, is poised to make significant contributions in the field of public health.

Recipients: Jenna Brannigan, Katrina Macht

The George D. Heiss Memorial Research Award, offered in recognition of outstanding student research.

Recipients: TBD

Recipient: No Awardee

The Lucille Weistuch Memorial Award was created in 2003 in memory of our treasured colleague, Dr. Lucille Weistuch. Dr. Weistuch was a tireless champion for young children with special needs, and always discovered each child’s strengths. The award goes to an outstanding graduate student who will carry on Dr. Weistuch’s legacy in the field of Early Childhood Inclusive Education.

Recipients: Aliza Enker, Jameelah Wright

The Rose L. Dakss Memorial Award is presented to students who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in early childhood and elementary education. Rose Dakss, grandmother of Professor Monica Taylor, was a lifelong learner who was forward thinking and far exceeded the expectations of women of her day. Her passion for and commitment to urban children was apparent throughout her 25-year career. She was a progressive teacher who believed in her students unconditionally. She recognized the possibility of democracy through public education.

Recipient: Stephanie LaVail

Dr. Fran M. Greb was a faculty member in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Literacy Education for sixteen years. She was beloved by her students and colleagues for her extensive contributions to the department and our partner schools, incredible skills as a teacher educator, and wonderful sense of humor. The department recognizes outstanding clinical faculty and cooperating teachers in honor of Fran’s legacy.

Recipient: Francisco Ocasio

Dr. Susan Wray was a faculty member in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Literacy Education for sixteen years. She was a dedicated teacher throughout her adult life and leaves a significant legacy for the Montclair State University community through her many contributions and through the example she set for all of us. The recipient of this award is one with a strong commitment in teaching equity and social justice in urban schools that is truly outstanding and worthy of this recognition.

Recipient: Marlena Mangano

The Guthrie Scholarship is awarded to a full-time undergraduate junior student majoring in Family Science and Human Development with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The awardee provides evidence of involvement in community service with families and/or children.

Recipient: Emma Schiavello Sydney Jenkinson

The Ruslink-Family and Child Studies scholarship is awarded to an outstanding full-time or part-time undergraduate student majoring in Family Science and Human Development with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Recipients: Wilfredo Flores-Bruno

Katharine Hall was the founder of the Home Economics Department at Montclair State University. She was a beloved chair of the department for many years and was very active in the national professional organization of Family and Consumer Sciences. This scholarship recognizes the professional and academic accomplishments of a full-time undergraduate prospective senior majoring in Family Science and Human Development with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Preference is given to students who are active participants in the activities of the department or members of a professional organization.

Recipients: Ismat Abbas

Katharine Hall was the founder of the Home Economics Department at Montclair State University. She was a beloved chair of the department for many years and was very active in the national professional organization of Family and Consumer Sciences. This scholarship recognizes the professional and academic accomplishments of a full-time undergraduate prospective senior majoring in Family Science and Human Development with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Preference is given to students who are active participants in the activities of the department or members of a professional organization.

Recipient: Jennifer Garcia

Recipients: Quawntashea Bailey, Liandy Gonzalez

The faculty in our Master of Arts in Higher Education recognizes outstanding graduate students for their academic accomplishments, commitment to professional development, and potential contribution to Higher Education.

Recipients: Core Choice Program: Joseph Calafiore | Offsite Program: Vanessa Garcia | Online Program: Disha Patel | Fast Track Program: Keziah Riddick

The Outstanding Potential in Educational Leadership awards recognize outstanding students for their dedication and potential contribution to the field of Educational Leadership.

Recipients: Ashley Jiles, Joseph Abbaleo, Ashley Lipscomb, Dan Erhardt, Mindy Milavsky, Lemma Taha

Recipient: Jameelah Wright

Dr. Ana Maria Villegas, a teacher educator and highly-regarded scholar of teacher education throughout her career, was the Director of the PhD program in Teacher Education and Teacher Development from its inception until she retired in 2018. The Ana Maria Villegas Doctoral Scholarship was created to provide support to promising part-time students who are in the 3rd or 4th year of the program and who have completed at least 12 credits per year.