Enduring Ties

“It all started here at Montclair,” explains Karl Huelsenbeck Jr., reflecting on his family history. His grandfather, Frank W. Shershin ’26, became a teacher and married Margaret, also a teacher. Shershin went on to law school, became an attorney and served in the New Jersey Legislature.

“Education was paramount and intertwined its way through my family,” Huelsenbeck shares.

Honoring those ties and continuing a family tradition, Huelsenbeck has extended what his mother, the late Joanne M. Shershin, had begun. Eager to support students, Joanne Shershin had established a scholarship in memory of her parents and her father’s ties to Montclair. Now, her son has carried forward the legacy of scholarship support to inspire and create opportunities for generations to come through the Frank W. ’26, Margaret S. and Joanne M. Shershin Memorial Scholarship.

The family’s generosity was recognized with the naming of Room 114 in the Feliciano School of Business as the “Frank W. ’26, Margaret S. and Joanne M. Shershin Classroom,” unveiled for Karl, his wife Donna, and son, Mark on April 21.

“This day is about the students, number one, and we hope that what we do can help someone get along their path a little easier and follow their dreams,” said Huelsenbeck. “My mother was vibrant and full of life…she was an entrepreneur, and I’m happy that she recognized the need to provide support for students.”

In thanking the family for its generosity, Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell underscored the impact of the decision to invest in the future based on the legacy of the past. “A lot of your family’s legacy aligns with the University and our future … We are committed to being actively engaged in the innovation of teaching and in public service….and to creating a university that’s accessible to all in our society.”

The Frank W. ’26, Margaret S. and Joanne M. Shershin Memorial Scholarship provides scholarship support to two undergraduate students in the Feliciano School of Business over four years, beginning in their freshman year. It recognizes high-achieving students entering Montclair and who maintain academic excellence throughout their undergraduate years.

“This scholarship is unique in its commitment to support a student all the way through to graduation,” said Kimberly Hollister, dean of the Feliciano School of Business. “It reflects our commitment to access and opportunity and to creating an environment that helps more students graduate and start their next chapter of successful careers.”

“I am so grateful for the Frank W. ’26, Margaret S. and Joanne M. Shershin Scholarship,” junior Paige Santos expressed in a note. “Mrs. Shershin’s generosity in memory of her parents and Mr. Huelsenbeck’s continued support makes an impact in my life and the lives of future Montclair students.”

Santos is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and is a member of the honors program and the field hockey team.

“This School and the University are impressive,” said Huelsenbeck. “Our goal is to keep this scholarship going and help people along the way.”