The Panzer Honors Convocation is an outgrowth of the fine tradition established with the creation of the Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene. This fine tradition is to recognize outstanding students in the department in the athletic training and physical education programs. The tradition was started in 1918, the first year after the college was founded. Originally the awards were distributed at the Panzer College graduation ceremonies. As Panzer College grew, a special convocation ceremony was established to recognize these students. With the merger of Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene with Montclair State Teachers College in 1958, this tradition continued. At first, the convocation ceremony was held in the Panzer gymnasium and more recently was moved to the Student Center.
As students became alumni, many who benefited from the scholarships and the programs they experienced, decided, in turn, to give something back to their alma mater and recognize future majors. What an outstanding tribute. Today, over ten thousand dollars in scholarship money and medals are awarded. We wish to recognize and thank the donors for their generosity. As part of the ceremony, another fine tradition was established; for the senior class to leave the department a remembrance of their class in the form of a plaque. The plaques presently are hanging in University Hall, with the first one dating back to 1918. In the early years, the plaques just reflected the year of the graduating class. With time, the plaques took on a new meaning. They revolved around a theme, for example, “Excellence in Education” or a plaque was dedicated to a particular person who had an impact on our programs.
Among the individual recognized for their contributions were Henry Panzer, Dr. Margaret C. Brown, and Dr. Hazel Wacker.
The next time you are in the University Hall please take a moment and reflect on the department’s history as reflected through the plaques; for the generosity and support of our alumni, friends, faculty, and for the future students that the department will be proud to call its own.