Scholarship Dinner Raises Record-Setting $538,000

Photo: Ellyn McColgan

More than 350 supporters, benefactors and members of the University community gathered in April to raise a record-breaking $538,000 for student scholarships at the 2015 Montclair State University Foundation Annual Scholarship Dinner.

“The contributions for student scholarships will allow Montclair State to continue to provide talented and motivated students with the opportunity of a high-quality education,” said President Susan A. Cole.

The gala evening also honored two business leaders: Bertrand Camus, CEO of United Water and Suez Environnement North America, and Ellyn McColgan ’75, Nasdaq board member and Aquiline Capital Partners LLC adviser. “This year’s honorees share a profound understanding of the ways in which education can transform lives,” said Cole.

Cole presented McColgan, who has enjoyed a distinguished career in the financial services industry, with the University’s Margaret and Herman Sokol Award for Alumni Achievement and Civic Leadership. During the gala, McColgan announced a $600,000 gift to the University. She is supporting undergraduate scholarships with a $100,000 gift and contributing $500,000 to name the student services suite in the new School of Business building. “Ellyn is an alumna of whom the University is enormously proud,” said Cole. “Her generous gift reflects her commitment to ensuring that our students have clear paths to successful careers.”

Camus worked in compliance, finance, long-term investment and sustainable development around the world before becoming United Water’s CEO. In presenting him with the Rose and John J. Cali Award for Business Leadership and Community Engagement, Cole noted that United Water has become an important partner to the University, sharing its commitment to providing students with unique and enriching learning experiences.