Frank Alvarez ’76 and Wamwari Waichungo ’90 Named to Montclair State University Foundation Board
Two distinguished alumni to serve on Foundation to support University mission
Posted in: Alumni, Press Releases, University
The Montclair State University Foundation Board named Frank R. Alvarez ’76 and Wamwari Waichungo ’90 as new board members at its February meeting. Both will serve three-year terms, joining the board in its mission of providing financial resources for Montclair State University and its students.
“We are excited for the expertise and commitment these highly regarded alumni bring to the Foundation as we support the University in creating life-changing student outcomes,” says Foundation Board Chair Gregory Collins ’79. “Both have distinguished themselves in their respective careers and we are fortunate for the dedication and passion they will bring to their new roles to serve Montclair.”
Frank R. Alvarez ’76
With a career devoted to education, Alvarez now serves as an educational consultant assisting districts to improve educational practices. He received a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and a master’s and EdD in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University. During his career, he has served as superintendent of schools in four districts – North Caldwell (NJ), River Vale (NJ), Montclair (NJ), and Rye (NY). Earlier, he taught and held administrative positions at the local level and worked for the New Jersey State Department of Education.
He currently serves as chairman of the College of Education and Engaged Learning advisory board at the University. Alvarez has shared his expertise as an adjunct instructor for the master’s program in Educational Leadership at Montclair and was on the Montclair Alumni Association board from 1997-2008, serving as president from 2006-2008. In 2008, Montclair State University awarded Alvarez an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the field of education, and in 2022, he was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award for the former College of Education and Human Services (CEHS).
“Montclair State University played a major role in my professional growth. It is an honor to pay-it-forward by serving on the Foundation board,” says Alvarez. “My hopes are to increase financial support for scholarship opportunities as well as University-wide programs.”
Together with his wife, fellow Montclair graduate and classmate Nancy Myers-Alvarez ’76, ’02 MA, Alvarez endowed and continues to annually support the Frank Alvarez and Nancy Myers-Alvarez Endowed Scholarship Fund, awarded to support students during their student teaching semester.
Wamwari Waichungo ’90
Wamwari Waichungo is a global leader in food safety and regulatory affairs. She currently serves as the Global Head of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at ADM. Beginning her career at ConAgra Foods and Campbell Soup Company, she spent more than 20 years with The Coca-Cola Company culminating her tenure as the vice president for Global Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. Wamwari earned her undergraduate degree in Home Economics with a concentration in Food and Nutrition at Montclair State College. She went on to earn a master’s and doctorate in Food Science at the University of Missouri. She also has a master’s of science in law from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
In 2015, she established the Wamwari Waichungo Food Science Scholarship at Montclair and furthered her investment in 2022 including a planned gift commitment with additional endowment support for scholarships and student initiatives. Her generous and meaningful gift was recognized by the University with the naming of the Waichungo Family Courtyard in University Hall in April 2023.
“I believe in Montclair and the power of education to transform lives hence I am thrilled to deepen my commitment to this incredible institution by serving on the Foundation board,” says Wamwari. She previously served on the former CEHS advisory board and was honored with the CEHS Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020.
The Montclair State University Foundation, Inc. was created in 1960 by alumni and friends to provide financially for the educational needs of Montclair State University. The Foundation is a separate not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation established under the laws of the State of New Jersey.
For more information on the Montclair State University Foundation Board, visit the Foundation webpage.