NJ Senate President Scutari Honored at Kean University Gala

UNION, N.J. — Hundreds of supporters, friends and alumni of Kean University attended the University’s recent 23rd annual fundraising gala to celebrate New Jersey Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, a 1989 Kean graduate who was honored at the event.

Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., announced a donation from Amazon, part of which will be used for a scholarship in Scutari’s name.

“Senate President Scutari is a tireless champion for the State of New Jersey and Kean University. His leadership in the legislature has helped Kean reach new heights as the state’s urban research university,” Repollet said at Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren. “Amazon’s support for the Nicholas P. Scutari Service Scholarship at Kean is a fitting tribute to this proud Kean alumnus. We are so grateful for this generous donation, which will help Kean students climb higher on their paths to success.” 

Scutari called it a humbling experience. In emotional remarks to the audience of supporters and wellwishers, the senate president thanked Kean University for its mission of affordability, accessibility and excellence in higher education.

“The work you’ve done is important,” Scutari said. “The introduction of young minds into our society is so important. Kean fills a void that no one else can do. College is not attainable for so many kids in this area, and I was just one of them. It has afforded me amazing opportunities. My life has been quite a dream.”

William H. Miller, chief executive officer of the Kean University Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises money to benefit Kean’s students, faculty, programs and facilities, called Scutari a “steadfast friend to the University.”

“Senator Scutari is a model of achievement and devotion to community service for all Kean students and alumni,” Miller said. “He is living proof of how far a Kean University degree can take you, and why it is so vital to support the University’s mission.”

Amazon officials were at the gala to help make the scholarship announcement.

“We’re proud to be in New Jersey and support Kean University and its students. The Nicholas Scutari Scholarship Fund is a great initiative and one that will directly benefit ambitious Kean students eager to advance their learning. At Amazon, we firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives and are excited to be involved in this partnership,” said Carley Graham Garcia, head of community affairs at Amazon in New York and New Jersey.

The Nicholas P. Scutari Service Scholarship will support Kean students who demonstrate a commitment to service.

PHOTO/CAPTION:

New Jersey Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari (center), a Kean University alumnus, was honored at the 23rd annual Kean gala. Pictured L-R: Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.; David Vitali, Amazon manager of public policy, NJ and PA ; William H. Miller, Kean University Foundation CEO; Leslie Martinez, Amazon logistics operations manager; NJ Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari; Carley Graham Garcia, Amazon head of community affairs, NY and NJ; William Loehning, chair, Kean University Foundation Board of Directors; Steve Fastook, chair, Kean University Board of Trustees. (Photo Credit: Kean University)

ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1855, Kean University is one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving more than 16,000 students. The University’s six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees, seven doctoral degree programs, and more than 70 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications over a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.