Dr. Dorothy "Dottie" McCabe '80

Growing up in a home with limited financial resources, college seemed out of the question for Dottie McCabe. However, after having two kids and living right behind Kean University’s main campus, fate was tempting her. Six years later, Dottie graduated from Kean with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

It is in this spirit of opportunity and possibility that Dottie gives back to Kean. She is very interested in the students who grew up under circumstances like her own, struggling to pay for school. “I want them to know that, if you persevere, you can overcome obstacles that may be in your way,” Dottie said. “Don’t give up.”

Mark LoSacco, Esq. '88

Mark LoSacco grew up in East Brunswick and graduated from Kean with a double major in public administration and criminal justice. However, a Kean adjunct professor, Mitchell Ignatoff, Esq., advised Mark to consider law school. When Mark said he might not be able to manage the cost, Mr. Ignatoff replied, “You can afford it. You will find a way, and I will write you a recommendation.”

Nearly 25 years later, Mark has become a top-notch lawyer and leader. He places value in giving back to the school where it began for him. “My journey started at Kean,” he said. “Kean provides a wide spectrum of opportunities to those who would not have access otherwise.”

Gerald Finken '90

Born and raised in New Jersey, Gerald Finken chose Kean University because he is “Jersey Proud”. When Gerald and his wife paid a visit to Kean a few years ago, Gerald was mesmerized by all the new buildings and technological advancements in education, while being completely “blown away” by the growth of the school’s College of Business and Public Management. After the visit, Gerald decided to increase his financial contributions to Kean. “My success is a true testament to the mentorship and real-life experience I received while attending Kean,” he said.

Patrick Ippolito '62 '65

Kean University College of Education Associate Professor

There are few others who embody the spirit of Kean University more than Associate Professor Patrick “Pat” Ippolito. Both a Kean alumnus and an active member of the faculty, Pat is one of the University’s most generous donors, having established the Patrick J. Ippolito ’62 ’65 Annual Scholarship in Elementary Education. This scholarship is awarded on a yearly basis to junior students at Kean who are majoring in elementary education. “My philosophy is giving back,” Pat said. “It is our responsibility to give back; to make a Kean education available to those students who otherwise cannot afford it themselves."

Barbara '60 & Paul Wyciskala

In 1960, Barbara Wyciskala graduated from (what was then) Newark State College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. As graduation approached, her brother-in-law facilitated a date between Barbara and the man who would eventually become her husband, Paul Wyciskala. The memories Barbara made while attending Newark State College remained a source of joy for years to come.

The couple established the Barbara and Paul Wyciskala Endowed Scholarship that provides financial support to full-time Kean University students who are pursuing degrees within the College of Business and Public Management, with preference given to those students who are the first generation within their families to attend an institute of higher education.

Dr. W John Bauer & Nancy Boucher

Retired professor Dr. W. John Bauer, who taught within the Kean University School of English Studies, and his sister, Nancy Boucher, have been steadfast in their dedication to the arts and humanities. Nearly three years ago, John and Nancy solidified their philanthropic legacy at Kean with their joint gift to establish the Bauer-Boucher Theatre Center.

However, the pair’s generosity towards Premiere Stages did not end there. John and Nancy made another significant gift to provide financial support for the construction of an ADA-compliant bathroom within the Bauer-Boucher Theater Center, including the renovation of the theater’s backstage dressing room areas, thereby enhancing the Center’s accessibility for artists, students, and patrons with disabilities.

Patricia Graleski

Born in Jersey City, Patricia is the oldest child of two deaf parents, neither of whom graduated high school. Patricia promised herself she would go to college and was awarded a full scholarship to Newark State Teachers College. However, her father insisted she become a secretary, teacher, or nurse instead.

Years later, after finally realizing her dream and graduating college, Patricia pondered how different her life would have been had she attended Newark State Teachers College. She wanted to provide the same opportunity she was given to another young woman. As a result, Patricia made a Bequest, or a written provision in her will allowing for a gift from her estate to the Kean University Foundation shortly after her passing, to establish an Endowed Scholarship – and thusly earning her membership within the Foundation’s Medallion Society.

Dr. Dorothy Hennings H'10

Dr. Dorothy Hennings paid a visit to the Kean University campus on June 16, 2020 – the date that would have been her beloved husband and philanthropic partner’s, Dr. George Hennings, 98th birthday. When She and Dr. Dawood Farahi reached the memorial park behind Kean’s library, they paused to sit on the granite bench, which memorializes George, before walking back to the rear entrance of Hennings Hall. Little did Dr. Hennings know of the surprise Dr. Farahi had in store.

“I was speechless when I saw the giant drape on the front of Hennings Hall and the wonderful display of photos of George and me,” she said. “Those photos celebrate our life together and our finding one another at OUR university.” Dr. Farahi also unveiled signage on the elevated bridge connecting George Hennings Hall with Dorothy Grant Hennings Hall, which is now known as “Dorothy and George Way.”