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.”

Michael Milazzo ‘11

“I enjoyed my time at Kean University immensely. Everything I have today can be attributed to my parents and professors, who offered friendship and guidance along the way. Giving back is a way to pay it forward in honor of those who have supported and helped motivate you.”

Michael Milazzo ’11, a distinguished Kean University alumnus and accomplished attorney, has joined the Kean University Foundation Board of Directors. A partner at Latham & Watkins LLP in New York, Milazzo specializes in tax aspects of private equity funds, mergers, and acquisitions.

A North Brunswick native, Milazzo earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at Kean in 2011 before obtaining his Juris Doctor from Cornell University in 2014. In 2023, he established the Martha Gillen and Budd Milazzo Endowed Scholarship, a $50,000 fund supporting Communication, Media, and Journalism students in honor of his parents and influential Kean professors.

Milazzo credits Kean with shaping his success and remains deeply committed to giving back to his alma mater.

Ellen Garshgo McConnell ’72

“Without the education that I received at Kean University, I wouldn't have had a career that I truly loved for 36 years."

Ellen Garshgo McConnell ’72 taught in Old Bridge public schools for nearly four decades as a special education teacher. She cares deeply about giving back to organizations that have touched her life in meaningful ways. Ellen cherishes her time at Kean as she was the first in her family to earn a college degree, which opened doors for a long and successful career. Most of all, Ellen credits her parents for inspiring her to go to college, particularly because they were not afforded the opportunity themselves and worked very hard to make ends meet.

Delia Latini ‘23

"As an alumna, giving back means returning the favor to the institution that shaped my journey. It's not just about paying it forward; it's a heartfelt investment in the potential of future graduates."

Delia Latini is a proud two-time Kean University student. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2023 and is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration. Her extracurricular experience includes co-chairing the President’s Advisory Council and being a student representative for the Kean University Foundations Board, which has allowed her to lead initiatives to improve campus safety and student life. Delia has gained valuable experience in public policy and organizational strategy through roles with the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research and the Office of the First Lady of New Jersey to take her advocacy to the local and state levels.

Theresa Jaffe ’70

“Because Kean provided me a window to a world of opportunities, my life was changed forever. I give back to help keep that window open for others and support the dreams of today’s students hoping to help keep that window open for others.”

Theresa Jaffe ’70 is a nationally recognized consultant with over 40 years of experience in the accounting, consulting, healthcare, nonprofit, law and technology industries. As President of Theresa Jaffe Consulting, she helps clients increase their revenues, improve their visibility and enhance their relationships. Additionally, Theresa has served as a volunteer leader in over 30 nonprofit organizations focused on improving people’s lives. She has received numerous awards, including Kean University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Chuck E. Waimon ‘77

“Kean creates an environment where students can be themselves and really excel, and the possibilities are endless. If it wasn’t for Kean, I wouldn’t be in the role I am today. It made a complete difference in my life.”

Mr. Waimon is Chief Executive Officer of Mutti U.S.A., Inc., an international manufacturer and importer of shelf-stable tomato products direct from Italy. Prior to joining Mutti U.S.A., he was part of the PepsiCo/Frito Lay corporation where he was Senior Director of Sales in the Northeast Region of the United States before advancing to the role of Vice President and General Manager.

Chuck credits the degree he earned from Kean University as his first stepping-stone into the world of business management, an experience which has fostered his desire to give back.

Patricia Dulinski ‘97

“Kean is particularly special to me as many of the students are first-generation college students – which is something I share with them; I see a lot of myself in these students. Kean is a special place, and I look for every opportunity I can to give back to it.”

After completing her undergraduate degree at Kean University, Ms. Dulinski earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from Seton Hall Law school in June 2000. She is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and the Union County Bar and has received the honor of Best Lawyers for Families from 2017 through 2022.

Practicing family law for over 20 years, she focuses on achieving the best possible results for families. She is committed to offering creative solutions while helping clients develop a strategy to resolve their legal matters—and protecting children is her highest priority. Ms. Dulinski strives to resolve cases and leave a family in a better position than where she found them.

Brian Murphy ‘97

“I am happy to give back in numerous ways. As a member of the Kean University Foundation Board of Directors, when I hear the stories and all the good that has been done in support of Kean students, it makes me want to be a part of the mission we are pursuing.”

As Senior Vice President at the public relations communications agency Coyne PR, Brian Murphy has helped create and execute some of the agency’s most successful public relations programs.

He is a seasoned communications professional with more than twenty years of experience working with category leaders and challenger brands. A consumer media specialist, Brian has extensive experience in developing integrated communication campaigns leveraging paid, earned, shared and owned platforms.