2025 Kean University Foundation Scholarship Recognition Ceremony

June 25, 2025

The Kean University Foundation recently hosted two special events to recognize the outstanding students receiving scholarships and the generous donors who make those awards possible.

The first celebration, held April 3 in Downs Hall, honored recipients of donor-funded scholarships. More than 350 guests, including students, donors and University leaders, gathered to reflect on the life-changing impact of scholarship support. Donor Ambassador Jim Murphy shared a moving tribute about establishing a scholarship in his late wife’s memory. Student ambassadors Samantha Quigley and Alyssa Rivers spoke about how receiving scholarships helped them pursue their education.

On April 24, the Foundation hosted a second reception for students awarded the Climb to Completion and Climb to Success merit-based scholarships. Supported by Kean’s Climb Higher and Centennial Funds, these awards reflect the University’s commitment to student achievement and opportunity. Edward W. Ahart II, chief development officer for the Kean University Foundation, and University leaders Jin Wang, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business and Public Management, Michael Salvatore, Ph.D., executive vice president for academic and administrative operations, and Katherine Gallagher, senior vice president for student success, praised the scholars’ hard work and shared how their success continues to inspire the Kean community.

Together, these celebrations underscored the transformative power of scholarships at Kean. Behind every award is a donor who believes in the potential of our students and a student who climbs higher because of it. To every donor who gives so others can grow: thank you. Your support opens doors, lifts communities and strengthens the legacy we build together.

-->