Giving Back This Founders Day: One Alumnus’ Story

March 5, 2025

Mike Milazzo

For Mike Milazzo '11, the newest member of the Kean University Foundation Board of Directors, supporting Kean students is about honoring the past while investing in the future.

His recent $50,000 gift to endow the Lambda Pi Eta Kean University Communication Honor Society builds on a legacy of giving that celebrates both family and faculty mentors who shaped his educational journey.

"We are very excited to kick off Founders Day with such an inspirational and impactful gift from Mr. Milazzo," said William Miller, president and CEO of the Kean University Foundation. "As we celebrate Kean University's 170th anniversary, this is a monumental time for the Kean community to come together in support of Kean students. Mr. Milazzo's gift is a prime example of that."

The Jack Sargent and Fred Fitch Endowment Fund for Lambda Pi Eta, established in honor of Milazzo's parents, Budd Milazzo and Martha Gillen, as well as two influential Kean professors, opens doors for exceptional communication students.

Through this prestigious honor society, qualified students gain valuable opportunities to engage with peers, build closer relationships with faculty and advance their academic achievements in Communication Studies. Milazzo’s gift will help to cover the cost of admission fees, helping to ensure that eligible students, regardless of financial means, can become members.

This latest gift continues Milazzo's commitment to empowering Kean students. In 2023, he created the Martha Gillen and Budd Milazzo Endowed Scholarship, also honoring his parents and professors Jack Sargent, Ph.D., and Fred Fitch, Ph.D., of the Department of Communication, Media and Journalism (CMJ).

The $50,000 scholarship supports CMJ students who have completed between 60 and 95 credits, helping them focus fully on their studies and professional development.

"Creating this endowed gift was my way of honoring the transformative education I received and ensuring others have the same opportunity," Milazzo said. "I believe in the power of giving back to the institution that shaped me, and I encourage everyone to invest in the future of our students. Together, we can create a lasting impact that goes beyond our individual contributions."

The timing of Milazzo's gift adds special significance to this year's Founders Day celebration marking Kean's 170th anniversary.

Through generous gifts like the Jack Sargent and Fred Fitch Endowment Fund for Lambda Pi Eta, donors like Mike Milazzo ensure that future generations of Kean students will continue to climb higher and achieve their dreams.

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May 2021

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Giving Back This Founders Day: One Alumnus’ Story

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