Meet Our Donors
We thank all our planned-gift donors for their generous support. Here are some of their stories.
Vivian Semeraro ‘60
Shaping the University's future with a planned gift.
Planned Gifts for Hobart Manor Revitalization Campaign and an Endowed Scholarship
"Be a secretary like your Aunt Nicki," echoed the words of Vivian's parents. A first generation college student from a working class family in Carlstadt, NJ, Vivian still remembers those words.
However, Vivian Semeraro '60 had other plans. An amazing teaching experience from her first grade substitute teacher, started Vivian on the career path she chose. Her love of teaching and the ability to build a trusting relationship with children was reinforced when she arrived at William Paterson.
To her joy, her first grade substitute teacher, James Houston, was now teaching her child psychology class at William Paterson. Houston's theme of building trust with children and the experience of other faculty and staff members resonated with her throughout her 34 years as a middle school teacher in the Wood-Ridge public school system.
In her decision to make a gift of life insurance for an endowed scholarship in her name, Vivian states, "How could I not give back to the institution that gave me so much? I hope that my gift can make a difference for young people."
Vivian's love affair with the University doesn't end there. As president of the hospitality club in the late 1950s, Vivian had the opportunity to serve as a hostess in Hobart Manor, the turn-of-the-century historic landmark on campus. There she served cookies and tea accompanied by some intimate conversations with dignitaries like Eleanor Roosevelt and Robert Frost. Vivian states, "I continue to be so impressed with the beauty and elegance of the Manor and fascinated with those who graced its rooms." As a result, Vivian Semeraro's actions followed her heart with another planned gift, a bequest for an endowment to enable the University to revitalize and maintain the Manor. Its function continues to serve dignitaries today through the Distinguished Lecturer Series, now in its 29th year.
Today, Vivian continues to be active with her alma mater by chairing her 50th Class Reunion for the Class of 1960. Vivian and several of her classmates are planning an exciting and memorable celebration to take place in May 2010.
Gabe Vitalone
"A gift from the heart"
What do you get when you cross a military lieutenant that served under General George Patton, a Senior Olympian, and a respected coach and motivator? You get a visionary leader named, Gabe Vitalone.
Dr. Vitalone began his career at Paterson State Teacher's College as the cross country running coach in 1958. He also was the assistant coach for baseball and basketball. While teaching, he established an off-site tutoring program where college students traveled to various schools in Paterson to provide one on one tutoring. The program was a tremendous success and continued to positively affect young lives for over 23 years.
When asked why he chose to work at Paterson State Teachers College he replied, "I realized by teaching teachers I could reach more children."
It's this passion for his fellow man that has been the cornerstone of Gabe Vitalone's life. While competing in Senior Olympic events across the country both Gabe and his wife, Evelyn, serve as ambassadors of good will.
As testimony to Dr. Vitalone's dedication and unique approach to teaching, former students from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's continue to stay in touch with him. "The Army made me a leader," says Vitalone. "William Paterson made me a professional. The University helped me become the person I am. That's why I decided to take part in the Charitable Gift Annuity program."
"I realized the tremendous influence William Paterson had on my life through personal experiences and the people I came in contact with," says Vitalone. "I wanted to give something back to the place that gave me so much and a gift annuity provided the best opportunity for us to make a significant gift to the University while getting an income for life."
A Charitable Gift Annuity is an excellent way to make a gift to William Paterson University while obtaining a life income for yourself and your spouse. It's very simple to set up and can be funded with cash or appreciated securities. For more information on this or other planned giving opportunities, please contact Spencer Scott, Director of Major and Planned Gifts, at 973-720-2825 or via email: scotts7@wpunj.edu.
