Legacy Award honoree Arnold Speert (right) with (from left) Michael Seeve, president, Mountain Development, and chairperson of the William Paterson University Foundation, and Frederick L. Gruel, president and CEO of AAA New Jersey Automobile Club, and a member of the and University’s Board of Trustees and the William Paterson University Foundation.

It was a night of celebration and reminiscences as nearly five hundred members of the William Paterson University community joined together to honor President Arnold Speert as he received the 2010 Legacy Award on April 16.

Faculty, staff, alumni, legislators, college presidents, friends, family, and supporters were among the guests at The Rockleigh in Rockleigh, New Jersey, where the William Paterson University Foundation presented Speert with its highest honor during the Foundation’s 20th annual Legacy Award Gala and Silent Auction. The capacity crowd paid tribute to Speertas he prepares to retire after forty years on campus—including twenty-five as president—while also raising funds to support the University’s mission of promoting student success and academic excellence.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to (from left) Dave Neglio ’84, former president, Transit Division, Titan; Gerald Frungillo ’79, co-owner, Frungillo Caterers, Inc.; Linda Niro ’76, executive vice president and chief risk officer, Bank North; Donna M. Fry ’81 (fifth from left) president and executive director, Valley Home and Community Health Care; and James O’Connor ’75 (fourth from right) police chief, retired, Borough of Oakland, N.J. Faculty Service Awards were presented to Anne Ciliberti (fourth from left), director, library services, and Gunvor Satra (third from right), professor of history, retired. With them are Legacy Award honoree Arnold Speert, and Sandra S. Deller, vice president for institutional advancement.

The Legacy Award honors individuals and corporations who, through their acts and deeds, epitomize the spirit of William Paterson, the University’s namesake and the New Jersey patriot and statesman whose visionary leadership was critical in the development of the state and the nation.

“It’s such a pleasure honor Arnie because he is a universally beloved person,” said Michael Seeve, chair of the William Paterson University Foundation. “Everywhere, on travels in the region, around the State, certainly throughout the higher education community, everyone knows Arnie and any mention of his name immediately precipitates a smile and comments of regard, respect, esteem and genuine affection.”

“I have known Arnie in various stages of his career for thirty years,” said Fred Gruel, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. “He is the person who embodies the spirit of this university. He is a man of extraordinary talent and achievement and I believe he is the only person in the room this evening who does not know this. His tenure at this university has resulted in the creation of a place of promise…a place where hope is borne…a place where talent is nurtured…a place that makes the world better for each of us.”

Myrna and Arnold Speert

“This year you are very kind to gather and honor me,” Speert said in accepting his award. “But the role of a university president is very different from most citizens. My legacy is this community. Nothing makes me more proud than seeing how our community has developed not only on the campus but beyond the campus with bonds that so strongly connect students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.”

The annual event also included the presentation of the University’s Faculty Service Awards and Distinguished Alumni Award, which are presented by the William Paterson Alumni Association. The Faculty Service Award is given to faculty members nominated by William Paterson alumni in recognition of demonstrated career achievement and commitment to the University. This year's recipients are Anne Ciliberti, Ph.D., of Glen Rock, director, library services, David and Lorraine Cheng Library, and Gunvor Satra of Wayne, professor of history, retired.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to outstanding University alumni in recognition of significant achievement. Recipients were: Gerald Frungillo ’79 of Madison, co-owner, Frungillo Caterers, Inc.; Donna M. Fry ’81 of Warwick, N.Y., president and executive director, Valley Home and Community Health Care; Dave Neglio ’84 of Wayne, former president, Transit Division, Titan; Linda Niro ’76 of Bridgewater, executive vice president and chief risk officer, Bank North; and James O’Connor ’75 of Oakland, police chief, retired, Borough of Oakland, N.J.