foundation news
Donors Make the Difference MANY PATHWAYS. ONE DESTINATION. Philanthropic support increasingly benefits our students who, in turn, impact their communities, our region and the world. Thanks to generous donations from alumni, friends of the University, organizations and staff, a multitude of students are able to maintain their trajectories and realize the sometimeselusive dream of earning a university degree. As we all continue to recalibrate through the shifting parameters of a global pandemic, the University’s community of donors demonstrated their resilience. An increase of 46 percent in giving over the same period last year is helping our enrolled students stay the course during this challenging time. Recent giving highlights include a $849,000 grant award (NJ PLACE) from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development that will support TESU’s career-forward initiative and seeks to merge apprenticeship
training with higher education. Up to 100 apprenticeship students will have the opportunity to earn their associate degrees at no cost to them while learning their trade. Thomas Edison is the sole higher education institution in the state to be awarded such a grant.
The program provides the unique opportunity for students to work hands-on with a nonprofit organization throughout their course work, empowering them to lead and affect positive change while supporting the community.
The University was honored to receive its first-ever gift to support studentinitiated research. With a generous $100,000 contribution from The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation (CWNF), the University established the Dr. Robert M. Adams Legacy Award for Student Research Fund. Adams, a noted academic, was a founding trustee of the CWNF and recently retired after 40 years of service. The CWNF has also provided an additional $50,000 scholarship grant for mature students during this period.
Finally, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) awarded TESU $199,396 in scholarships for students enrolled in undergraduate nuclear degree programs in the Heavin School of Arts and Sciences. This is the fifth such award of scholarship support from the NRC since 2013.
The University also received two gifts totaling $175,000 from the Booth Ferris Foundation in support of the Academic Community Impact Program at TESU.
We are grateful for the generous donor support that makes it possible for our students to continue to learn, impact their communities and fuel our region’s workforce.
Employee Donor Spotlight: Susan Fischer, BSPS ’20, AA ’15, current MSM student Meet Susan Fischer, administrative assistant in the School of Business and Management, who joined Thomas Edison in 2005. A dedicated employee and the epitome of a TESU student, Fischer is also a generous supporter of the University. Fischer earned an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Liberal Studies in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies (BSPS) degree in 2020. A true lifelong learner, she is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management (MSM) degree and an Organizational Leadership certificate with an expected completion date in early 2022. She is also one of the Foundation’s most dedicated donors. For 16 consecutive years, Fischer has supported various University programs, including the Annual Fund, the TESU Scholarship Fund and the Student Relief Fund.
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“I am grateful to have the opportunity
to earn several degrees while working full time. I’ve experienced times when other obligations can be overwhelming and understand how difficult it can be to juggle personal and professional life,” she said. “Supporting other students is an important mission of mine. My goal is to help others have the same opportunity I received.” Fischer was also a recipient of the Caroline P. Tompkins Endowed Scholarship, a fund established to support academic-related expenses. The scholarship is made available to Thomas Edison State University employees pursuing an undergraduate degree. “I was honored to receive this scholarship. It aided me and many of my colleagues, and I am grateful to Ms. Tompkins for supporting the TESU staff during our journey in earning our undergraduate degrees. This genuine spirit of giving left an everlasting
Susan Fischer, administrative assistant in the School of Business and Management at Thomas Edison State University
impression on me,” noted Fischer, who most recently supported the newly established Philanthropy Cord Initiative. “I am so excited to walk with my fellow graduates at the Commencement ceremony, and I’ll be proudly wearing my green philanthropy cord!” The TESU Foundation team wishes to congratulate Fischer and all the University’s 2020-2021 graduates! Thank you for your dedication to paying it forward for future TESU alumni.
