George Mikula III
May 1, 2024

Caldwell University Presidential Scholarship Gala a Resounding Success

It was a packed house for the Annual Presidential Scholarship Gala held at Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange on April 24. The University honored Sister Donna Ciangio, O.P. ’71, Bryan J. Norton, ’20, Carlos M. Pomares, ’93 and Atlantic Health System.

University President Dr. Jeffrey Senese presented the honorees with Presidential Scholarship Awards, while Board of Trustees Chair, Brian Aloia, Esq., welcomed the assembled guests. WCBS TV meteorologist John Elliott served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies and engaged the attendees throughout the dinner program and the live auction.

“I am very humbled to be here tonight, and grateful to receive this Caldwell University Presidential Scholarship Gala Award,” began honoree Sister Donna L. Ciangio during her acceptance speech. “It means a great deal to me because Caldwell University, then College, set me on a path of life-long learning. I was always shy and not sure of myself, and it was at Caldwell that I began to grow in understanding and abilities.”

A Sister of Saint Dominic, she has remained devoted to her alma mater. She is a 1971 graduate of Caldwell and has proven her long-standing commitment to its success by serving as a certified teacher, Board member and leader among Board colleagues as Vice Chair. Sister Donna serves as Chancellor for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.

Essex County Board of Commissioners President, Cuban Artists Fund Executive Director, and honoree, Carlos Pomares ’93, also expressed his gratitude to Caldwell for shaping his future.

“I wish to thank my Caldwell University family for bestowing this honor,” he began. “The University has always been a special place, affording me incredible mentors such as Bob Mann and Dr. Marie Mullaney. They helped me figure out my career path and have remained engaged since graduating in 1993.”

A posthumous honor was bestowed upon the late Bryan J. Norton ’20, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022. His legacy lives on through the Bryan J. Norton Memorial Scholarship that was created in his memory to provide educational opportunities for students in the sports management field who dream of a brighter future.

Dr. Suja Mathew, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Atlantic Health System accepted the award on behalf of the 20,000 Atlantic Health team members, 5,440 affiliated physicians, seven hospitals and 550 sites of care.

The proceeds from the Gala will support the educational aspirations of area students.