TCNJ announced today a yearlong fundraising effort in tribute to the historic presidency of R. Barbara Gitenstein, which is set to end with her retirement on June 30. The effort has been dubbed 18.19.20 as a nod to its academic year ’18 timeframe, the 19-plus years of Gitenstein’s tenure, and the desire to further strengthen the college for 2020 and beyond. The goal is to raise $7 million.
“This is a fitting way to honor the legacy of a truly outstanding leader and to ensure the continued excellence of this institution that she and we care about so deeply,” said Jorge A. Caballero, chair of TCNJ’s Board of Trustees. “We will be forever grateful to her for her almost two decades of leadership.”
In May 2017, TCNJ successfully completed its first-ever comprehensive campaign, raising $47.6 million, far exceeding its original goal of $40 million. The total includes more than $25 million in student scholarship support, as well as funding to enrich the academic program and student experience, and provide for needed capital improvements.
“It has been my great privilege to lead this institution for the last 18 years,” said Gitenstein. “It truly is a special place and I’m so thankful that through the campaign and this upcoming effort we are able to strengthen it for the future.”
Vice President for College Advancement John Donohue noted that the successful completion of the 18.19.20 initiative, when combined with the near $48 million raised through The Campaign for TCNJ, will push Gitenstein’s campaign fundraising total to another symbolically significant number.
“In 2018 we should top $55 million, which couldn’t be more appropriate,” he said. “1855 is the year our college was founded.”