Tri-County Scholarship Fund (TCSF) will host its 38th Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the Hanover Marriott where it will honor three New Jersey leaders. To be honored at the 38th Annual Awards Dinner are: Ray and Cathy Donovan, and the Donovan Family, longtime supporters of educational opportunities for the poor in New Jersey, Making a Difference Award Eric Andersen, Co-President of Aon, Hall of Fame Award Douglas L. Kennedy, CEO of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Leadership Award All three honorees believe in and support the TCSF mission to provide partial scholarships for many of the state’s most financially disadvantaged children, enabling them to attend accredited K-12 values-based, private and parochial schools. The Awards Dinner is the largest fundraiser for the New Jersey non-profit which has provided over $28 million for over 32,000 scholarships since its inception in 1981. “We are delighted to honor the extraordinary success of these distinguished individuals and especially to recognize their contributions to the needy children in our state,” explained Prudence Pigott, President of Tri-County Scholarship Fund. “Our honorees’ accomplishments in their industries and in serving the community exemplify everything we want our scholarship recipients to follow in their own educational journeys, in the workforce, and in giving back to their own communities.” Hall of Fame Award: Eric Andersen is Co-President of Aon, a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement, and health solutions. Andersen oversees the Reinsurance Solutions and Retirement Solutions businesses, and leads Aon’s activities in Europe, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. Andersen also serves on Aon’s Executive Committee and co-leads the Aon Operating Committee with Co-President Michael O’Connor. Andersen joined Aon in 1997. In his over 20-year career with Aon, Andersen previously served as CEO of Aon Benfield, the world’s leading reinsurance intermediary, and as CEO of New York-based Aon Risk Solutions, where he led Aon’s largest unit of 14,000 employees throughout North America and Latin America. Andersen has an MBA from Fordham University and a B.A. from Colgate University. Serving on the board of Covenant House in New Jersey, Andersen has worked to help homeless, at-risk, and run-away youth. He and his wife, Pam have five children and live in Madison. Making A Difference Award: Ray and Cathy Donovan have a five-decade history of commitment to education of the underprivileged primarily through Catholic education in New Jersey’s inner cities. They have created educational opportunity for dozens of students through elementary and high school, by providing financial assistance and by assisting teachers in the classroom at such schools as St. Ann’s of Newark, St. Joseph the Carpenter School, in Roselle, Seton Hall Prep, Delbarton School, Union Catholic in Scotch Plains, and Oak Knoll School in Summit. Their current focus is to provide scholarships to needy students through Tri-County Scholarship Fund. The couple’s philanthropic passions have included the Shrine of St. Joseph’s in Stirling, run by the Sister Servants of Jesus order of nuns from Poland. This is where the Donovans also built the first-in-the-country 911 memorial, a bell tower named “The Tower of Remembrance,” constructed of retrieved pieces of the twin towers. Ray Donovan served as US Secretary of Labor in the White House cabinet of President Ronald Reagan from 1981-1985. Donovan co-founded Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in 1965. The 3-course club in Bedminster has been expanded and renovated in recent years by Ray and Cathy’s sons, Ken and Keith, and by their daughter Mary Ellen Stewart. The couple’s children and grandchildren are continuing the tradition Ray and Cathy established by supporting education, primarily through Tri-County Scholarship Fund. Ken and his wife, Kris Donovan serve on the TCSF Board of Trustees. Leadership Award: Douglas L. Kennedy is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, leading the bank’s wealth, lending and deposit lines of business, along with its branding, human capital, operations and technology functions, to deliver on Peapack-Gladstone Bank’s private banking style of client service and product solutions. Kennedy has over 40 years of experience in the banking industry. He is a known leader in the financial services field, with a proven track record of building and repositioning businesses. Prior to Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Kennedy was the president of the NJ Market for Capital One Bank and North Fork Bank. Over the years, he has held key executive level positions at Fleet Bank, Summit Bancorp and Bank of America. Kennedy’s dedication to the communities where he lives and works is a value emphasized throughout the Bank. In 2019, Peapack-Gladstone Bank was recognized by American Banker for the second year in a row as a “Best Bank to Work For.” Doug challenges his employees to live by a set of strategic core principles that put clients, each other, and the community above all else. He encourages both corporate and individual responsibility, and proactive reinvestment in communities with the greatest needs. Consistent with his own long time support of Tri-County Scholarship Fund, Kennedy, values volunteerism and generously gives to local organizations that are important to the fabric of everyday life, especially to encourage opportunities for the underprivileged. Kennedy holds a BS in Economics and an MBA in Finance, both from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. He sits on Sacred Heart’s Board of Trustees and is also a member of Montclair State University’s Board of Trustees. Doug serves on the Boards of the NJBankers Association and New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and was named to the NJBIZ “Power 50 Banking” list. Those wishing to attend TCSF’s 38th Annual Awards Dinner can purchase tickets or sponsorships at tcsfund.org/annual-dinner. Tribute ads in the evening’s printed program are due by October 9. For further information, contact Tri-County Scholarship Fund at 973-984-9600.

Tri-County graduate Aaron McLean had the unique opportunity to meet and shadow medical professionals at Pfizer this summer. Aaron caught the eye of VP of Global Marketing, Rachel Olderman, who called him, in a word, “Amazing!” Pfizer’s US Medical Lead was so impressed that he encouraged Aaron to apply for a “rising college senior summer internship” at Pfizer next summer. It was during high school at DePaul Catholic that Aaron’s passion for medicine began to develop. Taking am impressive number of biology-related honors courses, including Anatomy & Physiology, Genetics, and AP Biology, led Aaron to realize he wanted to become a surgeon or cardiologist. Well on his way to accomplishing his goal, Aaron currently attends Rutgers Honors College in Newark. He is a rising junior Pre-Med with a minor in Spanish. Aaron is part of Rutgers’ highly selective, prestigious Honors College, receiving a full scholarship. “They expect a lot from me,” Aaron says, adding that instead of feeling stressed, he is putting his energy toward working hard to excel. Feeling fortunate to be part of the Tri-County family, Aaron says “I just hope that a lot more kids have the opportunity that I’ve had. I definitely want to donate substantially to Tri-County Scholarship in the future. That’s one of the things that motivates me to work hard.”

A morning open house was attended by Mendham officials including Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, Town Adminstator, Joyce Bushman, and the Chief of Police, Ross Johnson. The bright and comfortable new office is a gift from the Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust, which also donated the cost of renovations to the historic building. Over 40 trustees and friends turned out for an evening Open House at which Father Brian Sullivan blessed the new office, and the good work of Tri-County. Our gratitude to the Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust for gifting Tri-County's new home and the renovations. If you haven't had a chance to visit, please stop by!

Tri-County graduate, Nailah Anderson excelled at a variety of tasks during her internship at the Turrell Fund this summer. “Prior to this internship I had no idea of the big impact Turrell has on New Jersey communities,” says Nailah, adding, “In this two-month period I’ve learned more about child development, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), grant-giving, and final reports than I ever thought possible! I joined current Vice President of Events, Justin Kiczek, for visits to the Community Foodbank of NJ, Sharron Miller Academy of Performing Arts, Student Partner Alliance, and so many others. I learned so much about the nonprofit world and just how necessary and beneficial nonprofits are to our society.” Turrell President Curt Fields and Program Director, Justin Kiczek were very impressed with Nailah’s work ethic and critical thinking skills. “Nailah has been superb. A good listener, careful, curious, and friendly. My only problem with her is she is too efficient!” jokes Justin, adding, “In no time, she plowed through half of the projects I assigned her!” Nailah says, “I am more than thankful I got to meet and work amongst the people at Turrell. I’m excited to keep in contact with all the wonderful people I met along the way. Thank you, Tri-County, for introducing me to this wonderful internship”

A rising junior at DeSales University, Valentina Arias worked at Catholic Book Publishing Company this summer. The welcoming atmosphere along with the multiple projects to which she was assigned created a stimulating and enjoyable summer job. Valentina was thrilled to learn about the field of publishing although she had some trepidations about performing well. “It was scary at first since I was much younger than everyone,” Valentina admits. But she soon got into the swing, saying, “My boss, Bob Cavalero (a Tri-County Trustee) was very welcoming and supportive, and Carla Arcangelo, his assistant, was always willing to help even when she was busy with other tasks. I enjoyed learning from co-workers who were editing, creating illustrations, or working with finances. They were all a pleasure to work with. I was especially fascinated by the process of filing the copyrights and imprimaturs,” shares Valentina. Valentina feels grateful to have learned so much about publishing and plans on “using every skill I acquired.” She says, “I would really like to thank Tri-County for helping me with this opportunity and also The Catholic Book Publishing Company for everything they taught me and the great summer I had with them!”

A junior majoring in Computer Science at Cornell University with a 3.0 GPA, Kevin Arias enjoyed a summer 2019 internship at Univision. Kevin says, “With this internship I feel I acquired a good deal of knowledge about the corporate world, while also learning about project management and data science.” In addition to his strong work ethic and computer science acumen, Kevin is deeply dedicated to helping others. He is grateful to Tri-County Scholarship for the support he received through high school, believing this prepared him for his experiences at Cornell and at Univision. “If it weren’t for Tri-County, I wouldn’t have been able to get through high school. They helped out a lot with the finances,” says Kevin.

Over 80 Tri-County friends and trustees enjoyed a fun day of sporting clays shooting, and an authentic barbecue pig roast on September 12 at the beautiful Hudson Farm nature preserve in Andover New Jersey.  It was a perfect afternoon, with overcast cool skies, followed by cocktails in the historic farmhouse, and cigars on the front porch. Thank you to our committee and major sponsors:  Crum & Forster, Validus Re, Anne and Paul Krump, Bob and Laurie-Anne Bailey, and Sandelands Eyet Law LLP. Thank you also to our station sponsors:  Bank of America Merrill Lynch, PBF Energy, Chubb, Crum & Forster, Jim Franson and Validus Reinsurance Co., The Jones Group- Ameriprise Financial, Robert A. Scirocco Law Offices,  Mike Lehman of the Lehman Eger Wealth Management Group, and our event Chair, Paul Onderdonk. See you at next year’s Tri-County Sporting Clays! VIEW EVENT PAGE AND PHOTO GALLERY

Shaquille Coppin was on the cusp of graduating when Paterson Catholic High School closed a few years ago. Unsure of where to turn, Shaquille felt fortunate that Tri-County provided a scholarship, enabling him to transfer to Paramus Catholic High School to complete his senior year. This represented a significant transition for him. “It enriched my academic experience and made me more independent,” says Shaquille. He feels this environment helped equip him with the self-reliance needed to succeed at college. Four years later, Shaquille is currently a college senior successfully pursuing a 5-year Business Management Degree with a minor in Business Law at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City. Shaquille’s commitment to learning began early. He was greatly influenced by his mother and grandmother, both of whom “always set high goals for me,” says Shaquille. And he hasn’t disappointed them. Shaquille is studying hard for the LSAT in order to obtain a law degree. His participation in the Business Law Association and the Young Entrepreneurs Club provides him with enriched opportunities to explore and develop his capabilities in both these areas of interest. “It’s a lot to juggle,” says Shaquille. But he is determined to do well in college, realizing it is an important step in helping him prepare for his ultimate goal of pursuing a career in Business Law, a field combining his two favorite areas of study. Professor Raymond Butkus, who Shaquille met last year when he enrolled in Butkus’s class on principles of customer service, provides inspiration for Shaquille and is an ongoing source of practical business skills and advice. Butkus describes himself as a practitioner, rather than an academic, having worked many years in the corporate sector prior to teaching, first as an executive and then serving as CEO for two companies, successively. Says Butkus, “Shaquille quickly stood out as a real model student who was the most engaged of all the students. He naturally assumed an informal leadership role in the class.” The two men remain very close through Saint Peter’s “accompaniment” program that mentors a student through the critically important job-seeking process. Butkus says, “Having seen tens of thousands of resumes and interviewed thousands of candidates… there are certain qualities I always look for… work ethic, intellectual curiosity… and how the candidates comport themselves. These are strong indicators of success in the business world. I would rate Shaq very highly…he is remarkable. I have great expectations for him.”

Living in a cramped basement apartment in Paterson was not easy for Aaron McLean and his family. But his parents were determined that Aaron and his two younger brothers would have top-notch educational opportunities including attending private schools. His father, Donovan, arrived in this country first and worked for 6 years as a carpet installer.  He saved money to be able to bring his wife, Andreen and young Aaron here from Jamaica. Once his family arrived, Donovan took on a second job while Andreen earned money cleaning homes. Hard work, the value of education and determination to succeed were imprinted early on young Aaron. “Both my parents instilled discipline and determination in me. My mom was always there when I had a test or report. She would break down the material with me. She really dug into whatever assignment I had to do,” Aaron explains. His parents hoped to send Aaron to a safe, quality school, but it was difficult paying for the rent and private school tuition. Tri-County stepped in to help Aaron with scholarships, and provided critical tuition assistance each year from elementary school until he graduated DePaul High School. “I can’t thank Tri-County and all the donors enough.  They really helped us a lot. I don’t think I could have made it without Tri-County” says Aaron. Once in High School, Aaron’s passion for medicine began to form. In his Junior year alone, he took 7 honors classes.  “I took so many sciences:  Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Genetics, and then AP Biology. I want to become a surgeon or cardiologist. I really like how the heart works,” says Aaron. Tri-County scholarships helped Aaron on his way to now being a pre-med student in college. Aaron currently attends Rutgers, Newark, as a Freshman, Pre-Med with a minor in Spanish. He is humble about being admitted into Rutgers’ highly selective, prestigious Honors College on a full scholarship where, as the website explains, “curious and motivated students are prepared to become leaders in their professions and communities.” He admits that he feels some pressure. “They expect a lot from me,” Aaron says, adding that he tries not to worry too much, instead putting his energy toward working hard to excel. In addition to his parents, Aaron said there were many people who were consistently supportive and helped him.  Says Aaron, “Ms. Biggins, my guidance counselor, helped me at every step, and the President of my school, Mr. Tweed, gave me summer internships.  And of course, the Tri-County supporters were always there for me.” Aaron feels fortunate to be part of the Tri-County family, and enjoys being able to meet many of the donors. “I just hope that a lot more kids have this opportunity that I’ve had. I definitely want to donate large sums of money in the future. That’s one of the things that motivates me to work hard,” says Aaron.

6th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon Photo Gallery

June 3, 2019 Morris County Country Club: Thank you to the sponsors, donors, golfers and volunteers for making the 27th Annual Tri-County Golf Invitational a great success! The annual golf event raised $140,000 beating last year’s total by nearly $20,000. The proceeds will provide scholarships for 50 elementary and high school aged inner-city students to attend quality schools in the coming school year. 110 golfers came out to enjoy the beautiful day and the gorgeous grounds at the Morris County Golf Club in Morristown, NJ. The outing featured two hole-in-one opportunities sponsored by Audi of Bridgewater and Mendham, and Maplecrest Ford of Mendham, as well as a putting contest, 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction featuring many exclusive prizes. Golfers enjoyed dinner on the Club’s outdoor terrace overlooking the course. Tri-County high school Freedom Scholarship recipient, Emmanuel Dyer, a sophomore at Eastern Christian High School in North Haledon, shared his story. A partial scholarship from Tri-County coupled with the significant sacrifice of his parents to provide the balance of tuition, gives Emmanuel the freedom to rise above his family’s challenging financial circumstances and pursue a quality education. Congratulations and gratitude to the 27th Annual Golf Invitational co-chairs, Mark Bode of PWC and Jack Farr of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Golf Committee members: Brian Clark, Michael Frodella, Quentin Murray, Fred Pierce, Eric Seguin, Joseph Stefans, and Robert Waldele. Thank you to our generous sponsors. Tournament Co-Sponsors: Halfway House Sponsor: Chito Zulueta/Eli Lilly and Company Tee Sponsors: Assumption Parish, Atlantic Health System, Bergman Real Estate & Time Equities, CIT Group, Crum and Forster, DePaul Catholic High School, Hawthorne Christian Academy, the Howard Family, The Lehman Eger Group/Merrill Lynch, M&T Bank, Mary Help of Christians Academy, MRY Associations, OritaniBank Foundation, Paramus Catholic High School, Pope John XXIII High School, R. Seelaus & Co., Inc., UBS/Borealis Wealth Management, and the Waldele Family. 2019 Golf Invitation Gallery

Tri-County Scholarship Fund Honors Four Outstanding Women at 7th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon April 11, 2019 L to R: Tri-County co-chair, Joseph Gonnella, Honorees—Jessica Ortiz, Esq., Paula Mandell, Anneliese Seelaus Mitnick, Michele R. Neves; Tri-County President, Prudence Pigott, and Tri-County co-chair, Rebecca Levy, Esq. Four outstanding women were honored at Tri-County Scholarship Fund’s 7th Annual Women of Achievement Luncheon held at the Canoe Brook Country Club on April 11th. Honored at the event were Paula Mandell, Senior VP and Area Executive for M&T Bank, Anneliese Seelaus Mitnick, CEO of R. Seelaus & Co., Inc., Michele R. Neves, Principal of Immaculate Conception High School-Montclair, and Jessica Ortiz, Esq., partner with the law firm MoloLamken LLP. While each of the honorees has an impressive record of achievement, their desire and willingness to empower others with opportunities for success caught the nominating committee’s attention. The honorees were selected by the Tri-County event committee co-chaired by Tri-County trustees, Joseph Gonnella, Chief Development Officer for Boys Scouts of America, Rebecca Levy, Esq., General Council for Summit Medical Group, Sally Glick, Principal and Chief Growth Strategist for SobelCo, and Tri-County Scholarship Fund president, Prudence Pigott. Sally Glick with Yecenia Duran presiding over the Scholarship Auction The event raised a record-breaking $140,000 for Tri-County’s Freedom Scholar program— a partnership between TCSF, schools and families —which provides scholarships to financially-disadvantaged high school students so that they are able to afford values-centered, high-performing private high schools. Tri-County also helps the students throughout high school with mentoring, tutoring, college prep courses and more. Due to the generosity of the Luncheon’s attendees and honorees, Tri-County will award a full 28 more one-year scholarships. Some of our Tri-County Scholarship Recipients All four women addressed a sold-out crowd of 300, including over two dozen of Tri-County’s high school scholarship recipients who heard the honorees’ messages of encouragement that they too can overcome obstacles and forge their own paths of success. Anneliese Seelaus Mitnick of R. Seelaus & Co., Inc., having matriculated from Oak Knoll High School in Summit, NJ and then Princeton University, recognized the gift of an excellent education. Since taking the helm as CEO for the company in 2015, Seelaus-Mitnick has focused on making the firm mission-driven in helping to serve the community and in providing opportunities for women in finance. Paula Mandell of M&T Bank, spoke of her rise from bank teller to Senior Vice President and Area Executive for the bank. In her career, Mandell was most fulfilled by helping others find their own path to success. Jessica Ortiz, Esq., partner with the NY firm Mololamken LLP, spoke about her journey through the challenging environment of an inner city high school in upstate New York, and how this experience motivated and transformed her. Notably, Ortiz is one of a small percentage of Latina attorneys in the US and one of a still smaller percentage to become a partner at a major law firm. Michele R. Neves, Principal at Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, NJ has been a champion for financially-disadvantaged and inner city students throughout her 35+ years in education, much of it in Paterson, New Jersey. Neves, who has worked closely with the Tri-County organization throughout her career, paid tribute to her colleagues who have helped her foster a school environment that allows disadvantaged students to excel and reach their full potential. At Immaculate Conception, Neves has revitalized the school, nearly doubling enrollment in her tenure as Principal and increasing the participation of parents in the school’s success. All of the honorees are passionate about Tri-County’s mission to provide K-12 scholarships to financially disadvantaged students to attend safe, values-based schools. Tri-County Alumna Melissa Arca Also addressing the crowd were Tri-County Alumna, Melissa Arca, and current Tri-County student, Yecenia Duran. Melissa Arca, who attended Paramus Catholic High School, will graduate in May with a degree in Biochemistry from St. Peters University and is in the process of applying to medical school. Yecenia Duran, a senior at Mary Help of Christian Academy in North Haledon has received a full scholarship to Felician University where she will pursue a nursing degree. Both young women cited a parent as their role model and hero, expressed gratitude for the generosity of Tri-County donors and look forward to a time when they will be in the position to pay it forward. Tri-County student, Yecenia Duran Tri-County Scholarship Fund was founded in 1981. Alarmed by the failing public school system and the mounting inequalities in educational choice for families in poorer communities, a group of New Jersey business leaders joined forces to create an organization that would provide scholarship assistance, based solely on financial need, for students to attend private K-12 schools. Since 1981, Tri-County has awarded over 32,000 scholarships, amounting to more than 28-million dollars. Families in the lowest income levels are able to choose safe educational opportunities for their children in private schools that offer a sense of family and a disciplined learning environment. Each year, Tri-County has been able to award about 450 scholarships but the waiting list of deserving applicants is nearly 2000. Since Tri-County provides partial scholarships, parents make significant financial sacrifices to provide this educational opportunity for their children. They are indeed the unsung heroes of the Tri-County mission.