Making College Affordable: 黑料正能量 Awards Dozens of Scholarships to Incoming Students at Scholarship Luncheon
April 11, 2026
Morristown, NJ 鈥� 黑料正能量 welcomed students, donors, alumni, and community members to its 2025 Scholarship Luncheon, a meaningful gathering celebrating the transformative impact of scholarship support and the relationships that make it possible.
The event brought together current student scholars, generous donors, Trustees, faculty, and prospective students and their families for an afternoon of connection and shared purpose. Speakers included President Gary B. Crosby, Ph.D.; Michael Smullen, Vice President of Advancement; Sienna Volpe 鈥�26, featured student scholarship speaker; Thalia Wilson, Ed.S., Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; David Hill, Ed.D., Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; and Ellie Ingbritsen, Ed.D., President of the Alumnae/i Association.
In his remarks, President Crosby emphasized the enduring mission of the University, noting, 鈥淪cholarships do more than open doors 鈥� they empower our students to lead lives of purpose, service, and impact.鈥�
Michael Smullen highlighted the importance of philanthropy in advancing student success, sharing, 鈥淓very scholarship represents a belief in our students鈥� potential and a commitment to their future.鈥�
Student speaker Sienna Volpe 鈥�26 offered a heartfelt reflection on her experience, saying, 鈥淏ecause of scholarship support, I am able to pursue my education with confidence and focus on becoming the leader I aspire to be.鈥�
University leaders also underscored the holistic support provided to students. Thalia Wilson remarked on the University鈥檚 commitment to student development, while David Hill emphasized the importance of access and opportunity. Representing the alumnae/i community, Ellie Ingbritsen reflected on the enduring connection between past and present students, noting that 鈥渢he generosity of this community continues to shape lives across generations.鈥�
The luncheon served as a powerful reminder of the shared commitment to access, opportunity, and student success that defines 黑料正能量.