At ceremonies on April 28, the University dedicated the Anthony J. Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies in the Auditorium, Edward Williams Hall, Metropolitan Campus.

Petrocelli, an alumnus (BS’69 [Flor]) and a University trustee, and his wife, Antoinette, have made a $4 million commitment to Fairleigh Dickinson.

At the dedication ceremony University President J. Michael Adams said, “Today, we celebrate a wonderful donation to Fairleigh Dickinson University. We mark this milestone in our history by renaming a college known for innovation, creativity and lifelong learning. And in doing so we honor a person who epitomizes those things that we cherish most at Fairleigh Dickinson University: hard work, creativity, honesty, integrity and vision.”

Left photo: Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Robert Hallenbeck, right, and the audience applaud Anthony J. Pertrocelli after his remarks. Right photo: Anthony J. Petrocelli

The college opened in April of 1998 as New College of General and Continuing Studies, dedicated to addressing the special educational needs of nontraditional students, including adult learners. The college’s programs are designed to respond to the career needs of lifelong learners.

“This honor,” said Adams, “is particularly appropriate because Tony Petrocelli has long been passionate about lifelong learning and creating opportunities for nontraditional students.”

Kenneth Vehrkens, dean, Petrocelli College (Metro/Flor), said, “Petrocelli College currently enrolls 4,000 students in credit programs. When he enrolled at Fairleigh Dickinson 40 years ago, Tony Petrocelli took advantage of the opportunity presented by FDU to get his degree. The University, through the Petrocelli College, will continue to provide access and opportunity for students of all ages.”

“While I was working at Allied Chemical,” said Petrocelli, “I benefited from the company’s tuition remission program and began my studies as a part-time evening student [in business management]. I understand the difficulty of balancing work, family and classes. So it is particularly gratifying to me that I am able to support the University’s outstanding work in this area and I applaud what Fairleigh Dickinson University has done and is doing for this important adult population.”

Left photo: President J. Michael Adams and Anthony J. Petrocelli chat during the reception. Right photo: Anthony J. and Antoinette Petrocelli

Petrocelli in particular thanked his wife for her support while he attended the University at nights and weekends. Earning his degree, he said was a “defining moment in my life. It allowed me to participate professionally at all levels.” He added, “This is an overwhelming honor for me and my family. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Petrocelli has been a long-time supporter of the Link Community School — a nondenominational independent middle school established to help rebuild the community of the North Ward of Newark, N.J.. He is a recent addition to its board.

A semiretired entrepreneur who specializes in leveraged buyouts in the chemical industry, Petrocelli joined with D. George Harris and Richard Donahue in 1988 to found a company that specializes in management buyouts. Since its inception, D.G. Harris and Associates has completed more than 30 acquisitions. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Better Materials Aggregate Board, Berkeley, W. Va.

He and his wife, Antoinette, have one daughter and one grandchild. They divide their time between their homes in Morris County and in Florida.

George Martin, a graduate of the college, BA’87 (Metro), former FDU trustee and vice president, sports financial services, AXA Financial Services, said the Petrocelli commitment was more than a financial commitment. “This is a unique and wonderful investment in our most precious resource: the human mind, body and spirit. This is something that will last for all eternity.”

Adams concluded the dedication by telling the Petrocellis that “your generous example will help to shape not only the Anthony J. Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies but this University’s future and its philanthropic programs for many years to come. We are grateful and we are proud that one of our own has done this for us.”

Left photo: Kenneth Vehrkens, center, dean, Petrocelli College, introduces Roger Koppl, left, economics/finance (Flor); and John Schiemann, second from left, administrative science (Metro), to Anthony J. Petrocelli. Center photo: Students from the International School of Hospitality and Tourism Management planned the reception and prepared and served the food and beverages. The Petrocelli College sign on Edward Williams Hall, Metropolitan Campus. Right photo: Richard Wisch, right, director and associate dean, international hospitality/tourism management (Metro/Flor) shared a light moment with Anthony J. Petrocelli.

April/May 2005

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Flor =
College at Florham, Madison, N.J.

Metro =
Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, N.J.

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