Passaic Today

The Montclair State University Foundation Board has appointed Frank R. Alvarez and Wamwari Waichungo as new members. Their appointments were made official during the board's February meeting, and they will each serve a three-year term. The Board's mission is to provide financial resources to Montclair State University and its students.

Foundation Board Chair Gregory Collins expressed enthusiasm about the appointments: “We are excited for the expertise and commitment these highly regarded alumni bring to the Foundation as we support the University in creating life-changing student outcomes,” he stated. He acknowledged their distinguished careers and the dedication they will bring to their roles at Montclair.

Frank R. Alvarez, a Montclair State University alumnus from the class of '76, currently serves as chairman of the College of Education and Engaged Learning advisory board at the University. He has experience as an adjunct instructor for the University's master's program in Educational Leadership and held a position on the Montclair Alumni Association board from 1997 to 2008, serving as its president between 2006 and 2008. In recognition of his contributions to education, Alvarez received an honorary doctorate from Montclair State University in 2008 and was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the former College of Education and Human Services in 2022. “Montclair State University played a major role in my professional growth. It is an honor to pay-it-forward by serving on the Foundation board,” Alvarez said, adding that his goal is to enhance financial support for scholarships and University programs.

Alvarez and his wife, Nancy Myers-Alvarez, who is also a Montclair alumna, have endowed and continue to support the Frank Alvarez and Nancy Myers-Alvarez Endowed Scholarship Fund. This fund is awarded to students during their student teaching semester.

Wamwari Waichungo, a graduate from the class of '90, established the Wamwari Waichungo Food Science Scholarship at Montclair in 2015. She continued her support with a planned gift commitment in 2022, which provided further endowment for scholarships and student initiatives. Her generous donation was acknowledged by the University through the naming of the Waichungo Family Courtyard in University Hall in April 2023. Waichungo explained her dedication: “I believe in Montclair and the power of education to transform lives hence I am thrilled to deepen my commitment to this incredible institution by serving on the Foundation board.” She has also been recognized with the CEHS Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020 for her service on the CEHS advisory board.

The Montclair State University Foundation, Inc., established in 1960, is a not-for-profit corporation created by alumni and friends to provide financial support for the educational needs of Montclair State University. It operates as a separate entity under the laws of New Jersey.