Centenary University to honor Steinhardt, Atlantic Health and faculty leaders at scholarship gala
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University will honor New Jersey State Sen. Douglas J. Steinhardt, Atlantic Health and longtime faculty members Raymond Frey and Michael Dowling during its annual scholarship gala on June 10.
The event, titled A Golden Night of Excellence, will be held at David’s Country Inn in Hackettstown beginning at 6:30 p.m. The university will present each honoree with the Gold Dome Award, Centenary’s highest honor.
“This gala is one of the most meaningful ways our community can invest directly in Centenary University students,” said Vice President for Advancement and Communications Michael Iris. “The scholarships funded through A Golden Night of Excellence help make college attainable for talented students who might otherwise have to pause—or abandon—their education because of cost. We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors and guests and we’re proud to celebrate this year’s honorees for the leadership and service they bring to Centenary and the State of New Jersey.”
Steinhardt, a Warren County native, has represented New Jersey’s 23rd Legislative District since 2022 and currently serves on several legislative committees, including Budget and Appropriations and Labor. University officials noted that Steinhardt and Assemblyman John DiMaio helped secure a $1.5 million state grant for Centenary University last year.
Before serving in the Senate, Steinhardt was a five-term mayor of Lopatcong Township and has remained active in community service initiatives, including addiction awareness and mental health advocacy efforts in Warren County.
Atlantic Health is also being recognized for its partnership with Centenary University, including collaboration on the university’s RN-to-BSN nursing program and other educational initiatives. The health system serves communities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area through hospitals, urgent care centers and physician networks.
The university will additionally honor Raymond Frey, professor emeritus of history, for his decades of service to Centenary and the community. Frey taught at the university for 35 years and is widely recognized for his work in New Jersey history and volunteer service, including disaster relief work following Hurricane Katrina and thousands of volunteer hours at Newton Medical Center.
Michael Dowling, a longtime leader in Centenary’s nationally recognized Equine Studies program, will also receive the award. Dowling has coached multiple national championship teams and helped riders compete at prestigious equestrian events throughout the country.
University officials said proceeds from the gala will support student scholarships and educational opportunities at Centenary.
For tickets, sponsorships and advertisement opportunities, click here or contact Vice President for Advancement and Communications Michael Iris at michael.iris@centenaryuniversity.edu.
