Annual Scholarship Gala - Centenary University

Centenary University’s Annual Scholarship Gala

Our Annual Scholarship Gala is a premier fundraising event held to directly support the Centenary University Scholarship Fund, helping talented students afford a college education.

Gold Dome Recipients

A GOLDEN NIGHT

Centenary University feted distinguished leaders, educators, and community partners at the annual scholarship gala, A Golden Night of Excellence, on June 10. Held at David’s Country Inn in Hackettstown, the event shines a spotlight on the importance of donors to the University’s mission. This year’s recipients of the Gold Dome Award—the University’s highest honor—are Atlantic Health, Community Leadership & Partnership; New Jersey Sen. Douglas Steinhardt, Public Service & Advocacy; Raymond Frey, Ph.D., Distinguished Historian & Educator; and Michael Dowling, Excellence in Equine Education.

“This gala is always one of the most meaningful ways our community can invest directly in Centenary University students,” said Vice President for Advancement and Communications Michael Iris, Ed.D., ’07. “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.”

A native of Warren County, Sen. Steinhardt represents New Jersey’s 23rd Legislative District, a post he has held since December 2022. He currently serves on the state’s Joint Committee on the Public Schools, the Budget and Appropriations Committee, and the Labor Committee. In his legislative role, Sen. Steinhardt joined Assemblyman John DiMaio last year to secure a $1.5 million grant from the State of New Jersey for Centenary University, which was one of seven independent New Jersey colleges and universities to share more than $9.2 million in special state appropriations.

Atlantic Health is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality healthcare in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of 25,000 team members and more than 5,667 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health serves more than half the state of New Jersey at eight hospitals and 26 urgent care centers, as well as through the Atlantic Medical Group physician enterprise, Atlantic Visiting Nurse, and Atlantic Health Virtual Visits. The health system has partnered with Centenary University on its RN to BSN degree, as well as several other initiatives.

Raymond Frey, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of history at Centenary, and retired in late 2025. During his 35-year tenure at Centenary, he served as dean of faculty from 2000 to 2003. A prolific writer and recognized scholar of New Jersey history, he is the author of a textbook for middle school students that is used around the state. In 2009, he received the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement in History and Civics. (Read more about Dr. Frey’s remarkable career on page 16.)

Michael Dowling has dedicated more than three decades to the equine industry as an accomplished trainer, educator, and mentor. A longtime leader within Centenary University’s renowned Equine Studies program, he serves as IHSA hunt seat team co-coach and ANRC team co-coach, helping shape one of the nation’s most respected collegiate riding programs. Under his leadership, Centenary has earned multiple national championships, along with numerous reserve national finishes. He has also coached four Cacchione Cup National Champions. After completing studies at Fairfield University and Lancaster University, Dowling founded Windham Hill, a premier training and sales operation based in Far Hills, NJ, and Wellington, Fla.