The June 10 celebration will recognize New Jersey State Senator Douglas J. Steinhardt, Atlantic Health System, Raymond Frey, Ph.D., and Michael Dowling for their leadership, service, and commitment to education and community impact.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, May 26, 2026—Centenary University will present New Jersey State Senator Douglas J. Steinhardt with the Gold Dome Award—the university’s highest honor—at its annual scholarship gala, A Golden Night of Excellence, on June 10. The event will be held at David’s Country Inn in Hackettstown at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the university will recognize Atlantic Health and beloved Centenary faculty members Raymond Frey, Ph.D., and Michael Dowling with the Gold Dome Award. 

“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.” 

A native of Warren County, Sen. Steinhardt represents New Jersey’s 23^rd 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.

Previously, Sen. Steinhardt was the first, five-term mayor in Lopatcong Township. He is an attorney with Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli & Tipton LLC. He is a dedicated community volunteer, founding and serving as co-chair of the Warren County Addiction Awareness Task Force and the County Mental Health Task Force, which works to end the stigma associated with mental illness and connects residents with needed services. He has served as general counsel to Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.), on the campaign committee for Abilities of Northwest Jersey, and on the Board of Overseers of Widener Commonwealth Law School; he is also a certified Red Cross Volunteer. A graduate of Gettysburg College and Widener University School of Law, Sen. Steinhardt and his wife, Trudy, are the parents of two children.

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 of 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, retiring 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. Dr. Frey has spent a lifetime of service, volunteering, and helping others. In 1999, he received the Mosaic Award from Project Self Sufficiency in Newton. In 2006 and 2007, he led teams of Centenary students to New Orleans to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. His real passion, however, is volunteering at Newton Medical Center, logging over 2,500 hours at the front desk and Emergency Department. Dr. Frey was recently the recipient of two major awards for his professionalism, caring, and compassion for his patients. He is also a certified cancer counselor for the Cancer Hope Network. He and his wife, Andra—a Centenary alumna—have two children.

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. Through Windham Hill, he has trained riders and horses to compete successfully at some of the sport’s most prestigious venues, including the National Horse Show, Devon Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show, and the North American Young Riders Championships. Known for his thoughtful, forward-riding system and emphasis on horsemanship, Dowling has helped countless riders reach elite competitions such as the ASPCA Maclay Finals, USEF Medal Finals, Junior Hunter Finals, Pony Finals, and Young Riders.

For tickets, sponsorships, and advertisement opportunities, click here or email Vice President for Advancement and Communications Michael Iris: [email protected].

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867 by the United Methodist Church, Centenary University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation and career-focused learning. Located in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with an equestrian center in Washington Township, Centenary provides students with hands-on, personalized educational experiences that prepare them for success in a global and evolving workforce.  Guided by its commitment to student success, university vitality, and world engagement, Centenary empowers students to lead lives of purpose, impact, and lifelong achievement.