What would inspire Gerald (\u201cJerry\u201d) Appelstein, a highly successful venture capitalist who never attended Montclair State, to support the university with such fervor?<\/p>\n
\u201cÌÇÐÄvlog is a diamond in the Garden State,\u201d he says. \u201cIt is a magical place that is providing largely underrepresented populations of students with instruction, facilities and platforms at the highest levels.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then again, Jerry has a good eye for such things. As President of Applehouse LLC, he is accustomed to spotting\u2014and pursuing\u2014promising investments. Montclair State quickly became a priority for him. He joined the University\u2019s College of the Arts Advisory Board and the Montclair State Foundation Board and became co-chair of the Foundation Board\u2019s Development Committee. Last year, Jerry established the Lori Katterhenry Dance Scholarship Fund, in honor of the recently retired \u2013 and much loved \u2013 Director of Dance. He begins 2021 as chair of the President\u2019s Club, the University\u2019s giving society for donors who give $1,000 or more.<\/p>\n
A chance meeting led to Jerry\u2019s involvement with Montclair State. \u201cI met [ÌÇÐÄvlog Foundation Board member] Penny Vance,\u201d he recalls, \u201cwhen we were both volunteering on the board of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. She introduced me to Dr. Cole, who made such an impression on me!\u201d Before long, Jerry was attending Montclair State events and meeting faculty, administrators, and other volunteer leaders including College of the Arts Dean, Daniel Gurskis and the College\u2019s advisory board chair, Bob Gregory.<\/p>\n
At Montclair State, Jerry saw an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference. Before forming his own investment company, Jerry was Vice President of Tauber Oil Company and a former executive of Exxon and Starsupply GFI. As an MIT alum, he headed up his 25th reunion gift campaign, working closely with the institution\u2019s president to raise funds for his alma mater. Nearly 85 percent of his class participated in the campaign. In 2015, Jerry received MIT\u2019s highest alumni honor in recognition of his service, including serving as the chair of the institution\u2019s leadership giving group, the William Barton Rogers Society.<\/p>\n
Jerry also brings to Montclair State his extensive experience as a leadership-level volunteer in the arts. He has provided philanthropic and advisory support for a wide range of organizations, including Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Alison Cook Beatty Dance, the Joyce Theater, Parsons, Stephen Petronio, Jessica Lang, Jody Oberfelder, Robin Decker, Pam Tanowitz, Bryn Cohn, Periapsis, Arch Ballet, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Broadway Cares, and the Skyline Theatre Company.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverywhere I look at Montclair State I see heart, soul, and talent,\u201d he says, noting the beauty of the campus, the uptick in groundbreaking research, the quality and dedication of the faculty, and the gifted and determined student body. As a donor, he also sees the potential for high returns.<\/p>\n
\u201cA contribution of $1,000 can literally save the education of a hardworking student at Montclair State,\u201d he says, referring to the typical gap between many students\u2019 financial aid package and the cost of staying in school. \u201cIt isn\u2019t too often that a gift of that size can be so transformative.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is this reality that makes the President\u2019s Club so important,\u201d he continues. \u201cIt also helps explain why I am thrilled to become its chair. I have so many ideas for elevating the President\u2019s Club\u2019s presence in the community, and I am looking forward to leading our efforts to express gratitude to the University\u2019s most loyal and ardent supporters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jerry\u2019s passion for the University is inspiring. \u201cI believe in the mission,\u201d he says. \u201cIf you think the American Dream matters, then this is where you can make it happen,\u201d adding, \u201cand I love being part of a community that truly focuses on the success of our students, holding itself to the high standards required for a society that can and must do better.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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