ATTORNEY FROM LEADING GLOBAL FIRM TO DELIVER MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

Brad Eric Scheler, Esq., a senior partner of the global law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson and chair of the Board of Trustees of Lehigh University, will be the keynote speaker at Monmouth University’s spring commencement ceremony and will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Wednesday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m. at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. More than 1,000 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony.

“I am very excited to introduce Brad to the Monmouth University community,” said Monmouth University President Paul R. Brown. “He is a wonderful example of a successful person who has not wavered in his support for higher education; he understands the profound importance of scholarship and learning opportunities for students,” Brown said. “Brad’s unique platform within a global law firm allows him to stress the importance of giving back.” Fried Frank is consistently ranked by The American Lawyer as one of the top 20 firms in the United States for pro bono work.

During his tenure with Fried Frank and through his building and leadership of a talented and diverse team of lawyers, Scheler has been responsible for securing global recognition for the firm’s premier and leading bankruptcy and restructuring practice. He writes and speaks regularly about, and is a noted expert on, issues relating to bankruptcy, restructuring and complex transactions and is a frequent speaker at seminars for clients and fellow professionals.

Scheler has also devoted much time and effort to his law school alma mater, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, serving for over a decade as Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board and currently as Chair Emeritus. He is also Chair Emeritus of the Board of Directors of Her Justice (formerly known as inMotion), an organization devoted to providing free legal services to indigent women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. In the past, Scheler has served as a member of the Board of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, as a member of the Board of American Friends of Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Larchmont Library and as a member of the Capital Campaign Committee of the Larchmont Manor Park.

The event will include the inaugural presentation of the Jules L. Plangere, Jr. Medal to former Monmouth University trustee and philanthropist Ann Unterberg. The Plangere Medal recognizes outstanding commitment to the University in the areas of philanthropy, leadership or support. Since ending her career in investment banking, Unterberg has dedicated herself to supporting nonprofit organizations committed to healthcare, education, and women’s rights. She has been a longtime benefactor of numerous University initiatives including the University’s partnership with the Two River Theater Company and the Multipurpose Activity Center. The Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies was established through an Unterberg family gift to honor the memory of Ann’s mother-in-law, who was a member of the Monmouth University Library Association and actively involved with nursing education.

“The Unterberg family has a long tradition of supporting Monmouth University, and we are thrilled to honor Ann for extending that legacy,” said Brown. “Her generosity of service and giving mark her as an outstanding candidate for this honor which is named for former Board Chair Jules Plangere, Jr., a longtime friend of Monmouth.”

Unterberg is currently the chair of Lincoln Center Education, chair of the Monmouth Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees, vice chair of the Monmouth Medical Center Board of Trustees and serves on the boards of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York Community Trust, the International Women’s Health Coalition, and is a current trustee and former president of the Board of Trustees at the Two River Theater Company.

Monmouth University will also recognize immediate past Board Chair and Trustee Robert B. Sculthorpe ’63 with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree for his outstanding years of service to the University. He has served with notable distinction on the Board, as treasurer, vice chair, and as chair from 2010 to 2014. He has also provided generous financial support to diverse initiatives at Monmouth University including the Urban Coast Institute Challenge Grant, construction of the Multipurpose Activity Center, funding for scholarships, and played a lead role in bringing “The Met: Live in HD” to campus.

“Bob set a high bar for members of the Board,” Brown said. “He has been an active and involved trustee and chair, hosting alumni receptions, attending arts and athletics events, and taking every opportunity to engage directly with students. Monmouth University will always owe him a profound debt of gratitude for his wise counsel and generosity, and I will always be grateful for his friendship,” he added.