Mountainside Local Named Kean University Distinguished Alumni

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — A Mountainside local and graduate of Kean University was one of five alumni to be honored with the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award.

George Gilcrest, class of 1970 fromKean University was honored on Sunday, April 23, at the Alumni Association’s annual Distinguished Alumni Award event, held at Kean's North Avenue Academic Building.

Gilcrest earned a Kean bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies. He had a long career as an educator and youth mentor which included a Teacher of the Year award. Gilcrest later shifted his focus toward life as a special agent.

He and the other recipients of the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award share a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to their communities.

“I am always amazed by the caliber of our distinguished alumni every year, and this year was no exception,” said Kean University President Dawood Farahi, Ph.D. “They are leaders in business and in their communities, each serving as shining examples of the quality education that is offered at Kean.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Kean alumni who have made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations and careers have honored the legacy of excellence at the University. Recipients are accomplished in three distinct areas: professional achievement and career distinction; service to society; and service and support to Kean University. These areas reflect Kean's core values: excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service.

The other Kean University Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:

• Caroline Jolly ’70/MPA ’93 of Linden, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a master’s degree at Kean and is an integral part of the Kean community, having served as alumni director.
• Geraldine E. Ponto ’76 of Summit, earned a Kean bachelor’s degree in English secondary education and then went on to defend the rights of her clients for three decades as a partner at the law firm, BakerHostetler.
• Scott Schober ’92 of Middlesex, earned a Kean degree in computer science technology and is a cybersecurity expert and CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems. He recently published his first book, Hacked Again.
• Dr. M. Ann Walko ’60/M.A ’64 of Scotch Plains, earned a Kean bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership at Kean and prides herself on being a lifelong learner. Walko has called Kean her second home for more than 50 years as a faculty member in the College of Education.

To see more details about this year’s recipients as well as past recipients, visit www.keanalumni.org/distinguished-alumni-listings.

(Photos provided)

Photo 1: Kean University Distinguished Alumni George Gilcrest ’70 of Mountainside with Alumni Association President Edward Esposito ’69/M.A '72.

Photo 2: ean University awarded Distinguished Alumni Awards to five individuals who have made significant contributions to society, their professions at their alma mater. Pictured (left to right, top) are Geraldine Ponto, Alumni Association President Edward Esposito ’69 ’72 MA, George Gilcrest, M. Ann Walko, Scott Schober, (left to right, bottom) Kean University President Dr. Dawood Farahi and Caroline Jolly.

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