The Montclair State University Foundation Board has appointed two alumni, Frank R. Alvarez ‘76 and Wamwari Waichungo ‘90, as new board members. Both will serve three-year terms, joining the board in its mission to provide financial resources for the university and its students.
Alvarez, who received his bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Montclair State, has made a career in education. He currently serves as an educational consultant, assisting districts in improving their practices. Alvarez has held superintendent positions in four New Jersey and New York districts and has worked for the New Jersey State Department of Education. In recognition of his contributions to the field, Montclair State awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2008 and the Distinguished Alumni Award for the former College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) in 2022.
“Montclair State University played a major role in my professional growth. It is an honor to pay it forward by serving on the Foundation board,” said Alvarez, who hopes to increase financial support for scholarships and university-wide programs. Together with his wife, Nancy Myers-Alvarez ‘76, ‘02 MA, he has endowed and continues to support a scholarship fund for students during their student teaching semester.
Waichungo, a global leader in food safety and regulatory affairs, currently serves as the Global Head of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at ADM. She earned her undergraduate degree in Home Economics with a concentration in Food and Nutrition at Montclair State College before obtaining advanced degrees in Food Science and Law. In 2015, Waichungo established a food science scholarship at Montclair and furthered her investment in 2022 with a planned gift commitment and additional endowment support. The university recognized her generosity by naming the Waichungo Family Courtyard in University Hall in April 2023.
“I believe in Montclair and the power of education to transform lives, hence I am thrilled to deepen my commitment to this incredible institution by serving on the Foundation board,” said Waichungo, who previously served on the former CEHS advisory board and was honored with the CEHS Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020.
Foundation Board Chair Gregory Collins ‘79 expressed enthusiasm for the expertise and commitment Alvarez and Waichungo bring to the board, stating, “Both have distinguished themselves in their respective careers, and we are fortunate for the dedication and passion they will bring to their new roles to serve Montclair.”
The Montclair State University Foundation, Inc., a separate not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, was created in 1960 by alumni and friends to provide financial support for the educational needs of the university.
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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.