Centenary University will host its annual scholarship gala, “A Golden Night of Excellence,” on June 10. The fundraising event, at David’s Country Inn in Hackettstown, will present its highest honor—the Gold Dome Award—to New Jersey State Senator Douglas Steinhardt, Atlantic Health System, and distinguished educators Dr. Raymond Frey and Professor Michael Dowling.
The annual gala serves as a fundraiser for the university’s scholarship initiatives, which are designed to support talented students who face financial challenges in achieving their higher education goals.
“This gala is one of the most meaningful ways our community can invest directly in Centenary University students,” Michael Iris, vice president for advancement and communications said. “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.”
Celebrating Public Service and Health Care Partnership
- Senator Douglas Steinhardt: A native of Warren County representing New Jersey’s 23rd Legislative District, Steinhardt has maintained a close relationship with Centenary University. In his legislative role, he partnered with Assemblyman John DiMaio to secure a critical $1.5 million state grant for Centenary as part of a wider state allocation for independent institutions. Outside of the legislature, Steinhardt is an attorney and a prominent community advocate who co-founded the Warren County Addiction Awareness and Mental Health Task Forces.
- Atlantic Health System: Operating eight hospitals and 26 urgent care centers across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area, Atlantic Health System has long collaborated with Centenary to elevate local healthcare workforce opportunities. The health system has partnered directly with the university on its specialized RN to BSN degree program alongside several other health-focused initiatives.
Honoring Decades of Academic Excellence
The university will also bestow the Gold Dome Award upon two long-serving faculty members who have left an indelible mark on campus culture and programmatic success.
- Dr. Raymond Frey: Retiring in late 2025 as professor emeritus of history, Dr. Frey completed a 35-year tenure at Centenary that included serving as dean of faculty from 2000 to 2003. A recipient of the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement in History and Civics, Dr. Frey has a lifetime history of civic volunteerism, logging over 2,500 hours at the Newton Medical Center front desk and emergency department.
- Professor Michael Dowling: An accomplished educator and equine trainer for over three decades, Dowling has built Centenary University’s Equine Studies program into one of the most respected collegiate riding programs in the United States. As co-coach of the university’s hunt seat and ANRC teams, he has steered Centenary to multiple national championships and coached four individual Cacchione Cup National Champions.
