Seton Hall University has announced a generous $10 million estate gift from the late Sylvia and Thomas Tencza, M.S. ’64/Ph.D. ’66, of Wallington. The donation will create the Thomas Tencza, Ph.D. Endowed Professorship in Chemistry and support research and strategic initiatives within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. This marks the first endowed professorship for the department.
Dr. Thomas Tencza was an early graduate of the university’s Ph.D. program in chemistry. Following his service in the U.S. Army, he had a distinguished 34-year career at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Hillside, where he served as Senior Director of Product Development. During his tenure, he secured nine patents and was involved in the development of well-known medications such as Excedrin®, Bufferin®, and NoDoz®.
Jonathan Farina, dean of Seton Hall’s College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the gift’s importance. “This extraordinary gift will ensure that Seton Hall’s chemistry and biochemistry programs continue to thrive,” he said. He added that endowed faculty positions attract high-caliber graduate students and enable the university to provide sustainable, hands-on learning and research opportunities.
Sylvia Tencza, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the university, championed the creation of the endowed professorship after her husband’s death in 2012. She often stated that her husband attributed his life’s success to his education at Seton Hall.
University President Monsignor Joseph Reilly said the Tenczas’ generosity will enrich the student experience and strengthen the university’s academic excellence. Jon Paparsenos, vice president of University Advancement, added that the gift has created a legacy that will have a lasting impact on the entire Seton Hall community.
