Seton Hall Gets 2 Big Donations From Alumni As $225 Million Fundraising Campaign Rolls On

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Seton Hall University recently received two big donations as part of its ongoing $225 million fundraising campaign.

Administrators thanked Helen Wright and Robert “Bob” Wright for making a $1 million contribution to the South Orange-based university. The money will support its largest priority – Preparing Leaders Now – which focuses on removing barriers to a Seton Hall education through scholarships.

An alumnus of the Stillman School of Business, Bob Wright is giving back to the university that helped shape his career and success in the business world. In 2013, the couple established the Robert E. Wright Accounting Scholarship to support business students pursuing accounting degrees with demonstrated financial need. Through their estate plans, the scholarship will be endowed in perpetuity.

“Seton Hall was a transitional moment in my life,” Wright said. “It caused me to grow up and focus on what I wanted to do. Because of that, I was able to accomplish a great deal in my career.”

Learn more about the donation here.

$500K GIFT FROM AN ALUMNUS

Seton Hall also recently announced a $500,000 gift from alumnus Stephen Lovelette in support of the “For All, Forever” campaign.

“A longtime supporter of Seton Hall, Lovelette has directed his gift toward several initiatives close to his heart,” the university reported. “In addition to strengthening the Stillman School of Business and advancing the university's Catholic mission, his gift will ensure the long-term sustainability of his previously established endowed scholarship, which supports undergraduate students, with preference for those studying in the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology.”

Lovelette's relationship with Seton Hall began in the early 1980s, when he moved to New Jersey for a role at Midlantic National Bank. Hoping to advance his career, he used the bank's tuition reimbursement program to pursue an M.B.A. in finance at Seton Hall, an experience he says opened doors both personally and professionally.

“Seton Hall is a special place,” Lovelette said.

Learn more about the donation here.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.