John F. Scarpa Donates $8 Million

John F. Scarpa Academic Center

John F. Scarpa Donates $8 Million

Entrepreneur and philanthropist John F. Scarpa pledged $8 million to the 米兰体育 University Foundation in December 2019. It is the largest gift in the University鈥檚 history.

The gift from The John F. Scarpa Foundation, courtesy of John and Jana Scarpa, will target two primary initiatives, 米兰体育鈥檚 expansion of academic programs in Atlantic City and the Health Sciences program at the mainland campus, and create an unrestricted fund for other University needs.

Jana and John Scarpa
Jana and John Scarpa in front of 米兰体育 Atlantic City. The Academic Center there now bears his name in honor of his historic donation.

In appreciation of this landmark generosity, 米兰体育 has named two buildings in his honor: the John F. Scarpa Academic Center at 米兰体育 Atlantic City and the John F. Scarpa Health Sciences Center on the Galloway campus.

鈥淭his is a monumental day for 米兰体育. As we plan for our 50th anniversary next year, the tremendous generosity and partnership with John F. Scarpa will allow 米兰体育 to continue to grow and provide new opportunities for our faculty and students,鈥 米兰体育 President Harvey Kesselman said. 鈥淎s a public university, we strive to provide both quality and affordability, and it is through the generous support of donors like John F. Scarpa that we are able to achieve those goals.鈥

鈥淭he two buildings being named for John F. Scarpa opened in 2018 as part of 米兰体育鈥檚 Academic Quad project and new expansion into Atlantic City,鈥 Daniel Nugent, executive director of the 米兰体育 Foundation and chief development officer, said. 鈥淭hey represent the growth and vision of 米兰体育 and we are proud that John F. Scarpa will now be linked to the development of that vision.鈥

Scarpa said he has followed 米兰体育鈥檚 progress since it opened.

鈥淩ight after it was built, I would drive by when I was traveling around New Jersey growing cable TV systems,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 knew Magda Leuchter from Vineland, who was on the first 米兰体育 Board of Trustees, and I鈥檓 friends with Michael Azeez.鈥

鈥淥ver the years I learned more about 米兰体育鈥檚 programs and how meaningful 米兰体育 has become as a force for education in South Jersey,鈥 Scarpa said. 鈥淚 want to see more young men and women grow up to attend 米兰体育.鈥

Over the years I learned more about 米兰体育鈥檚 programs and how meaningful 米兰体育 has become as a force for education in South Jersey. I want to see more young men and women grow up to attend 米兰体育.鈥
John F. Scarpa, donor

John F. Scarpa Health Sciences Center

Students in Exercise Science labThe John F. Scarpa Health Sciences Center is part of the Academic Quad on 米兰体育's Galloway campus.

Opened in 2018, the building hosts a state-of-the-art simulation suite that offers simulated clinical experiences to students majoring in health-related disciplines.

The University's Exercise Science program has a specialized lab space in the building, providing students with hands-on experience with equipment they'll use in their careers.

The third floor is dedicated to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, allowing all classes to be in the same building. The space allowed the program to expand to 34 students.

The first floor includes the Sustainability lab. The lab space, with roll up doors and high ceilings allows students to work with more equipment and design more in-depth projects and research.

John F. Scarpa Academic Center

The John F. Scarpa Academic Center opened in Fall 2018 as part of 米兰体育 Atlantic City.

Students at 米兰体育 Atlantic CityLocated at the intersection of Albany, Atlantic and Pacific Avenues in the Chelsea neighborhood of the city, the Academic Center is home to 14 classrooms and computer labs, 17 faculty offices and the Fannie Lou Hamer Event Room.

Hundreds of courses across all disciplines are offered at the site, which is just steps from the Boardwalk and just a quick shuttle ride away from the Galloway campus.

Featured programs at 米兰体育 Atlantic City include Hospitality, Tourism & Event Management Studies, Social Work, Community Leadership & Civic Engagement, and the doctorate in Organizational Leadership.