County College of Morris Beneficiary of Seven-Figure Giving

Published on April 16, 2018

Bencivenga Family Generosity to Support Nursing Students

Catherine Bencivenga was a RN at Dover General Hospital

(JPG, 707KB)County College of Morris is announcing today, Monday, April 16, that it has received an historic gift of $976,000 from the estate of Dominic and Catherine Bencivenga, bringing the family's total giving to the college to more than $1 million.

This latest gift, given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Bencivenga's children, Gary and Cathy Jo Bencivenga, is directed to providing scholarships to the college's nursing students.

The more than $1 million in total giving represents the largest private gift ever given to the college. The CCM Foundation, under the direction of Katie Olsen, was notified of this extraordinary gift by the Trustee of the Bencivenga Estate, Beverly Brown.

Gary and Cathy Jo attended CCM and Dominic and Catherine sought to provide a legacy in their children's honor,'' said Brown. "Catherine was a registered nurse at Dover General Hospital and took great pride in how the nursing program has become one of the most sought after majors at CCM.

"Dominic and Catherine always viewed CCM as a philanthropic priority and in their planning for when they were no longer here; CCM was the place they knew their gift would have a lasting impact.

CCM President Anthony Iacono expressed deep appreciation for the gift.

It is with great gratitude that CCM recognizes Mr. and Mrs. Bencivenga for their commitment to the college and to our outstanding nursing program,'' said President Iacono. "The Gary and Cathy Jo Bencivenga Memorial Scholarship is vital to our students' success in completing their nursing degrees.(JPG, 707KB)

"As a leader in health and allied sciences, CCM prepares students to go on to achieve extraordinary achievements in nursing at some of the finest medical institutions throughout the State of New Jersey and nationally. This gift, the largest private gift ever received at CCM, underwrites the futures of the students who seek to solidify their career in serving their communities.

The CCM Foundation, established in 1987, is dedicated to raising funds for the college from its many constituents to support programs, scholarships, staff development and other projects that are not funded through tuition and public support.

William McElroy '83, chair of the CCM Foundation Board of Directors, also offered his thanks to the Bencivenga family.

The CCM Foundation has been the cornerstone of philanthropic giving to the County College of Morris, McElroy said. "Today, through this historic gift from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Bencivenga, we are positioned to begin our 50th Anniversary celebrations with strength and gratitude for all who have come before us and for all who will join our efforts in offering CCM the support it needs to fulfill its mission.