WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – For all of you seniors preparing to graduate this upcoming May, Monmouth University has a little unexpected surprise awaiting you.
Brad Eric Scheler, Esq., a senior partner of nationally recognized global law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson and chair of the Board of Trustees at Lehigh University, will be addressing more than 1,000 expected graduates as the keynote speaker at Monmouth’s spring commencement ceremony and will be receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. The ceremony is set to take place on Wednesday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m. at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ.
“I am very excited to introduce Brad [Scheler] to the Monmouth University community,” said Monmouth University President Paul R. Brown. “He is a wonderful example of a successful person who has not wavered in his support for higher education; he understands the profound importance of scholarship and learning opportunities for students.”
Scheler has spent much time and effort at his law school alma mater, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, serving over a decade as Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board and currently as Chair Emeritus of the Board of Directors of Her Justice (formally known as inMotion), an organization devoted to providing free legal services to domestic violence victims. In the past, Scheler was also a member of the Board of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, member of the Board of American Friends of Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, member of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Larchmont Library, and member of the Capital Campaign Committee of the Larchmont Manor Park.
In addition to Schler’s keynote, the commencement event will also include the inaugural presentation of the Jules L. Plangere, Jr. Medal, a medal that recognizes outstanding commitment to the University in areas of philanthropy, leadership, and support, to former Monmouth University trustee and philanthropist Ann Unterberg. Unterberg has dedicated herself to supporting nonprofit organizations committed to healthcare, education, and women’s rights, and has been a longtime benefactor for several University initiatives.
“The Unterberg family has a long tradition of supporting Monmouth University, and we are thrilled to honor Ann for extending that legacy,” said Brown. “Her generosity of service and giving mark her as an outstanding candidate for this honor which is named for former Board Chair Jules Plangere, Jr., a longtime friend of Monmouth.”
Currently, Unterberg is the chair of Lincoln Center Education, chair of the Monmouth Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees, trustee and former president of the Board of Trustees at the Two River Theater Company, and a member of the boards of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York Community Trust, the International Women’s Health Coalition.
Finally, Monmouth will recognize Board Chair and Trustee Robert B. Sculthorpe (’63) with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree for his outstanding years of service at the University. Sculthorpe served on the Board as treasurer, vice chair, and chair from 2010 to 2014, while also providing financial support to initiatives at Monmouth. These initiatives include the Urban Coast Institute Challenge Grant, construction of the Multipurpose Activity Center, and funding for scholarships.
“Bob set a high bar for members of the Board,” Brown said. “He has been an active and involved trustee and chair, hosting alumni receptions, attending arts and athletics events, and taking every opportunity to engage directly with students. Monmouth University will always owe him a profound debt of gratitude for his wise counsel and generosity, and I will always be grateful for his friendship.”
