The Thomas Edison State University (TESU) Foundation held its third annual Impact Awards on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at Pruitt Hall on the University’s Trenton campus. This year’s signature event, themed “Honoring Service, Advancing Education,” celebrated supporters whose leadership and generosity enhance educational opportunities for service members, veterans and adult learners in New Jersey and beyond.
The event raised nearly $95,000 to support scholarships, student success services and workforce-focused academic programs that promote TESU’s mission of offering high-quality, flexible and affordable education for adult learners.
Earlier this year, the PSEG Foundation was invited to accept the Spirit of Edison Corporate Community Leader Award in recognition of its more than 30 years of dedication to TESU’s military and veteran students. Calvin R. Ledford Jr., president of the PSEG Foundation and head of Corporate Social Responsibility, accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation. During the event, Ledford also announced that in September, the PSEG Foundation awarded a $150,000 grant to increase military and veteran scholarships and support TESU’s curriculum development in nuclear energy engineering technology, assisting students in transitioning into high-demand civilian careers.
“We are incredibly honored to partner with TESU in serving New Jersey’s active-duty, National Guard, reserve, and veteran students,” said Ledford. “This award will support the development of three new courses in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology, reflecting our dual commitment to academic support and workforce development for veterans. We’re excited to see the professional opportunities that await service members as they continue their studies and transition into successful careers.”
The University also honored Ron Gimbel, chief financial officer at Sumitomo Pharma America Inc. and vice chair of the TESU Foundation Board, with the Spirit of Edison Community Leader Award for his exceptional advocacy and generosity for military and veteran student initiatives. A U.S. Army veteran, Gimbel is a devoted supporter of scholarships and services that help ease the transition from military to civilian life. During the event, he announced a $25,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift campaign to support military and veteran scholarships at TESU, doubling the impact of donations received through Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2025.
University President Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D., related to the evening’s significance, remarking to those in attendance, “As someone from a proud military family, I understand firsthand the values of service, sacrifice, and resilience that our military students bring to their academic and professional journeys. Supporting their success is both a personal and professional honor.”
The event has become a cornerstone in celebrating the University’s partners and supporters and highlighting TESU’s role as a leader in meeting the changing needs of today’s diverse adult learners, their employers and communities.
Learn more about the Thomas Edison State University Foundation or email Jaclyn Joworisak, assistant director of Advancement, at jjoworisak@tesu.edu, for information.