New Jersey City University (NJCU) has announced that the University has received a gift in the amount of $200,000 from Bob Antonicello, former Executive Director of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency.
Antonicello is a Jersey City native and the Principal and Founder of his current company, Grid Real Estate, LLC., where he continues his involvement in the Jersey City real estate market. He was named to the NJCU Foundation Board of Directors in May 2018.
The gift will go to support its campaign to develop its Center for Music, Dance and Theater (CMDT).
In 2015, Antonicello made a $250,000 donation to the NJCU School of Business, where he is an adjunct professor teaching real estate courses.
“Bob Antonicello is a Jersey City success story and a visionary leader who profoundly understands the significance of our institution as the heart of our community,” said NJCU President Sue Henderson. “His generosity underlines his long-standing commitment to our students and how giving can make a lasting impact on students and future generations.”
Antonicello has served in various leadership positions in local government, ranging from Director of Neighborhood Planning to his eight years as Executive Director for the JCRA, New Jersey’s largest and oldest municipal redevelopment agency. There, he was responsible for many high-profile projects in Jersey City’s redevelopment, including the Powerhouse Project, the Journal Square Vision Plan and its successful green workforce-housing program.
“For many students, their family’s story starts at NJCU,” said Antonicello. “If you’re going to get involved in giving, I cannot think of a better way than to get involved right here at NJCU. For our country to thrive, new immigrants need the opportunity to grab the brass ring and they will do it at schools like NJCU. They won’t have that chance if they come out of school mired in debt.”
“Anchor institutions like NJCU are so important to the city and many people who move to Jersey City for the convenience of the city and proximity to New York don’t drill down and learn how important these institutions are.”