Union County Review

Kean University has announced a substantial legacy gift from Bernice “Bernie” VanSteyn-Weiss, Ed.D., a prominent figure in state higher education and former first lady of the University. This donation, valued at nearly half a million dollars, is part of her estate plans and aims to benefit Kean students for generations.

VanSteyn-Weiss, a member of the Kean University Foundation Medallion Society, has designated that her contribution be directed towards the University's most critical needs as identified by the President’s cabinet. This decision underscores her commitment to higher education and belief in Kean's potential.

“Dr. VanSteyn-Weiss has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the future of Kean University,” said President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “Her generosity and vision will ensure that Kean continues to provide world-class opportunities for our students. We are immensely grateful for her enduring support.”

William Miller, CEO of the Kean University Foundation, also expressed his gratitude for VanSteyn-Weiss’s donation.

“Dr. VanSteyn-Weiss’s generosity and lifelong dedication to Kean are truly remarkable,” Miller said. “This gift not only reflects her enduring connection to our University but also her belief in our mission to provide students with the resources they need to thrive.”

VanSteyn-Weiss’s association with Kean began in the 1970s when she was emerging as a leader in higher education administration. During this period, she met Nathan Weiss, Ph.D., then president of Kean, leading to their marriage in 1981. She served as Kean’s first lady for nine years while advancing her own career in higher education with leadership roles at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) and Millersville University of Pennsylvania.

Even after retiring, VanSteyn-Weiss remained involved with Kean through personal and philanthropic efforts alongside President Nathan Weiss. Their contributions have supported initiatives like the Kean Fund for Excellence, the Steven J. Weiss Memorial Scholarship Endowment, and the Skarbnick Endowment Fund. Following Nathan Weiss's passing, she established the Nathan and Bernice Weiss Graduate Scholarship.

Her recent contributions have focused on supporting the Cougar Pantry.

“No student should go hungry,” she said. “If universities such as Kean can provide the means to help them, we have a humane responsibility to do so.”

VanSteyn-Weiss hopes her gift will inspire others to recognize the challenges faced by many college students.