June 20, 2023
Hackettstown, N.J., June 19, 2023—Centenary University recognized three leaders with the Gold Dome Award—Centenary’s most prestigious honor—at CU in the Lab, the University’s annual scholarship fundraising event. Held at Perona Farms on June 8, the event raised more than $100,000 in scholarship funding and honored Robert Weinstein, Ph.D., CEO and president of Robertet North America, Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., and late Centenary First Lady Jeanne Murphy.
Dr. Weinstein has worked in the flavor and fragrance industry since 1986, serving as president of the Global Ingredients Division at Firmenich before joining Robertet North America as president in 2012. The Robertet Group is the world’s leader in natural raw materials used in flavors, fragrances, and health and beauty. In North America, Robertet has 400 collaborators and close to $300 million in sales with facilities in Mount Olive and Piscataway, N.J., Manhattan, and Toronto, Canada. Dr. Weinstein earned a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree from Kalamazoo College, with additional studies at the University of Strasbourg, France. He has been a dedicated supporter of Centenary University’s academic programs and students.
Dr. Murphy began his tenure as the 14th president of Centenary University on Jan. 1, 2020. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, he led the University with a steady hand during the pandemic and a subsequent expansion of academic programs. During Dr. Murphy’s presidency, Centenary introduced the world’s first master’s degree in happiness studies, as well as new bachelor’s degrees in computer science, public health, health science, exercise science, medical laboratory science, and RN to BSN. Dr. Murphy and his late wife, Jeanne, have also been generous supporters of the University, including an estate gift to the George H. Whitney Society. He will retire from the presidency on June 30.
The late Jeanne Picariello Murphy was the first lady of Centenary University for three years, until her tragic passing on Jan. 8, 2023. A retired U.S. Army Colonel, she served with distinction in the military for 30 years. As an Army nurse, she led health and wellness promotions all over the world and was also given oversight of the military’s program for world-class athletes, a task that placed her on the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors and as chair of the USOC Multi-Sport Organizations Council for 10 years. Colonel Murphy was the first woman ever selected to the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Team in 1975.
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.
PHOTO CAPTION
Photo 1: Gold Dome Award Recipients (from left) Robert Weinstein, Ph.D., CEO and president of Robertet North America, and Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D.
Photo 2: Tribute display to late Centenary University First Lady Colonel Jeanne Murphy, Gold Dome Award recipient