Ina Giardina '63, '67

According to Ina Giardina '63, '67, it was just luck that caused her to attend Kean University, which was then known as Newark State College. She began her college career at Jersey City State College, but soon after moved from Newark to Hillside, NJ. She found that Newark State was within walking distance. So, she transferred to save commuting costs. She achieved her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and began a teaching career.

In fact, it was a bit providential that she became an educator at all. She does not recall really enjoying school as a child and, while her parents encouraged her to study and do well, they did not have much educational opportunity themselves. Therefore, they did not know how to guide her in the direction of higher education. It was during her high school years that her life's direction began to take form. "I had great teachers in high school, Weequahic High School in Newark. Several of them held Ph.D.'s. I admired their enthusiasm and dedication." She started to enjoy learning and, when her peers began to apply to college, she decided she should as well.

After graduation from Newark State, she became one of those great teachers herself. She obtained a position in the Newark school system. And soon she was back on campus, pursuing her master's degree in the evenings after teaching all day. Upon achieving her advanced degree, she was offered the opportunity to become a reading specialist. She began working with students for whom English was a second language. She challenged her students and succeeded in helping them, and by extension their families. Shortly thereafter bilingual education became a national norm. Was this timing lucky? No, rather it is an example of finding opportunities and pursuing interests that can become passions. It is a trait Ina exemplifies and inspires in others.

Here is another example of that trait. Several years ago, still during her teaching career, Ina received a gift of a beautiful antique sterling silver and ivory bracelet. She loved it so much that she went to the antique shop to see if there would be earrings available to compliment it. The dealer had a necklace and earring set that was perfect - but could only be sold as a set. Ina purchased the set, keeping the earrings and selling the necklace to a friend. Thus, beginning her second a second career as an antique dealer. After retiring from teaching, what started as a "side-gig" has now become a full-time profession and passion. Ina's expertise in finding unique treasures can be seen at her shop in the Summit Antiques Center, and includes a wide range of timeless furniture, art, jewelry and more.

Another interest which has become an important part of Ina's life is her involvement with the Kean University Foundation. She reconnected with Kean during one of her reunion year celebrations. She was impressed by the growth of the University. She started to attend Kean theater performances and art gallery exhibits; she jokes that it makes up for the fact that she did not have the time to take advantage of many extracurricular offerings while working full time as student. She volunteered to serve on the former University Arts Council, and she has been a consistent supporter of the Kean Fund for Excellence. What motivates her support? "Kean gives a lot of people the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations," she states. "I am happy to help keep it going and growing."

To continue to impact Kean students' success, Ina has thoughtfully provided for a legacy gift in her estate plans. Her bequest will benefit student scholarships. She was inspired to do this given her interactions with her own students and with many Kean students over the years. "There is always a need for financial assistance; a little outside help can make a big difference." In fact, a little outside help makes an immeasurable difference. As the students who receive support graduate and follow opportunities that become their passions, they will impact others around them, just as Ina has. The Kean University Foundation is grateful - and lucky - that Kean became part of Ina's life journey and, through her thoughtful planning, a place where her legacy will continue forever.