Marjorie A. Perry '74
Growing up in the projects of Newark, New Jersey Marjorie knew as a young girl that education would be paramount to transforming her life and helping her to break free from generational cycles that had existed in her family for many years.
Lacking role models at home, Marjorie naturally looked to her teachers as trusted mentors and confidants, many of whom were happy to inspire and guide young Marjorie on her path to success. She even credits one of her high school teachers for helping her apply for her first college loan at Howard Savings Bank.
Although Marjorie had dreams to become an anesthesiologist, she enrolled at Newark State College, now Kean University, because it was close to home. Determined to do whatever it took to earn a college degree; Marjorie took two buses to campus each day while she worked nights. Upon graduating in 1974, Marjorie worked in the Newark public schools as a health and physical education teacher for a few years before quickly realizing that she was destined for so much more — to become a leader in business and ultimately an entrepreneur!
Twenty years after graduating from Kean, Marjorie became President and CEO of MZM Construction and Management in her home city of Newark. As you would suspect, Marjorie's journey to this pinnacle in her career has been most inspiring. After she resigned from teaching, Majorie first built a successful career in the corporate world, working at three Fortune 500 companies: namely 3M, Johnson & Johnson, and United Airlines. Then after turning down a promotion with United Airlines, which would have required her to move to Chicago, Marjorie decided it was time for another change and stepped into unchartered waters to launch her own consulting business.
The risk and leap of faith she took when she quit United Airlines to start a consulting business opened a new door she wasn't expecting. In 1992 she began working with MZM Construction and only two years later, in 1994, she bought out her partners.
When reflecting on the failures and successes that have brought her to the place where she is now in her professional and personal life, Marjorie shared, "Do you rise from the ashes or die with the ship?"
Marjorie shared more on her journey to success, "Throughout my personal and professional life, I have disrupted my comfort zone multiple times. I took risks to get where I am today. And I have always been willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve success, but I have a strong faith which has kept me grounded."
Although Marjorie gained solid business experience from her corporate roles, she admits that she knew nothing about running a construction business when she took over the company. To be successful, Marjorie knew she needed to return to school to earn her MBA, which she did at NJIT. Once again, she knew that education was power.
A few years later Marjorie sought to increase her business acumen even further so that she could "move her business from point A to point B," which led Marjorie to apply to Harvard University Business School's Owner/President Management Program. She said, "I was shocked when I was accepted. Although I am grateful for the educational foundation that Kean University had laid for me, being a student at Harvard was truly one of the highlights of my educational pursuits."
In tandem with her passion for education and determination to succeed, Marjorie has a heart of humility and service, as well as a philanthropic spirit. She takes time to mentor many young people, gives back to her community in countless ways, and serves on several boards.
Marjorie's support of Kean has taken on many forms over the decades. She served on the Kean University Foundation Board of Directors for eleven years and as a member of the College of Business and Public Management's Board of Advisors for four years. In addition to her board service, Marjorie established Marjorie A. Perry '74 Annual Business Scholarship at Kean University. Most recently, Marjorie decided to include a gift in her will to ensure that her support of Kean would continue beyond her life and into the next generation.
When asked why she continues to give back, Marjorie said, "Growing up in the projects, I was determined to break generational cycles. I knew that education was the key to my success, and I want to provide that same opportunity to other young people."
Marjorie added, "The annual scholarship that I established at Kean helps to ease the burden for students who need some extra support to make it through, like I did. Including Kean in my will was a way I could ensure that my support of Kean will continue after I am no longer here."
Marjorie's legacy gift will certainly have an impact on future generations at Kean. However, it must be noted that she has already had a significant impact on Kean students through her board service, philanthropy, and mentorship. Anyone who has ever met Marjorie will agree that her energy is contagious, her life story is inspiring, and she leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.