The Semcer family came together to name the student commons in the University Center Complex (UCC) in honor of Trustee Emeritus Frank J. Semcer, Sr. ’65 and Mary Jane Semcer for their decades of work and support for Stevens.
“Their unwavering support for Stevens’ initiatives, programs and students has helped the university grow its global reputation of education and community,” said daughter-in-law and Stevens Trustee Karen Carolonza. “Frank and Mary Jane always emphasized the importance of giving back to your alma mater. These values were demonstrated when they funded the Semcer Center for Healthcare Innovation in 2016, so the children and grandchildren felt it was important to continue a legacy of philanthropy by naming the UCC student commons.”
Frank, a 1965 chemical engineering graduate of Stevens, harnessed his education and started his own company in manufacturing, MICRO, which has grown globally and exponentially since its inception. “He credits this growth to Stevens’ rigorous academics and to his dedicated family members who embraced his entrepreneur mentality and continue to innovate the business,” she said.
“Stevens is a household name in our family,” said son Brian Semcer MTM ’00, president of MICRO. “My dad attended Stevens in the ’60s and became an advocate for its growth ever since. His work is apparent in the numerous children, grandchildren and friends who have either attended or supported the university.”
“He intentionally included all of us in the Stevens story because of everything it gave to him, and ultimately his family, throughout the years,” Brian said. “This also translated to his career and our company, MICRO, where he employed many Stevens’ graduates to help advance their own careers and foster the company’s continued success.”
The family gift established the Frank J. Semcer Sr. ’65 Student Commons in the UCC. The common area is located on the second floor and connects the university offices that provide student services.
“The setup makes the support we provide to students accessible and organic,” said Sara Klein, vice president for student affairs. “The space allows for easy, unplanned interactions that strengthen relationships between students and staff, and amongst groups of students.”
“We chose the UCC to name after my grandfather because he believes it is the students who make Stevens a special place,” said grandson Todd Carolonza ’23. “The student commons is the perfect place to display the Semcer family name, which represents the attributes of Stevens as a global force in education and a leader in innovation.”
