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New Jersey City University (NJCU) President Sue Henderson announced Jan. 25 that the school received a $1 million gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist and real estate developer Robert Kaye.

The gift will be among the largest in the university’s history and becomes the second lead gift in NJCU’s $10 million campaign to develop its Center for Music, Dance and Theater (CMDT) and The Guarini Performing Arts Center (GPAC) as the pillars of University Place, a $400 million redevelopment of the institution’s West Campus.

Upon completion of the CMDT — the first of its kind in Hudson County — the project will include a performing arts center and world-class, 25,437 square-foot theatrical showplace, highlighted by a 492-seat theatre and a 100-seat recital hall.

“It is my great honor to make this gift to New Jersey City University. As a supporter of the arts, I look forward to the opening of the Center for Music, Dance and Theater and its performing arts center and how it will further revitalize Jersey City’s West Side,” Kaye said.

Kaye, the founder, chairman, and CEO of The PRC Group of Companies, is recognized industry-wide for his leadership and entrepreneurial vision. He began his career in 1960 as a property manager and gradually grew his young company into one of the most diversified and respected real estate entities in the Tri-State area.

The PRC Group has previously worked with the NJCU Foundation for the development of Fort Monmouth and CityLine West in a key public-private partnership in NJCU’s University Place development.

NJCU President Sue Henderson said: “I am so grateful to Bob Kaye for his thoughtful gift in support of our Performing Arts Center. The naming of the Recital Hall in his honor is so fitting and is a testament to his life’s work and his remarkable generosity. In many ways, his life’s work is emblematic of our entire university community. He started from very modest means, developing one building at a time, and in time, created an amazing company. The arts later became a passion in his life. He is an inspiration to us all and his commitment to our university, our students and the future of our performing arts program is significant and graciously appreciated.”

Plans for the center have already led to a unique partnership between NJCU and the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet School, which will move its operations from New York City to NJCU and, in partnership with the university, will offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, and a Joffrey certificate.