The basics:

• Seton Hall receives $10M endowment from Sylvia and Thomas Tencza estate
• Funds first endowed professorship in chemistry at the university
• Strengthens SHU’s research profile and PhD program in biochemistry
• Honors Thomas Tencza, Bristol-Myers Squibb veteran and SHU alum

On the heels of a $10 million endowment announced earlier in August, Seton Hall University closes out the month with another transformative gift.

The latest comes from the estate of Sylvia and Thomas Tencza, ’64 and ’66, of Wallington. Announced Aug. 28, the $10 million donation will establish the Thomas Tencza, Ph.D. Endowed Professorship in Chemistry.

It marks the first endowed professorship for the department, from which Thomas Tencza graduated more than 50 years ago. Additionally, the award will support research and strategic priorities within SHU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the university said.

Seton Hall highlighted its endowed chairs, professorships and directorships as underscoring the school’s commitment to improving its research profile and academic rigor in the laboratory as well as the classroom.

“Endowed faculty attract graduate students who want to learn from and collaborate with scholars of the highest caliber,” noted Jonathan Farina, dean of Seton Hall’s College of Arts and Sciences. “This extraordinary gift will ensure that Seton Hall’s chemistry and biochemistry programs continue to thrive, particularly the PhD program where grant-funded research and publication are key to student success.

“Gifts like this enable Seton Hall to offer sustainable, affordable, hands-on learning, meaningful research, and mentorship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.”

Honor roll

According to Seton Hall, Thomas Tencza was among the first graduates of the university’s doctoral program in chemistry during the 1960s. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he enjoyed a 34-year career at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Hillside, serving as senior director of product development. During his time with BMS, Thomas Tencza secured nine patents. He also played a key role in developing well-known medications, SHU said, such as Excedrin, Bufferin and NoDoz.

Sylvia and Thomas Tencza were married for 53 years, until Thomas died at age 80 in 2012. After, and until her own death in 2024 at age 87, Sylvia Tencza continued to honor her husband’s memory through deepening engagement with his alma mater.

According to SHU, Sylvia Tencza said her late husband often credited his success in life to the education he received at the South Orange-based Catholic university. A champion of this endowed professorship, according to Seton Hall, Sylvia Tencza also received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2017.

“The pride and gratitude that unifies our alumni transcends into our classrooms and our labs and brings extraordinary resources to our students,” added Vice President of University Advancement Jon Paparsenos.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of chemists and material scientists is projected to grow 5% from 2024–2034, faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, BLS projects about 7,000 openings for such positions over the decade.