Lifelong NJ Residents Donate
$2 Million for Future Physicians

Joseph L. Muscarelle, chairman of Jos. L. Muscarelle, Inc of Maywood, N.J., strongly believes that the best way to advance health care in New Jersey is to support doctors of the future as they embark on their educations.

To support this belief, Mr. Muscarelle has donated $2 million to establish The Sharon and Joseph L. Muscarelle Endowed Dean at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-New Jersey Medical School-- the first endowed deanship and the largest single endowed scholarship in the University’s history. 

“Joseph Muscarelle is a wonderful example of a person dedicated to making New Jersey the best place it can be,” said George F. Heinrich, MD, vice chair and CEO of the Foundation of UMDNJ.  “He stands by his convictions and is doing something positive to assure that what is important to him will benefit others now and in the future.”

Income from this gift should generate approximately $100,000 annually to be used to fund scholarships at New Jersey Medical School.  In addition to the endowment gift, Mr. Muscarelle has been supporting scholarships at the medical school since 1988.

“I feel that the key to the best health care in our state starts with our medical students,” he explained.  “An education cannot be replaced.  Nobody can take it away from you.  Quality medical education will lead to quality healthcare for all NJ residents.”

Mr. Muscarelle has lived in New Jersey his whole life, which is why he feels it is so important to give New Jersey residents the greatest advantages.  To quality for the scholarships, students need to be New Jersey residents who have demonstrated academic excellence and some financial need.  In addition, they must plan to practice in the state once they begin their medical careers.

Mr.. Muscarelle has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation of UMDNJ since 1988, currently chairing the Scholarship Committee. He has been married to Sharon McDonnell Muscarelle for 45 years.   They have five children and seven grandchildren.