Rose Cali

A New Jersey resident since 1973, Rose Cali is a visionary philanthropist and longtime advocate for ground up community partnerships; innovative educational initiatives; social service programs directed to help the underserved; and anchor cultural institutions that advance economic development and education priorities in urban and suburban communities.

A proud alumna of Montclair State University, Rose has kept close ties to the University and is intent on helping hardworking students from working-class families – what she feels is the embodiment of Montclair State’s legacy. She has served the University in many capacities, getting involved in 1991 as a University Board of Trustee member and remaining active on the University and Foundation boards, serving as co-chair for multiple fundraising campaigns and advisory boards, and serving on the John J Cali School of Music Advisory Board. She is the Founder, former President and CEO of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center on campus, one of her most satisfying accomplishments.

Rose dedicates herself to many worthy causes and organizations in Montclair and Newark, serving on a number of boards, and volunteering her time on strategic planning and fundraising committees leading major campaigns. Currently serving as co-chair for the Montclair Art Museum’s (MAM) Board of Trustees, Rose also led MAM’s successful Second Century Campaign, helping to raise $12.5 million as campaign co-chair for that effort. She has led numerous fundraising campaigns for the Montclair Public Library, including in 1993 when she launched and managed “Booktoberfest” and co-chaired the Library’s $2.5 million capital campaign. Her extensive board service includes the: Montclair Film Festival; Newark Mentoring Movement; the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education; NJPAC Arts Education Committee and Women’s Association of NJPAC; St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital; Liberty Science Center; National Italian American Foundation; Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Jersey and Essex, Hudson and Union Counties; Mental Health Association of Essex County; YWCA Montclair; Salvation Army of Montclair Advisory Board; Montclair Kimberly Academy; Unity Concerts of New Jersey; and Luna Stage.

As a young child, Rose learned firsthand the importance of helping others as the Salvation Army helped her mother raise her family in New Haven, Connecticut. Rose graduated Magna Cum Laude from Montclair State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology. She lives in Montclair and has five children and eleven grandchildren.