About the Event
The annual Silberman College of Business Hall of Fame Gala honors the educational legacy of the school namesake Samuel “Buddy” Silberman. The yearly event recognizes accomplished alumni and benefactors while raising funds for student scholarships and academic programming at the Silberman College of Business.
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: Cocktails 5:30PM | Program and Dinner Reception to follow Lenfell Hall
Location: Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus | 1 Mansion Mall | Madison, NJ
Dress: Cocktail Attire
Parking: Valet parking will be available
RSVP by: October 23, 2026
Questions: Email Erin Higgins in the Office of University Advancement
2026 Hall of Fame Honorees
Silberman College of Business
Nicole DeRosa
Nicole DeRosa is an accomplished CPA, educator, speaker, and advocate for the accounting profession. Having earned her Bachelors and Masters of Accountancy from FDU, Nicole is the Director of Tax at SKC & Co. She is a nationally recognized thought leader and has earned numerous honors such as the AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award, NJBIZ Forty Under 40 recognition, Forbes Best-In-State and Top CPA in America recognition, and repeated inclusion on NJBIZ’s Accounting and Finance Power Lists.
In addition, Nicole teaches Zumba at Life Time Fitness and holds a leadership role within the New Jersey Society of CPAs. By following her passions, Nicole is an advocate for professional development, helping students and young professionals reach their potential, guiding them to launch successful careers and doing what they love. Through her expertise, mentorship, and advocacy to the future generation of professionals, Nicole is an exemplary influence of FDU and its values.
Patrick Migliaccio
Patrick Migliaccio has an accomplished career in the energy and utility sector. He has held senior leadership roles including serving as Controller, Treasurer, Vice President of Finance and Accounting, and Chief Financial Officer before your current role as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of New Jersey Natural Gas. In these roles, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and responsibility in financial management, operational strategy, infrastructure investment, and organizational growth within a highly complex and essential industry.
Beyond his professional career, Patrick’s contributions as a member of the Silberman College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board have been invaluable. His insight and engagement have strengthened the College’s strategic mission and long-term goals, deepening its connections to industry. His contributions have supported the advancement of academic programs and enhanced opportunities for FDU students. Patrick’s ongoing engagement with students and FDU reflects a deep and sustained commitment to education, mentorship, and the development of future business leaders.
James Orefice
Jim Orefice is an experienced professional in the finance industry. Throughout his career as a commodities trader, Jim Orefice has built deep expertise in global markets, earning recognition in trading strategy, risk management, and financial market analysis. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional insight, discipline, and leadership in navigating complex and dynamic financial systems and environments.
Beyond his professional career, Jim serves on the Board of Trustees and has made a lasting impact through his leadership and guidance in support of FDU’s mission and success. He has supported the enhancement of experiential learning opportunities such as the Bloomberg Lab and the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), providing students with hands-on experience and access to real-world financial tools. Through his mentorship, philanthropy, and advocacy to student experimental learning at FDU, he continues to help prepare the next generation of business leaders for successful careers.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Robert Zatta
Throughout his distinguished corporate career, Robert spent nearly 15 years in executive leadership at Rockwood Holdings, Inc., serving as Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer until the sale of Rockwood Holdings to another US public corporation. His extensive global business experience includes having served on the board of directors for several publicly traded corporations, including SOM, Nexeo Solutions, and lnnophos Holdings. Earlier in his career, he spent 12 years at the Campbell Soup Company, rising to Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategic Planning, alongside financial management roles at General Foods Corporation and Thomas J. Lipton, Inc.
In higher education governance, Robert serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he has heavily influenced the university's strategic planning and is a recipient of its prestigious PINNACLE Award. He has also served as an influential trustee and major donor at Merrimack College, where he and his wife funded a prominent modern learning classroom on campus.
Hall of Fame Gala Sponsorship Packages
Sponsorship Packages
Information on the benefits of each sponsorship package is presented on this page. Please click the button below to complete your sponsorship purchase.
$150 per paid guest attending the event is considered the event cost, therefore ineligible for tax deduction. Tax-deductible eligible amounts are noted below.
Underwriter Package – $50,000.00
One sponsorship is available at this level.
- Acknowledgement as Underwriter Sponsor at the event
- Reserved seating for up to 20 guests. Tax deductible eligible amount is $47,000.
- Name and logo displayed on event signage, Silberman College of Business’s website, and sponsor loop at the event
- Recognition in the FDU alumni magazine.
Benefactor Package – $25,000.00
Two sponsorships are available at this level.
- Acknowledgement as Benefactor Sponsor at the event
- Reserved seating at dinner for up to 15 guests. Tax deductible eligible amount is $22,750.
- Name and logo displayed on event signage, Silberman College of Business’s website, and sponsor loop at the event.
Supporter Package – $10,000.00
Five sponsorships are available at this level.
- Acknowledgement as Supporter Sponsor at the event
- Reserved seating at dinner for up to 10 guests. Tax deductible eligible amount is $8,500.
- Name and logo displayed on event signage, Silberman College of Business’s website, and sponsor loop at the event.
Corporate Gift Bag Sponsor – $5,000.00
One sponsorship is available at this level.
- Your company logo on gift bag for give away to every guest
- Name and logo displayed on event signage, Silberman College of Business’s website, and sponsor loop at the event.
Valet Sponsor – $2,500.00
One sponsorship is available at this level.
- Your company logo on valet sign and tickets
- Name and logo displayed on event signage, Silberman College of Business’s website, and sponsor loop at the event.
Individual Ticket – $650.00
Limited availability. Tax deductible eligible amount is $500/guest.
Young Alumni – $250.00
Limited availability to FDU alumni who are 25 or younger. Tax deductible eligible amount is $100/guest.
Donations
For friends of Silberman College of Business that cannot attend the Gala or would like to make an additional donation. All donation levels receive a listing on sponsor loop at the event.
- Platinum Sponsor – $1,000.00
- Gold Sponsor – $500.00
- Silver Sponsor – $250.00
- Other Donation Gift Amount