CNJAC History

With the guidance and encouragement of Phi Province President Elinor Tapscott and Phi Province Vice President Donna Heiken, installation of the chapter was the culmination of efforts which began during the summer of 1971. Seventeen members are listed as founders on the chapter charter. The installation of the Central New Jersey Alumnae Chapter was conducted by National Vice President Lillian Wilder on May 21, 1972 at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Trenton, New Jersey. Ritual music was provided by members of the Northern New Jersey Alumnae Chapter.

Since the installation of the chapter, anniversary celebrations have been held for the 20th Anniversary in 1992, the 25th Anniversary in 1997 for which chapter founders Ruthann Harrison, Lois Kohl Badgley, Janet Wheeler Walter and Margaret Rittenhouse were present, the 30th Anniversary in 2002, for the 35th Anniversary in 2007 at which Ruthann Harrison and Janet Wheeler Walter were recognized, and National Arts Associate Carmela Sinco was initiated, and the 40th Anniversary in 2012 for which Lois Kohl Badgley and Janet Wheeler Walter were present.

In the fraternity’s centennial year, 2003, five chapter members attended the National Convention, the chapter was awarded the Annelle Chandler McAdams Service Project Award, and received the Phi A Province Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award. 

The chapter was again awarded the Annelle Chandler McAdams Service Project Award in 2004 and 2005. In 2004 the chapter was also awarded the Region IV Music Education Award, Phi A Province Chapter Achievement Award, and was a commended Finalist for the National Music Education Award for a presentation on Dalcroze Eurhythmics at New Jersey City University, coordinated by Dr. Janice Van Alen. 

In 2005 the chapter was again recognized with the Region IV Music Education Award, and was the National winner of the National Alumnae Chapter Music Education Award, for sponsoring and organizing a workshop on the OrffSchulwerk method at NJCU which Dr. Van Alen also organized.

At the National Convention in 2006, member Alice Berman received the Ring of Excellence. At the same convention, member Elke De La Cruz was elected Phi A Province Officer. In 2007, the chapter received an Honorable Mention for the National Music Education Award for a Kodaly workshop at NJCU, again organized by Dr. Janice Van Alen. 

In 2010, the chapter hosted Phi A/Phi B Province Day, held at Morristown United Methodist Church in Morristown, NJ, for which the chapter received the Phi A Province Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award. Over the next year, the chapter was able to collect several complete sets of classroom music books and materials, and made donations to the Liimba School of Music in Zambia, and the Master's Academy in Turks and Caicos through SAI's People-to-People program; and to the Villa Victoria Academy, the OLC (Our Lady of Czestochowa) School, and the Ivy Hill Elementary School (Newark) in New Jersey, to support their music programs. 

In our 40th Anniversary year, 6 chapter members attended the National Convention. During the 2012 National Convention, Elke De La Cruz was awarded the Rose of Honor for her extraordinary service as province officer, CNJAC was awarded the Phi A Chapter Achievement Award and member Melissa Csengeto was elected Phi A Province Officer.

In January 2015, CNJAC member Alice Berman was appointed Region VIII Officer.  On May 16, 2015 the chapter initiated Maureen Butler as a Friend of the Arts.  During the 2015 National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, Melissa Csengeto was re-elected Province Officer.  On September 16, 2015, CNJAC initiated Victoria Griswold as a National Arts Associate.

In December 2016, CNJAC Founding member Janet Wheeler Walter passed away, and less than a year later in 2017, two remaining Founding members, Margaret Rankin Rittenhouse and Lois Kohl Badgley were also laid to rest.  This marked the end of an era in which the faithful founders were here to cheer on the future and success of the chapter.  We are deeply indebted to them all.

In 2018 CNJAC was represented by delegate and chapter President Sara Bennett at the National Convention held in Scottsdale, Arizona.  CNJAC was the recipient of the 2018 Phi A Province Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award for outstanding fulfillment of the National Objectives.

In 2019, the chapter’s Flute Ensemble performed at meetings, Province Day, a joint musicale with the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter, and for the elementary school students of member Sharon Ross at the Alexander D. Sullivan PS #30 Elementary School in Jersey City as a Service Project.  Chapter members Alice Berman and Jeanne Nimmo received their 50 year certificates.

In 2020, the CNJAC Flute Ensemble performed for Music In Our Schools Month for the fifth graders at Park Avenue Elementary School in Freehold, NJ.  Two days later, the world, and the fraternity year, was altered with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, during which the chapter concluded the year meeting virtually.

In the spring of 2021, the chapter held a virtual Undergraduate Scholarship Competition, with 2 candidates submitting auditions electronically, and the year included four in-person meetings held outdoors, including the Founders Day May luncheon at which time, we bid farewell to 40-year member Alice Preston, who moved to California.

The Chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Cranbury Inn in Cranbury, NJ.  A luncheon was preceded by the Re-Commitment Ceremony, and included mini-musicales at each food course. Chapter members were joined by former and prospective members, the Phi A Province Officer (Melissa Csengeto, former CNJAC member), and personal guests. Chapter President Sarah Vogler represented the chapter as Delegate to the 50th National Convention in Greensboro, NC.  At this Convention, CNJAC chapter member Sara Bennett was elected Phi A Province Officer.

In spring 2023 CNJAC co-hosted the Phi A/Phi B Province Day with Nu Alpha (TCNJ) at The College of New Jersey on March 4. It was well-attended from chapters throughout the region. The Flute Choir performed several numbers during the Musicale.  The chapter awarded Lorena LiMato with the Sword of Honor, and Amy van Orden with the Rose of Honor.

On November 19, 2023, CNJAC proudly initiated Elissa (Lisa) Krajewski, Patroness with Training.  In December, the chapter hosted a public musicale at the Linden (NJ) Library. CNJAC member Melissa Csengeto joined Province Officer Sara Bennett and two members of the Nu Alpha chapter at Province Day on April 6, 2024, hosted in Massachusetts by the Boston Alumnae Chapter.

During the 2024-2025 fraternity year, CNJAC was proud to initiate our newest Patroness with Training, Arleanna Lea. The chapter was also thrilled to welcome Cassie Rumbough as an affiliate. Member Susan VanderKam and Province Officer Sara Bennett were awarded the Rose of Honor for their continued service to our chapter and province.