1881 Society Spotlight— J. Malcolm “Mal” and Diane Simon

For many NJIT alumni and current student-athletes, J. Malcolm “Mal” Simon is synonymous with NJIT Athletics—and with good reason. Mal arrived at NJIT in 1955 to coach the varsity men’s soccer team, and, a mere five years later, he led the group to the 1960 National Championship. Following an illustrious 40-year career at NJIT as a coach, professor and, ultimately, the director of Physical Education and Athletics, he retired in 1994 and was subsequently inducted into the NJIT Athletics Hall of Fame. In addition to his athletic accolades, Mal was presented with the Cullimore Medal in 1993 in recognition for his outstanding service to the university.

Together with his wife Diane, Mal has crafted a legacy at NJIT that transcends his four decades with the university. The couple’s commitment to the NJIT community is honored in numerous ways throughout the campus, including the naming of Mal Simon Stadium. However, when you encourage the Simons to reflect on their NJIT legacy and what makes them most proud, their response is loud and clear: support of student scholarships.

More than 25 years ago, the J. Malcolm and Diane Simon Endowed Scholarship at NJIT was created to provide financial support for members of the men’s and women’s intercollegiate soccer teams. When asked about their motivation for making this gift, the Simons are succinct: “By supporting our scholarship at NJIT, we are helping students follow their dreams. Every donation is important.”

To provide additional funding to the scholarship fund, the Simons have established a charitable gift annuity at NJIT. The annuity provides a steady stream of income throughout their lifetime, and the proceeds will ultimately benefit the scholarship fund. Planned gifts, such as charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities, allow donors to provide for their loved ones while also investing in their philanthropic priorities.

Coach Simon takes great joy in meeting the recipients of the J. Malcolm and Diane Simon Endowed Scholarship and frequently stays in touch with the students following graduation. He recognizes that the personal interaction is also important to the student-athletes. “It really helps when you know that someone cares about you.”

To discuss the benefits of charitable gift annuities or to learn more about leaving a legacy to NJIT through the 1881 Society, please contact Beth Kornstein, Associate Vice President of Planned Giving, at bkornste@njit.edu or (973) 596-8548.