Dr. Michel M. Bitritto Scholarship
This scholarship celebrates the contributions of Michel M. Bitritto, Ph.D., in advancing the role, particularly of women, in science, industry and politics - by her husband Dr. Sunil K. Garg, Esq. (MS ’74, Ph.D. ’78) and her daughter Neena M. Bitritto Garg. This fund is established to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in science and technology disciplines.
Dr. Bitritto was a pioneer in every sense of the word. She was an ardent feminist, committed to the issues of equality and equity, to the advancement of women in science and technology, industry and politics, in particular. She was a humanitarian who pursued her passions with dedication, vigor, and purpose. She was a builder of businesses, actively involved in political and social change, and was unwavering in her commitment to do good. She actively engaged in social and business networking and community building, and helped those in need with an open heart and mind, and never asked for anything for herself.
A daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, she was the first person in her family to go to college and earned a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry. She worked up to executive management in a global chemical company and used her business experience to counsel and help grow small businesses in science and technology as leader of the New Jersey Business Incubation Network and NJ Commission on Science and Technology. She was active in public policy and politics, being the first ever female Democrat elected to the Summit (NJ) City Council, as President of the NJ Women’s Political Caucus and as a member of the NJ State Democratic Committee. Among her many honors, she was very proud of being honored as one of the first Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) award winners.
She balanced her professional life with her larger family and social and political life with grace, caring and dedication. Above all, she was a loving mother and unparalleled role model for her daughter and a caring and involved wife. A beautiful life, well lived!