Dr. Marie Frazee-Baldassarre ’43, ’46 M.A., left a generous bequest to Montclair State University for the creation of an English Department chair named in her honor. 获得学士学位后，弗雷泽小姐加入火狐体育，在注册办公室担任秘书。 She earned a master’s degree from Montclair and a doctorate from Columbia Teachers College. She worked her way through the ranks in the Registrar’s Office before joining Academic Advising, where she was the adviser to the then School of Mathematics and Science. She also taught in the Department of Counseling, Human Development, and Educational Leadership.

Marie Frazee-Baldassarre worked for her alma mater for more than 45 years. “The only time I remember Marie asking for anything for herself was when she retired and she sheepishly inquired whether she could take her antique Royal manual typewriter with her into retirement,” said former Provost Richard Lynde, who had the typewriter refurbished for her. “She will be remembered by generations of Montclair State alumni who knew her simply as Miss Frazee” (from Alumni Life 2003).

According to Dr. Frazee-Baldassarre’s will, “The income of the fund may be used for the salary and related expenses for the professor including pensions, research, books, secretarial expenses and other purposes related to or connected with the work of the professorship.”

Professor Lucy McDiarmid was appointed the first Marie Frazee-Baldassarre Professor of English in January 2009, and has used the funds available to her for research, for professional travel, and for books and films on Irish subjects, which will be donated to the University upon her retirement. McDiarmid established the Marie Frazee-Baldassarre Lecture Series and the Marie Frazee-Baldassarre Irish Poetry Readings. The purpose of these visits is not only to provide stimulating conversation and lively company for the Marie Frazee-Baldassarre Professor (as indeed they have), but to enrich the lives of Montclair State University students, faculty, and staff by introducing them to many of the best Irish poets and Irish Studies scholars working today.