Panzer Honor Convocation
The Panzer Honor Convocation is an outgrowth of the fine tradition established with the creation of the Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene. This fine tradition is to recognize outstanding students in the department in the athletic training, and physical education, programs. The tradition was started in 1918, the first year after the college was founded. Originally the awards were distributed at the Panzer College graduation ceremonies. As Panzer College grew in students, a special convocation ceremony was established to recognize the students. With the merger of Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene with Montclair State Teachers College in 1958, this tradition continued. At first the convocation ceremony was held in the Panzer gymnasium and more recently was moved to the Student Center.
As students became alumni many who benefited from the scholarships themselves and the programs they experienced, decided in turn to give something back to their alma mater and recognize future majors. What an outstanding tribute. Today, over ten thousand dollars in scholarship money and medals will be awarded. We wish to recognize and thank the donors for their generosity.
As part of the ceremony, another fine tradition was established. This was for the senior class to leave the department a remembrance of their class. This remembrance is in the form of a plaque. The plaques presently are hanging in University Hall. The first one dates back to 1918. In the early years, the plaques just reflected the year of the graduating class. With time, the plaques took on a new meaning. They revolved around a theme, for example, "Excellence in Education" or a plaque was dedicated to a particular person who has impacted on our programs.
Among the individual recognized for their contributions were Henry Panzer, Dr. Margaret C. Brown, and Dr. Hazel Wacker.
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| Henry Panzer |
Dr. Margaret C. Brown |
Dr. Hazel Wacker |
The next time you are in the University Hall please take a moment and reflect on the department's history as reflected through the plaques; for the generosity and support of our alumni, friends, faculty, and for the future students that the department will be proud to call its own.
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