NEW BRUNSWICK – Two North Brunswick residents who first dated at the State Theatre more than 60 years ago and went on to become husband and wife will now be honored with the State Theatre Patron Award.
Joan Campbell grew up in East Brunswick and graduated from South River High School. She earned a B.A. degree in elementary education from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), then known as Trenton State College. She taught at Ramstein Air Force Base during her husband Bob’s military service in Germany, and later in their hometown of North Brunswick, according to a statement prepared by the State Theatre. She also served on TCNJ’s President’s Council.
Bob Campbell is a retired vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) where he also was chairman of the Professional Sector Worldwide. During his J&J career held numerous positions in financial and executive management.
He is Trustee Emeritus and past chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fordham University and of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He is past chairman of the Advisory Council of The Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, a past member of the Advisory Council for the College of Science of the University of Notre Dame, and has served on the Governor’s committees on higher education.
He has also been active on the boards and advisory committees of a broad array of charitable organizations.
A graduate of Fordham University, Bob earned an MBA at Rutgers University. He also served as an U.S. Air Force officer for three years.
“Words cannot express our gratitude for this wonderful couple who have given so much through the years,” said Anna Marie Gewirtz, State Theatre vice president of Development & Strategic Partnerships. “We applaud them for their dedication and generosity.”
The 2016 State Theatre Benefit Gala festivities begin at 5 p.m. April 30 at The Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, and the performance featuring comedian Martin Short will begin at 6 p.m. at the theater, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick.
In addition to the concert, gala guests will enjoy a reception, dinner with reserved seating, open bar, dancing and live entertainment.
Concert tickets range from 35-$85. For concert only tickets, call 732-246-SHOW (7469).
Benefit gala tickets are $700. For gala tickets, call 732-247-7200, ext. 543.