Kean University Foundation Vice Chair Mark S. Hiltwein ’87 Supports First-Generation Students with New Scholarship Fund

Mark S. Hiltwein ’87, vice chair of the Kean University Foundation and a proud first-generation graduate, is giving back to Kean University with a generous gift establishing the Mark and Maura Hiltwein Family Scholarship to support first-generation and non-traditional students.

Hiltwein, a CPA and chief financial officer and owner of Cenveo Worldwide Limited, credits his Kean education with launching his successful career. Today, he brings that same spirit of achievement and philanthropy to his role on the Foundation board, helping lead initiatives that provide opportunities for Kean students.

“My siblings and I were the first in our immediate family to go to college, and we all worked jobs and attended school close to home,” said Hiltwein, a Westfield resident who grew up in Iselin, New Jersey. His brother and sister also graduated from Kean. “I’ve been quite fortunate — I’ve worked hard and had some nice breaks go my way. I would like to give back in any way that I can.”

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., said the generosity of Hiltwein and his wife Maura will create lasting opportunities for students who share similar paths. More than 43% of Kean students are the first in their families to attend college, far above the national average.

“The Hiltweins’ generosity will empower generations of Kean students to achieve their dreams by providing vital tuition support,” Repollet said. “Their gift will help first-generation and non-traditional students complete their degrees, transform their lives and build bright futures for their families.”

William H. Miller, president and CEO of the Kean University Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of Mark and Maura Hiltwein, we can provide even greater resources to help first-generation and non-traditional students thrive. Mark’s leadership as vice chair has been instrumental to the Foundation’s mission and this important work."

Hiltwein said his time at Kean taught him valuable lessons in resilience and balancing work with academic success, helping him secure his first job immediately after graduation. Today, he owns Cenveo, one of the nation's leading envelope manufacturing companies, operating 11 facilities across the country.

His advice to future scholarship recipients: stay determined.

“I would tell them to always work hard and be resilient. There’s always going to be some things that may knock you back a step — just be positive and work through it,” Hiltwein said. “If you do that, it seems the harder you work, the more successful you are.”