On September 19, 2019, America lost one of its greatest musical artists and educators with the passing of Harold Mabern. In addition to being one of the world's most accomplished jazz musicians over the past 65 years, Mr. Mabern taught at William Paterson since 1981. Two generations of WPUNJ students have experienced great acclaim in no small part due to Professor Mabern's wisdom, love, and selflessness.

Mabern's commitment to WPUNJ and its students is legendary. He commuted several hours each way to campus via public transportation, yet still made it a point to attend student recitals, professional performances, and be a lifelong mentor on and off the bandstand. Perhaps no other faculty member did more to put musical excellence at WPUNJ on the map.

We the undersigned respectfully request that WPUNJ President Helldobler and the Board of Trustees permanently name the WPUNJ Music School/Dept. for Harold Mabern. Such an honor would represent but a small measure of gratitude and recognition for a musical genius and sui generis educator whose awesome energy, unbridled joy, and remarkable talent enriched so many lives.