Why I Give: Angela Zaccardi '58, '73

From selling ladies handbags at Hahne's to being the first woman to serve as executive director for the Federal Executive Board

Angela Zaccardi '58, '73 recounts that Caldwell gave her the confidence to tackle anything. Angela earned her associates degree from Caldwell College for Women in 1958 and then went on to complete her bachelor's degree from Caldwell in 1973.

Angela is grateful for the education she received at Caldwell. She remembers the Dominican sisters fondly and said that the college took a chance on her. Prior to attending Caldwell, Angela worked in retail at Hahne's, a major department store in Newark, selling women's handbags. She is most grateful to the Dominican sisters who encouraged her to enroll in college in the first place and provided her with a strong education. She recounts, "The Dominican sisters had a certain unbelievable wealth of knowledge. When they taught you a subject, it was not just the one subject. Rather, there was a depth to whatever they taught and they would incorporate so many things into their lessons." Angela attributes the sisters' depth of knowledge to their background and training as Sister of Saint Dominic.

After Angela graduated from Caldwell, she ended up working for the US immigration department. She started as a port receptionist, then became one of the first female inspection officers at JFK, and then an examiner reviewing applications for citizenship and permanent residency.

Angela was the first woman to serve in a number of the positions she held. In fact, Angela also served as an Immigration Aide at the American Embassy, Rome, Italy. Ultimately, before Angela retired, she served as executive director of the Newark Federal Executive Board. The Federal Executive Board consisted of all men who served as agency heads. She recalls that whenever they would meet, the men would turn to Angela and ask, "And how did the women feel?" Then they would look at Angela, as she was the only woman in the room.

Angela's career offered the opportunity to travel to many countries. Sometimes her job required that she fly on a border patrol plane that was brining refugees and deportees back to their home countries. One time Angela remembers flying on a small plane to Cuba when she had to jump out of her seat and assist the pilots as wind was creating disturbance in the back of the plane.

After graduating Caldwell University, Angela earned a Master of Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Angela is very grateful for the warmth of the community and all the friendships she made through Caldwell. "We are all still wonderful friends. There is something that binds us together." There is no doubt that Angela believes in the mission of Caldwell University as she gives consistently and generously of her time, talent and treasure to help future generations of students.

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