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Michele Adubato, the executive director of The North Ward Center and the founder of The Center for Autism, was honored by Caldwell College at its 36th Annual Presidential Scholarship Gala.
Adubato, who graduated from Caldwell College in 2003 with a master’s degree in educational administration, was recognized for her passion, dedication and commitment to serving children with autism.
“It is a privilege to honor Michele for her dedication to changing lives in the city of Newark and helping children with special needs,” Blattner said. “She is a powerful example of service in action and exemplifies Caldwell College's commitment to community and service.”
Adubato was one of two leaders honored by Caldwell College at its scholarship gala April 29 at Mayfair Farms in West Orange. Kathleen DiChiara, the president and chief executive officer of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside, was also recognized for her efforts in fighting hunger and poverty in New Jersey.
Adubato said she was honored to be recognized alongside DiChiara and thanked her alma mater for selecting her. “Caldwell College will always have a special place in my heart,” Adubato said.
Adubato said when she first met Blattner a few years ago, she didn’t think they would have anything in common because the college president was from Missouri and she was from Newark, New Jersey. But she quickly realized they were more alike than different because they shared a passion for helping the less fortunate. Adubato proclaimed her a “Jersey Girl.”
Adubato recognized her parents – Stephen N. and Fran, who attended the gala – for serving as role models.
“I come from a family that’s about serving other people,” Adubato said. “You’ve honored me for something that I love doing.”
Steve Adubato, the television broadcaster and Star-Ledger columnist, presented the award to his sister, recalling that when she was younger, she blazed her own trail.
“She’s is tenacious, she’s a fighter, but she has a heart of gold,” Steve Adubato said. “How special it is for me to present this award to my sister, who has made a difference in the lives of so many people with special needs.”
In addition to founding the Center for Autism at The North Ward Center last year, Adubato is spearheading an effort to start the first charter school in New Jersey for children with special needs. The Forest Hill School was approved by the state earlier this year, and is expected to open in the fall of 2012.
Before joining The North Ward Center in 2008, Adubato worked for nearly two decades in Newark Public Schools. Since 1997, she worked at the New Jersey Regional Day School (NJRDS), where she developed and administered educational initiatives that helped students with special needs transition from school to adulthood. The transition program was recognized by the State Department of Education as a model program for students with disabilities. She became the vice principal of NJRDS in September 2004.
In addition to her degree from Caldwell College, Adubato holds a master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University-Newark.
Benefits from the gala will be used to provide scholarships to students at Caldwell College.
