Sustaining Scholarship Support to Promote Italian Language and Culture
Robert (Bob) Tarte '65/J.D. '69 is a man with many interests and several passions. He holds two degrees from Seton Hall — a B.A. from the College of Arts and Sciences and a J.D. from the School of Law — and is passionate about Pirate basketball, helping students and promoting Italian language, history and culture.
Bob credits his professional success to the profound values he received from his Italian family and the lessons he learned from several professors who became his role models. He spent his legal career in public service, working at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
His commitment to service is also reflected in the countless hours Bob has logged as an active volunteer and advocate for Seton Hall. He has served several terms as a member of the Alumni Board, is a member of the President's Advisory Council for the College of Arts and Sciences, regularly attends open houses for prospective students, and is a volunteer for the Seton Hall Admission Resource Program. “I enjoy speaking with prospective students and note the high caliber of students we are attracting from all over the country,” he said.
Not surprisingly, in addition to being a Benjamin Savage Society member, Bob is also True Blue and a Hazard Zet Forward Society member. “I was inspired to become a donor to Seton Hall as I noted the reputation of the University rising and I wanted to be a part of it,” he said. “Seton Hall provides a great education with dedicated professors and fantastic internship programs for our students.”
As an original and continuing member of the Charles and Joan Alberto Italian Studies Institute Advisory Council, Bob actively supports Italian Studies programs, which help promote and sustain Italian language, history and culture.
In addition to attending every program offered by the Institute, Bob has funded the Robert J., John W. and Margaret V. Tarte Endowed Scholarship — which benefits students with financial needs who are pursuing courses in Italian Studies. In addition, both through an estate gift as well as through his purchase of a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), Bob has ensured that generations of students will benefit from his considerable generosity.
Just as importantly, Bob makes a point to interact with his Tarte Scholars to share information about his Italian heritage and convey his pride in Italian history and culture.
“My planned gift to the Tarte Endowed Scholarship is to ensure that the study of Italian culture and language continues for many years,” he said. “As I grew older, I believed this was an opportunity to provide a legacy for something about which I care deeply.”
At a Glance: Charitable Gift Annuities
- Receive dependable cash-flow for retirement, regardless of fluctuations in the market.
- In many cases, receive payments at a rate higher than the interest you are currently receiving on investments.
- Receive an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of your gift.
- A portion of your annuity payment will be tax-free for a number of years.