Fran Hackett received a B.S. in Business Administration and a degree in American Studies from Ramapo College in 1980. Long active in judicial and healthcare issues, she exemplifies the accomplished professional, mentor and donor.

As part of her estate planning, Fran designated the The Ramapo College Foundation as a beneficiary of her IRA. Fran said this planned gift increases the amount of scholarship funds available for students. "Since charities like the The Ramapo College Foundation do not pay income taxes on the gift, the Foundation receives the full gift amount," added Fran. "Ramapo College made a difference in my life by providing exceptional experiences; it is an honor to pay it forward."

Fran is chair of the The Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors. She was the first chair of the Anisfield School of Business Alumni Advisory Board and serves on the School of Business Advisory Board. She served on the College's Strategic Planning Executive Committee, as a member of the 2004-2005 Presidential Search Committee and as a member of the Alumni Association Board Development Committee.

Her years of dedication to Ramapo and the larger community were recognized when she was honored at the Distinguished Citizens Dinner in 2004. Fran also received the President's Award of Merit in 2007. She recently retired as vice president for the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance for Prudential Financial.

An extraordinary Ramapo College volunteer and donor, Fran's seven scholarship endowments reflect the interest that she and her husband, David, share.

Through her endowments, Fran has generously assisted students with financial need who are enrolled in the Anisfield School of Business, the Salameno School of Humanities and Global Studies, or those who served in the armed forces. As a tribute to her husband, Fran endowed a scholarship for EMTs, a volunteer position David has held for many years in their hometown. In addition, Fran created scholarships for students from communities that hold significant memories for the couple. They include Cape May County, South Plainfield and West Milford. She created the seventh endowment, The Hackett Cape May County Scholarship Endowment, in 2014.