November 18, 2005: John E. Kostic, the namesake and inspiration behind the foundation, is tragically killed after being rear-ended in a tractor trailer accident at the age of 20.
December 25, 2005: John’s sister, Emily, presents the framework of what will one day be the John E. Kostic Memorial Foundation to her parents on Christmas morning.
Spring 2006: The John E. Kostic Memorial Foundation becomes registered as a 501(c)3.
June 2006: The first scholarships in John’s name are given out at Delran Middle School, Delran High School and Rider University.
- Annually a Junior student at Rider University, majoring in Actuarial Science, is awarded the John E. Kostic Actuarial Scholarship. In June of each year, two graduating 8th graders (one boy and one girl) from Delran Middle School receive the John E. Kostic Award for their achievement in Math, Science and Leadership. At Delran High School graduation every June, two graduates are awarded with the John E. Kostic Memorial Scholarship.
Fall 2007: In 2007, the Foundation funded several classes which educate adults recently diagnosed with Diabetes on how to monitor their disease.
Summer 2009: The Foundation paid to renovate the Basketball Courts at Summer Hill in Delran, NJ.
Summer 2010: The John E. Kostic Playground at Princeton Park opens in Delran, NJ.
Fall 2010: The JEKMF provided play centers for children hospitalized at Cooper Medical Center and Virtua Hospital via grants to the Starlight Foundation.
February 2011: The John E. Kostic Scholarship Benefiting Incoming College Freshmen with Juvenile Diabetes from the State of New Jersey is launched to grand reviews. The scholarship is written about in U.S. News and World Report’s Blog and countless newspapers throughout the state.
August 2011: The foundation’s website is redesigned and launched. “Given the significant growth of our scholarship and award programs, we wanted to make our website more convenient for students,” Vice President Emily Kostic said.