Jules L. Plangere, Jr. is truly one of the treasures for the residents and institutions of the shore area. At APHS he was captain of the tennis team and co-captain of the basketball team. He attended Rutgers University until he commenced his military service in World War II as a lieutenant in the Army, serving the South Pacific and as an aide to the US Peace mission in Korea.

He joined the Asbury Park Press in 1947 "by accident" and served in various capacities as a "part of the most talented and dedicated media organization for 50 years". He was production manager for 20 years, then secretary, and was named president and general manager in 1974. He was made publisher in 1977 and was the chairman of the board and chief executive officer from 1980 until 1997. His talents, both creative and managerial, along with those of his partners in the Press, Wayne McMurray and the Lass family, made the Press one of the finest newspapers in the country. The Press, together with radio Station WJLK, remained a significant part of the lives of all shore residents. Mr. Plangere''s civic affiliations have been substantial and invaluable to many important local organizations. He served as president of the Asbury Park Camber of Commerce and the Welfare Council of Monmouth County. He has been a director the Shore Area YMCA; Monmouth Council Boy Scouts of America, and the New Jersey Society to Prevent Blindness.

Mr. Plangere is a life trustee and former chairman of the Monmouth University Board of Trustees. The Jules L. Plangere Jr. Center for Communication and Instructional Technology was dedicated this past Fall in recognition of his sizable gift to the University and his over 30 years of service on the Board of Trustees. Rebecca Stafford, University President, at the dedication ceremony said, "His Commitment to our mission has helped to transform us into a University of distinction, and we wanted to recognize his support by naming the new building in his honor."

When asked to sum up his life''s philosophy, Mr. Plangere said "I was impatient, demanding but fair". He was formerly married to Virginia Polhemus who passed away in 1977 and has a son, Jules L. Plangere III, Class of 1962. He is presently married to the former Jane Walhauser and has three stepchildren.