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Brian Williams made his first public appearance since the scandal that caused him to get suspended from NBC's "Nightly News". He attended a fundraiser at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands to save his New Jersey alma mater, Mater Dei Catholic High School.

"This is Mater Dei. It's been a very, very important part of my life. I had four great years here. I did not know it then, but it was the last degree I'd ever earn," he said as quoted by The Two River Times. "It's a wonderful school, and it should be open for a long time, for everybody."

Williams attended the Save the Seraphs Gala with his wife Jane Stoddard on Saturday night, March 21. According to the Asbury Park Press, he donated $50,000 for the cause, helping the event raise $95,000 and bringing the campaign's total to $962,000. The organizers hope to raise $1 million to keep the school from closing.

Fundraiser co-chair Maria Buzzanco said of Williams who graduated from the school in 1977, "He was greeted with warm hugs. Everyone was telling him how much they support him as well, and thanked him for coming."