Alyssa Arroyo,��’27, expresses “ONE DAY for Montclair is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of Red Hawk pride and continuing the success of future generations. It has helped students like me pursue our dreams and I’m excited to see how we all can come together to make an even greater impact this year!”

Our 24-hour day of giving returns for its 10th year, and the momentum keeps growing! Since the inaugural ONE DAY for Montclair, we’ve raised more than $1.9 million, demonstrating incredible support for our students and helping them reach their dreams.��

Want to be part of the excitement? Become a ONE DAY Champion! Help spread the word and encourage participation from your network to amplify the day’s impact to support current and future Red Hawks! It’s easy to sign up and once you do, you’ll have access to a great tool kit filled with email and social templates, animated GIFs, Zoom backgrounds and more. Champions receive exclusive ONE DAY tech stickers and learn about other cool incentives.��

Thanks-a-latte for all of the Red Hawk support these past years during ONE DAY! We are so excited to continue our partnership with Java Love Roasting, Co. Give up your latte for One Day, one week or one month and make your gift to lift up the next generation of Red Hawks. As a thank you for your gift, Java Love will provide every donor with a coupon to use on a�� latte or other treat of their choice.

“ONE DAY for Montclair is a day where our entire community — alumni, faculty, staff, students and parents — comes together to make a real impact for our students and programs,” says Kara Baldwin Brennan ‘92, Senior Director of Annual Giving. “It’s a chance for everyone to feel part of something bigger than themselves.”

ONE DAY for Montclair will coincide with the campus’s annual World’s Fair Day, a tradition that celebrates the diverse cultures of our community through food, music, and performances. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and support our students throughout campus and beyond.

Join us on ONE DAY for Montclair where our Montclair community unites for a day of action and celebration. Let’s soar, Red Hawks!

Want to learn more or make an early gift?

Please contact Kara Baldwin Brennan ’92, Director of Annual Giving at (973) 655-7492 or brennanka@montclair.edu for more information.

He shares this year’s honor with Tommy Foster ’23, an associate producer at Good Morning Americawhose rapid rise in national broadcast media began on Montclair’s campus and now serves as a model for young people imagining careers in journalism and sports media. Together, the two honorees embodied the spirit of the 2026 MEGA Symposium: moving students from access to achievement and from passion to profession.

A Historian Shaped by Harlem

Wilson’s journey as a historian began in Harlem, where the streets outside his bedroom window doubled as his first classroom. Surrounded by artists, clergy and scholars, he absorbed lessons in civic and cultural life that would shape his future work. Among his early influences were neighbors such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Leo Whipper and community figures including Jackie Robinson, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Mabel Smythe.

Those early experiences stayed with Wilson as he advanced through Cheshire Academy and the New Lincoln School and later to Cornell University and the City University of New York. Trained in the history of science, Africana Studies and American history, he built a body of work that is intentionally intersectional, examining how race, place and power intersect in American life. His research centers on 19th- and 20th-century American and African American history, with projects on New York City churches, urban and suburban migration, school segregation and environmental racism – issues that continue to shape communities today.

“Dr. Wilson has a gift for making every scholar in the room feel like they belong there,” says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs, EOF and Academic Success. “His passion for scholar success, especially his unwavering commitment to supporting students in academic jeopardy, is undeniable.”

From Campus Leader to National Producer

Tommy Foster ’23 received the Alumni Trailblazer Award for his achievements in broadcast journalism and his ongoing mentorship of young scholars. While earning dual degrees in Television and Digital Media and in Sports Media and Journalism, Foster balanced his studies with community outreach, mentoring high school students in Newark.

During his junior year, Foster landed a competitive internship with Good Morning America and ABC Newsin New York City, where he contributed to coverage of major national stories. One day after walking across the Commencement stage at Montclair, he accepted a full-time role at the show. He now serves as a sports producer, covering the Super Bowl, NBA Finals and World Series and booking interviews that bring powerful stories to millions of viewers each morning.

“Tommy was nominated for the Alumni Trailblazer Award for his continuous growth as a leader, from his time on campus to his thriving professional career,” says Rahjaun Gordon, senior director of EOF and Success Programs. “As a Montclair student, his leadership was grounded in learning, hard work and humility. He has carried those values into his work covering marquee events and uses his experiences to guide high school and college students as they navigate their own career journeys.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

The MEGA Symposium, held March 6, brought together more than 350 students from high schools in Newark, East Orange, Paterson, Trenton, Plainfield and across New Jersey, alongside college scholars from Montclair, Rutgers, Princeton, Rowan and community colleges statewide.

MEGA is part of Montclair’s broader effort to improve educational outcomes for all students by moving them from enrollment to graduation and into meaningful careers. Organizers say that honoring Foster and Wilson at this year’s symposium underscored that mission, showing students how passion paired with persistence and purpose can open doors.

Later that evening, the Office of Alumni Engagement and University Galleries are proud to host . The panel, part of the Carpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts exhibit currently on view in the George Segal Gallery, features a panel of exhibiting artists — Nancy Pantirer ’80, Tiffany Perez ’09 and Maria Valdivia ’24 — discussing their careers and creative practices, moderated by curator Sally Morgan Lehman.

“Whether art was their major or a parallel passion, these artists demonstrate how learning, curiosity and creative expression continue to evolve across a lifetime,” says Rita Walters, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement.

To wrap up the month, we’ll be hearing directly from women who have rewritten their stories through bold career changes, personal reinvention and intentional life balance. These real conversations center around embracing uncertainty, seizing new opportunities, and leading with purpose in every chapter. Join the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) for�� , moderated by Tez Roro on March 31.

Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)

“One of the most important components in moving a career forward is networking and being a part of a community. WIN is all about empowerment through mentorship and peer support, “ says Jan Price ’74, ’77 MA, Chair, Women’s Initiative Network. Our membership consists of alumni from all professional disciplines at every stage of their careers, and our intent is to provide programs and opportunities to help our members be strong and confident in both their personal and professional endeavors. We look forward to continuing to expand our membership,”��

As part of our Alumni Affinity Network, WIN engages ����vlog alumnae in the intellectual, cultural and educational life of the University. This vibrant community inspires and empowers women to become leading volunteers and visionary donors.

The objective of the group is to increase the number of women meaningfully engaged in University programs, empower the next generation of leaders and strengthen ties between and among alumnae and the University through a strong network of women committed to supporting Montclair State.

“We are excited to grow a supportive network for each other and the mission of Montclair State,” says Jeanne Marano, associate vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement. “We invite you to join us on this journey. We welcome your ideas and feedback, and look forward to seeing you at future activities.”

If you are interested in joining WIN or serving on the planning committee, please to tell us a little about yourself, your interests and thoughts on developing future programs.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@montclair.edu or 973-655-4141.

, baritone (Music Education ’16; Performer’s Certificate in Voice ’22), who studied under esteemed voice teacher Karen Driscoll, takes on the pivotal role of Olin Blitch. A commanding presence both vocally and dramatically, Zacher brings depth and intensity to the complex revivalist preacher, marking an important professional milestone in his burgeoning operatic career.

Joining him on the Sarasota stage is , tenor (BFA in Musical Theatre ’12), who studied with Peter Stewart. Brauner performs the role of Sam Polk, adding to his growing list of professional credits with this role debut appearance. His transition from musical theatre training to operatic performance highlights the versatility and strong foundational training he developed at Montclair. This marks Brauner’s 4th season at Sarasota Opera (2013, 2024, 2025, 2026).

Composed by Carlisle Floyd, Susannah remains one of the most frequently performed American operas, celebrated for its emotional intensity and distinctly American musical voice. The Sarasota Opera production showcases both alumni in a work that demands dramatic nuance and vocal strength.
����vlog is proud to see its graduates continuing to build distinguished careers on prominent professional stages. Zacher and Brauner’s Sarasota Opera role debuts underscore the excellence of Montclair’s vocal and musical theatre programs and the enduring mentorship of its faculty.

“Our Black History Month theme this year, Heirs and Architects of a Great Legacy, reminds us that we have inspiring role models to guide our efforts to create equity and stand for justice. Like those we celebrate this month, we are the solutions to the challenges we face in our communities and around the globe.

We invite all to join us for cultural and educational programs and dialogues that ignite your passion for leaving footsteps that others can follow to build a world where all beings are joined in peace and harmony.” ~ Dr. Reginia Judge, president of the African American Caucus and associate professor of Justice Studies and Dr. Saundra Collins, professor of Psychology

2026 Select Events & Programs
All alumni are invited to attend the following; registration is not required for most events.

February 1 – 28
Black History Month: An Exhibit – Sprague Library

Sunday, February 1
8 p.m. | Leschowitz Recital Hall
Darian Clonts, Faculty Recital + Lecture – American Spirituals: Songs Birthed in Bondage and Sung Across Boundaries

Monday, February 2
11:50 a.m. – 3 p.m.��
11:50 a.m. Black History Month Procession from Cole Hall
12 p.m. Proclamation and Flag Raising at the Student Center flagpole
12:30 – 3 p.m. Program and Reception at Student Center Ballrooms

Wednesday, February 4
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Talbott Hall, Bloomfield Campus
HBCU Impact on North America / Greek Life: Exploration of Step

Wednesday, February 4
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Talbott Hall, Bloomfield Campus
Soundtrack of the Culture

Tuesday, February 10
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Student Center Ballrooms
Black History Month Museum and Film Festival

Wednesday, February 11
2 – 4:30 p.m. – Talbott Hall, Bloomfield Campus
Sports Athletes of the Movement

Thursday, February 12
7:30 p.m. – Kasser Theater
PEAK Performances: I AM: Camille A. Brown & Dancers
* tickets required

Monday, February 16
4:30 – 6 p.m. – University Hall, Room 1050

* registration required

Tuesday, February 24
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Dickson Hall, 178 Cohen Lounge
Screening: All In: The Fight for Democracy

Wednesday, February 25
2 – 4:30 p.m. – Talbott Hall, Bloomfield Campus
Raise the Curtain on Black History

Program Collaborators and Co-sponsors are African American Studies; African American Caucus; Black Alumni Advisory Council; Office of Social Justice and Diversity; Office of Inclusive Excellence; Sprague Library; University Police; Bloomfield College; MSU Dining Services; Office of Civic and Voter Engagement.

The Black Alumni Advisory Council was created to engage Black alumni in support of the ����vlog mission of educational, institutional and overall university community initiatives, policies and activities that strengthen relationships with the Black community. BAAC is part of the Montclair Alumni Affinity Group Network��and welcomes new members.

Champions play a key role in spreading the word, inspiring classmates and colleagues and fellow alumni, and amplifying the impact of every gift. With just 24 hours to reach as many Red Hawks as possible, the campaign relies on peer-to-peer outreach to build momentum and strengthen connections across the Montclair network.

What Champions Do

As a Champion, you help create excitement before and during the campaign by:

• Making your gift on or before April 23. Alumni who have already given this year can participate by making an additional gift of $5 or more during the 24-hour campaign.
• Engaging your workplace. Encourage colleagues and fellow alumni at your company to support Montclair and explore opportunities for corporate matching gifts.
• Reaching out to your network. Use email and social media to invite friends, classmates and family to join you in giving.
• Sharing on social platforms. Post on , , , and using your personalized
  Champion link to track the impact of your outreach.

Registered Champions receive access to a digital toolkit with sample messages, graphics and a suggested outreach timeline to make sharing easy and effective.

Each Champion receives a personalized dashboard to monitor gifts generated through their unique link in real time. Throughout the day, participants can see how many donors they’ve inspired and how their efforts are helping move Montclair closer to its campaign goals.

“ONE DAY for Montclair is when our entire community comes together to elevate our students and support their success across campus,” says Kara Baldwin Brennan ‘92, Senior Director of Annual Giving.

“Our Champions are our most passionate advocates, helping spread the word and inspire others to take part. It’s a fun, meaningful way to be part of ONE DAY and make a difference for current and future Red Hawks.”

Email Kara Baldwin Brennan ’92 to Become a Champion

A Decade of Impact

Since its launch in 2016, has demonstrated the power of the Red Hawk community and reinforced the collective impact of alumni and friends working toward a stronger, brighter future. Across a decade of impact, more than 8,000 individual donors have raised more than $1.9 million.

Champion Incentives

To recognize and thank Champions for their leadership and outreach, Montclair offers a series of incentives and rewards:

• Montclair tech stickers for all registered Champions.
• YOU + TWO challenge: Make your own gift and inspire two additional donations to receive a Montclair T-shirt.
• Top Champion recognition for those who raise the most dollars and secure the most gifts.

Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends interested in becoming a #1Day4Montclair Champion can sign up to receive their personalized link, toolkit and dashboard access. Together, Champions help ensure that ONE DAY for Montclair reaches every corner of the Red Hawk community and fuels the programs, scholarships and initiatives that shape the University’s future.

For more information and to register, email Kara Baldwin Brennan ’92, Senior Director of Annual Giving, at brennanka@montclair.edu or call her at 973-655-7492.

The gala recognizes the University’s academic excellence, creative achievement and public impact while raising support for the President’s Carpe Futurum Fund, a new opportunity to advance student success and community engagement across the region.

Guests can expect an evening of exceptional hors d’oeuvres, food stations and cocktails, alongside immersive experiences that showcase Montclair’s academic and artistic strengths. The program will feature live performances by students from the College of the Arts, spotlighting the next generation of creative talent.

Investing in the Future

Building on the contributions of individuals, corporations and foundations, this year’s event continues a growing tradition of bringing together alumni, campus leaders and partners to celebrate milestones and invest in the University’s future.

“Celebrate Montclair marks a new chapter for our community, bringing us together to invest in students, spark new ideas and strengthen our connection to Montclair’s mission,” says Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement. “When alumni and friends come together in support of the Carpe Futurum Fund, they are opening doors for students, strengthening our partnerships and helping the University lead with purpose in a rapidly changing world.”

“Our alumni are at the center of celebrating Montclair excellence,” says Jeanne Marano, associate vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement. “This gala is a moment to come home, reconnect with one another and see firsthand how continued involvement and generosity translate into scholarships, programs and partnerships that shape today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.”

Proceeds from the gala will establish the President’s Carpe Futurum Fund, which will support mission-critical initiatives aligned with Montclair’s role as a public-serving institution advancing the common good.

The fund will focus on:

• Expanding access to education through scholarships for a diverse population of high-achieving, motivated students.
• Strengthening inclusive learning environments that prepare students and employees to lead with collaboration and compassion.
• Advancing research and creativity to address shared challenges and develop innovative, human-centered solutions.
• Deepening community partnerships to promote prosperity, democracy and well-being.

Your support for Celebrate Montclair will count toward our ONE DAY for Montclair campaign totals, helping us create opportunities, elevate achievements and celebrate our students.

Event Details

We look forward to welcoming alumni, friends and partners for an evening that acknowledges Montclair’s legacy, celebrates its impact, and invests in the University’s future.

Celebrate Montclair: A Spring Gala
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: The Conference Center, University Hall, ����vlog

Visit for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, contact 973-655-4207 or celebrate@montclair.edu.

Curated by Sally Morgan Lehman, who has taught in the Department of Art and Design at Montclair and is owner and director of Morgan Lehman Gallery in New York City, Carpe Diem highlights the breadth of artistic practices fostered at Montclair and the lasting impact of its visual arts alumni.

Collectively, their work reflects diverse perspectives, innovative approaches and sustained engagement with contemporary issues — hallmarks of a Montclair education in the arts.

Featured artists include Flávia Berindoague ’13, Bisa Butler ’05, Jonathan Calm ’97, Kyle Coniglio ’10, Alyssa Fanning ’12, Allen Ginsberg (1943), Márta Kucsora (2005–06), Michael Manning ’11, Nancy Bergman Pantirer ’80, Tiffany Perez ’09 and Maria Valdivia ’24. Together, they represent multiple generations of Red Hawks who shape the local, national and international creative landscape as artists, educators and cultural leaders.

“Carpe Diem reflects what we know to be true about Montclair alumni: creativity does not end at graduation,” says Rita Walters, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement. “Whether art was their major or a parallel passion, these artists demonstrate how learning, curiosity and creative expression continue to evolve across a lifetime. We are proud to celebrate alumni whose work enriches communities locally and globally.”

The exhibition is on view February 3 through May 3, 2026.

Visit the Exhibition

Segal Gallery
Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Select Saturdays and by appointment

Tuesday, February 3, 5 – 7 p.m.
Celebrate Montclair alumni at the opening of the exhibition Carpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts.
6 p.m. – Remarks by Jonathan GS Koppell, ����vlog President, and Rita Walters, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement. .

Curator’s Tour: Art Forum with Sally Morgan Lehman
Monday, February 9, 5:20 p.m.
Art Forum is a speaker series featuring artists, designers, art historians, curators and art critics from around the world presenting their work and ideas in an open forum, hosted by the Department of Art and Design. Curator Sally Morgan Lehman will lead a walkthrough of the exhibition Carpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts.

Monday, March 2, 6 – 7 p.m.
This multi-generational panel celebrates the distinguished women alumni of Montclair. Featuring exhibiting artists Nancy Pantirer ’80, Tiffany Perez ’09 and Maria Valdivia ’24 in conversation about their careers and creative practices, moderated by curator Sally Morgan Lehman.

All exhibitions and programs at the University Galleries are free and open to the public.

Featured Artists

Flávia Berindoague ’13 is a Brazilian artist based in New York City whose practice investigates the intersections of human activity, social structures and the natural environment. Engaging themes of memory, language and geography, she works through a framework she calls imaginary geography, mapping the fluid territories where personal and collective histories meet. Across diverse materials and media, Berindoague activates memory as a form of temporal rupture, bringing past experience into the present Her work has been exhibited in museums, artist-run spaces and in film and television productions in both Brazil and the United States, and is included in public and private collections. She holds an MFA from ����vlog, a BFA from Escola Guignard, Brazil and a postgraduate degree in Contemporary Art from Minas Gerais State University in Brazil.

Bisa Butler ’05��(b. 1973, Orange, NJ), whose dynamic, celebratory quilted portraits of people of African descent investigates the purposes and potential of portraiture within the Black historical narrative. Butler’s influences range widely from personal family scrapbooks to American folk traditions and AfriCOBRA philosophies. Although her finished works are made entirely of textiles, Butler approaches the medium from a painterly perspective. Sourcing imagery mainly from photographs, she uses layered fabrics and quilting to create unique compositions, psychological depth and detailed textures that she found missing from her paintings. By returning to textiles, Butler has reconnected with her family’s history since it was her grandmother and mother who taught her to sew. Butler earned her BFA in painting at Howard University, Washington, D.C. in 1995 and holds a MAT in teaching art from ����vlog, New Jersey. Her work has been exhibited widely, both domestically and internationally.

Jonathan Calm ’97 is a visual artist in the media of photography and video, and assistant professor at Stanford University. Through a varied array of media, he creates complex images of the Black American experience on the road as a precarious privilege rather than an inalienable right. Calm’s art practice is international in scope and has been exhibited at renowned venues around the world, including the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Tate Britain, the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid and the ICA in Boston. His work has been reviewed in numerous publications, among which The New York Times, Art in America, The New Yorker, The Village Voice, Artforum, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.

Kyle Coniglio ’10 earned his BFA in Studio Art from ����vlog and his MFA in Painting from Yale University. He has been included in exhibitions and art fairs both in the US and internationally including Manhattan, Chicago, Madrid, London, Berlin and Shanghai. Coniglio has had recent solo exhibitions at Taymour Grahne Projects in London, Library Street Collective in Detroit and Richard Heller Gallery in Los Angeles, and will mount a solo show with Capsule Gallery in Shanghai in 2026. He has been a fellow of the Queer Art Mentorship as well as an affiliated fellow at the American Academy in Rome. Coniglio lives and works in the Hudson Valley and is currently Visiting Assistant Professor of Painting at SUNY Albany where he heads the painting area.

Alyssa Fanning ’12 lives and works in northern New Jersey. A graduate of Pratt Institute (BFA) and ����vlog (MFA), Fanning has exhibited at Pocket Utopia, New York, NY; the Glass House, New Canaan, CT; Newark Museum, Newark, NJ, Platform x David Zwirner, New York, NY; and Teckningsmuseet, Laholm, Sweden, among others. Recent solo exhibitions include A Thousand Moons and Suns at Platform Project Space, Brooklyn, NY and Alyssa Fanning: Drawings at Carlton Hobbs, New York, NY. She has been published in Battery Journal, BOMB Magazine, Hyperallergic, Peer Review, and Two Coats of Paint. Her curatorial projects include exhibitions at ABC No Rio, New York, NY; Eagle Studio, Brooklyn, NY; and Radiator Gallery, Queens, NY. In the spring of 2024 Fanning launched the lecture series, Show&Tell Art Talks, with artists Michael Lee and Patrick Neal, at New York Irish Center, Long Island City, NY. Fanning teaches drawing and design at ����vlog in Montclair, NJ and Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.

Allen Ginsberg (1943) was an acclaimed poet and a leading figure of the Beat Generation whose radical literary works and advocacy for social change left an indelible mark on American counterculture. Ginsberg first came to public attention in 1956 with the publication of Howl and Other Poems. Often, Ginsberg’s poems contain references to his early childhood and young adulthood. Born in Newark, New Jersey, to a Jewish family, he grew up in nearby Paterson. Ginsberg briefly attended Montclair before transferring to Columbia in 1943.

Márta Kucsora (2005-06) (b. 1979, Hungary) is an internationally recognized painter whose monumental, process-based abstractions investigate the behavior of materials and the forces that shape them. Working primarily with experimental techniques she has developed over two decades, Kucsora mobilizes viscosity, gravity, flow dynamics and chemical reactions to create vivid, immersive surfaces where gesture and natural processes converge. Her practice stands at the intersection of intuition and scientific experimentation — an alchemical approach that results in works both technically precise and emotionally charged.

Michael Manning ’11 is a studio artist working primarily as a painter with additional work focused on sculptures using repurposed materials and most recently Social Practice Art projects. He earned his BFA from the University of the Arts and an MFA from ����vlog. His artwork has been part of numerous regional and international exhibitions. Solo and group exhibitions in Haus der Kunst Museum in Munich, Germany; Arnot Art Museum, Elmira, NY; University of Connecticut; Seton Hall University; The Flinn Gallery, Greenwich, CT; New York galleries including Pablo’s Birthday and HP Garcia Gallery; Kohler, The Art of Inspiration Project; Red Bull, Kaustner and Partners; W-Hotel, New York, NY and other corporate collections and private collection. In addition to his studio practice, Michael runs Red Shoe Studios, organizing classes, programs and Social Practice Art projects. Michael is also the co-owner of ART06870 gallery in Old Greenwich, CT.

Nancy Bergman Pantirer ’80 is a New York-based artist working primarily in large-scale abstract painting. Through abstraction, Pantirer invokes an ongoing dialogue between control and order versus freedom and randomness. Pantirer holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford, as well as a Master of Arts from Montclair State College. She further refined her craft through graduate coursework at Tufts University Museum School in Boston and Pratt University in New York. Her painting and sculpture have been exhibited throughout the country and can be found in collections such as the University of Hartford, as well as in corporate and private collections. Her studio is located in Tribeca, New York City, where she also founded 81 Leonard Gallery to uplift local emerging artists.

Tiffany Perez ’09 is a New Jersey-based artist whose work bridges realism and culture, exploring themes of connection and inviting viewers to engage with pieces that feel familiar, nostalgic and deeply at home. A lifelong creator — she began drawing at age two — Tiffany studied advertising arts at Passaic County Technical Institute and later earned her BFA in Fine Arts (Drawing) from ����vlog. Her practice spans tattooing, pottery, textured painting and realism, but her featured series for this exhibition focuses on color-pencil Moka Pots — symbolic pieces inspired by heritage and the shared comfort of home. Through familiar objects and rich detail, Tiffany creates art that resonates, invites reflection and brings warmth into living spaces. She is also the owner of Ink Gallery Tattoo Studio in Fairfield, NJ, continuing her mission to create and uplift the community through art and tattoos.

Maria Valdivia ’24 is a painter dedicated to shining a spotlight on the often overlooked and under-appreciated aspects of people. Drawing inspiration from everyday people and community life, Maria’s artwork celebrates the unique qualities in the human body. She skillfully captures the essence of her subjects, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty and resilience found in the ordinary. Maria’s paintings serve as portals into the rich inner worlds of her subjects, encouraging viewers to bring their own interpretations and emotions to complete her evocative compositions.

Despite a wintry mix outside, the atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming, underscoring the lasting value of alumni relationships long after graduation. The evening served as both a celebration of service and a reminder that meaningful alumni engagement begins with strong personal connections.

“So often in life it’s the people we have the chance to meet and the support system we have around us that leads to the most success,” said Mike Wasik ’19, who began attending Recent Alumni Network (RAN) events in 2023.

“I was originally drawn to RAN as I felt a desire to give back to the school and re-engage with a community of people that had done so much to support me,” Wasik said. “I soon realized there was so much more — the ability to mentor soon to be graduates, events throughout the year, engaging with other professionals and an opportunity to be part of a network of people built to support anyone graduating from Montclair find success and navigate post-graduate obstacles.”

Throughout the evening, alumni were recognized not only for their generosity on Giving Tuesday, but also for the time, energy and passion they contribute year-round as volunteers, mentors and ambassadors for the university.

“This event was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and thank the volunteers who so generously give their time, talent and leadership throughout the year through our affinity groups,” said Jeanne Marano, associate vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement. “Their commitment is a powerful example of how alumni engagement is built through relationships. When graduates come together to volunteer, celebrate, network and support one another, they strengthen Montclair’s community and remain connected long after graduation.”

Affinity groups play a central role in that effort, providing alumni with opportunities to connect around shared identities, interests, professions and experiences. These networks foster meaningful relationships while offering pathways to volunteer, mentor students, plan events and support the university’s mission.

“We invite alumni to explore the many ways to stay involved and deepen their connection to Montclair,” added Marano. “Whether by completing an interest form to join an affinity group or reaching out to discuss hosting an activity in their region, there are countless opportunities for graduates to connect, lead and make an impact.”

Current affinity networks include:

• Black Alumni Advisory Council (BAAC)
• Bloomfield College Alumni Network��
• Hispanic/Latiné Alumni Network (HLAN)
• Recent Alumni Network (RAN)
• Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)
• Attorney Alumni Network
• Italian American Alumni Network (IAAN – Interested? .)

The evening also highlighted many additional ways alumni can stay connected in the year ahead, from attending signature events like the annual Wine Tasting and Homecoming, to volunteering as flash mentors or joining a networking group through , the university’s online alumni community.

Even for those unable to attend the Holiday Social, opportunities to get involved abound. Whether you’re living in a new region, working in a specific profession or simply looking to give back, affinity groups offer a meaningful way to connect with fellow Red Hawks and make an impact.

As the night concluded with networking, raffles and renewed commitments to stay engaged, one message was clear: Montclair’s alumni network thrives because of its volunteers. Their dedication, leadership and generosity continue to build a stronger, more connected community, one relationship at a time.

If you would like to learn more about or join an affinity group (or would like to set one up!), contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at ��973-655-4141 or alumni@montclair.edu.

“We were thrilled to return to Atlantic City for the NJEA Convention and to welcome our incredible alumni educators. The gathering offered a joyful opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, reconnect with one another and honor the dedication that continues to shape our schools and communities. It was a wonderful reminder of the connections we’ve built — and the even stronger ones still ahead,” said Jeanne Marano, associate vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement.

At the Atlantic City Convention Center, the Montclair table was buzzing with energy. Alumni stopped by to celebrate how far they’ve come since graduation and learn about opportunities to reconnect with their alma mater through graduate programs, professional development opportunities and more. Guests also learned about alumni benefits and engagement activities like upcoming events, affinity groups and the digital platform MONTCLAIRconnect.��

There were plenty of fun giveaways, lots of laughter and meaningful moments as familiar faces returned to say hello. Most of all, our team loved telling everyone, “We’re so happy to see you!” It was a warm, spirited reminder of the strength of our community and the lasting impact of our shared roots.

Briana Curtis, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, connects with an alumnus on the convention floor.

Dean Vincent C. Alfonso and Lauren Conforti of the College for Education and Engaged Learning pose with Rocky the Red Hawk.

“Attending the NJEA Convention with a table on the floor and interacting with hundreds of participants was exhilarating! But even more exhilarating was meeting and talking with more than 100 alumni at our reception!” said Dean Alfonso. “Look for more next year as the College continues to move onward and upward.”

Montclair’s alumni reception hosted Red Hawks for an evening that strengthened bonds and sparked new connections. Guests who lived in the area or traveled to Atlantic City for the convention caught up with fellow alumni and learned about what’s new and exciting at Montclair.��

Gwendolyn Anthony-Garnett ’79 proudly shared a photo of herself and her roommate in a campus residence hall wearing Montclair gear.

Alumni heard updates from the College and about ways to stay connected to the alumni network. Guests shared memories and reconnected with peers who walked similar paths — creating an atmosphere rich with camaraderie and shared Red Hawk pride. The school’s vision incorporates community partnerships to provide students with a locally-rooted experience that emphasizes a commitment to service.����

Dean Alfonso shared information about the newly created CEEL Center Consortium, comprising six centers:��

• The is a model hub for educational technology, serving faculty, staff, community educators and students.
• The is a model of excellence in inclusive early care and education. Staff implement best practices in teaching and learning to serve children aged 12 weeks to 5 years old.
• The provides therapy, support and services to benefit the well-being of children and families.
• The Center for Educational Innovation and Strategic Partnerships supports school districts, delivers professional development and facilitates off-site graduate programs to bridge the gaps between educational institutions and local communities.
• The is committed to “helping people who help people” in the areas of education, public health and human services.
• The offers a comprehensive resource for students at every stage of their academic career.

Ray Vikete and Cassandra DeVita ’24 with Dean Alfonso. DeVita is the Director of Choirs at Branchburg Central Middle School.

Joe Bavazzano, director of the ADP Center for Learning Technologies, encourages alumni to get involved in events and activities. “The Center is committed to supporting Montclair alumni educators. Whether you’re sharpening your digital skills, exploring emerging technologies or looking to elevate your creative and professional toolkit, our workshops and resources are here to help you grow,” he said. “Each session is designed to keep you learning, connected and ahead of the curve.”

Here is a lineup of upcoming free events and programming happening throughout the year, open to our educator community:

• on 12/3, 4 – 5 p.m. (Zoom)
• on 12/9, 4 – 5 p.m. (Zoom)
• on 12/11, 2 – 3 p.m. (Zoom)
• on 12/16, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. (ADP Center for Learning Technologies)

Stay Connected and Learn More

Join our online community on MONTCLAIRconnect to stay connected and explore all the benefits available to you. For more information on how to join, check out our website.

One on the platform, become a member of the “” networking group to connect with other alumni from the College.

To get involved in more alumni activities, contact Nada Rustom, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, rustomn@montclair.edu.