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) forĚý , 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,”Ěý

As part of our Alumni Affinity Network, WIN engages ĚÇĐÄvlog 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.

“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.Ěý
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 ĚÇĐÄvlog 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 NetworkĚýand welcomes new members.

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 NetworkĚý
• Hispanic/LatinĂ© 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 Ěý973-655-4141 or alumni@montclair.edu.