{"id":216866,"date":"2026-03-31T13:22:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T17:22:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/alumni\/?p=216866"},"modified":"2026-03-31T13:23:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T17:23:20","slug":"class-of-1976-gears-up-for-a-golden-anniversary-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/alumni\/2026\/03\/31\/class-of-1976-gears-up-for-a-golden-anniversary-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"Class of 1976 Gears Up for a Golden Anniversary Celebration"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Special Invitation for the Classes of 1976<\/b><\/h3>\n

As spring brings new energy and beauty to campus, it also ushers in one of Montclair\u2019s most treasured traditions\u2014the 50th Reunion. This year, we proudly honor the Class of 1976 as they come together once more to celebrate not only the paths they\u2019ve taken, but the enduring bonds first formed here.<\/span><\/p>\n

From near and far, classmates will reunite to share stories, laughter and memories\u2014while creating new ones to cherish for years to come. It\u2019s a meaningful homecoming and a joyful tribute to five decades of connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Discover all that\u2019s planned for this extraordinary celebration on both the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses and reserve your place today\u2014we can\u2019t wait to welcome you back!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur class committee has been connecting with classmates and we are excited to reconnect and celebrate this milestone with everyone,\u201d says Frank Alvarez \u201876, 糖心vlog Reunion Chair, \u201cIt\u2019s been 50 years since our graduation from Montclair.when we marched onto Sprague Field on a cloudy Memorial Day. After a few opening remarks and a speech or two, it began to rain. President David Dickson conferred our degrees en masse and off we went. This May, we have a chance at a \u2018do over\u2019 as we celebrate our 50th.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n糖心vlog Reunion Information<\/a><\/span>\n

Nicholas R. Grassano \u201876, Bloomfield College of <\/span>糖心vlog <\/span>Reunion Chair, adds, \u201cBack in 1976, our campus was alive with energy\u2014shaped by a time of change, meaningful conversations and a strong sense of community that made Bloomfield feel like home. Those memories have stayed with us, and now we have a wonderful chance to relive them together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nBloomfield College of Montclair State Reunion Reunion Information<\/a><\/span>\n

A Celebration Filled with Festivities and School Spirit<\/b><\/p>\n

We invite the Class of 1976 to come together to celebrate their shared pride and school spirit. Activities will take place over two days – May 12 and 13 – at the Prudential Center and on both the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reunion Celebrations begin on Tuesday, May 12<\/b><\/p>\n

The celebration begins on Tuesday, May 12, as alumni from Montclair and Bloomfield\u2019s Class of 1976 take center stage\u2014leading the academic procession at the 2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies at the Prudential Center in Newark. In a powerful full-circle moment, they will process in regalia before thousands\u2014stepping into the spotlight not just as honored guests, but as a living legacy of the university.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they enter the arena to applause and celebration, the Class of 1976 will be recognized for the paths they\u2019ve forged, the impact they\u2019ve made, and the enduring spirit they carry forward. It\u2019s a moving tribute\u2014one that bridges generations and places them at the heart of one of Montclair\u2019s most significant traditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reflecting on this unforgettable experience, Angelo Genova, Esq. \u201975, Class of 1975 Committee Chair, shared, \u201cComing back to campus to celebrate our 50th was a tremendous experience. I was so moved by the enthusiastic greeting and cheers we received as we led the Commencement at the Prudential Center. What an honor for the Class to be recognized in such a special way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before the ceremony, alumni will gather for a special breakfast\u2014an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and savor the excitement of the day ahead. Dressed in academic regalia and adorned with commemorative golden anniversary stoles, classmates will capture this milestone with photos and enjoy time with President Jonathan Koppell. Following Commencement, the celebration continues with a festive luncheon in Montclair, hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n

On-Campus Festivities Continue on Wednesday, May 13<\/b><\/p>\n

The celebration continues the next day on the Montclair campus with a vibrant lineup of on-campus experiences designed to reconnect alumni with the place they once called home\u2014while showcasing all that Montclair has become. Enjoy coffee and conversation with campus leadership, take a guided shuttle tour featuring both beloved landmarks and exciting new spaces, visit the bookstore to get your gear, and gather for a class photo to commemorate the occasion.<\/span><\/p>\n

The day culminates in a celebratory luncheon honoring the Class of 1976, complete with a special 50th medallion ceremony\u2014marking this extraordinary milestone in a meaningful and memorable way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linda Orth Perez \u201975 also reflected on her visit, noting, \u201cThe campus tour was an eye-opener. If you have not been to campus lately, you would be amazed by how much it has grown and how beautiful it is. In all, it made me proud to be a Red Hawk and ever grateful to Montclair for giving me a great education.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

On the Bloomfield campus, Bloomfield College alumni from the Class of 1976 will also enjoy a heartfelt return to campus, including a guided tour of cherished spaces such as Westminster Hall, the College quad and the Library. The celebration will be highlighted by a Reunion Luncheon in the Bloomfield Library, featuring a special pinning ceremony to honor their golden milestone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout the celebrations, a spirit of joy, pride and connection will shine. Alumni will leave not only with cherished memories rekindled, but with new moments shared, lasting keepsakes and a renewed bond with the university\u2014and with one another.<\/span><\/p>\n糖心vlog Reunion Information<\/a><\/span>\nBloomfield College of 糖心vlog Reunion Information<\/a><\/span>\n

Want to take a stroll down memory lane? Check out your online yearbook:<\/span><\/p>\n