He shares this year’s honor with Tommy Foster ’23, an associate producer at Good Morning America whose 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.

Trailblazer Award honorees Tommy Foster and Leslie Wilson, center, gather with Montclair leaders Rahjaun Gordon, left, senior director of EOF and Success Programs, and Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs, EOF and Academic Success. (Photo by Ian Peters)

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 News in 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.

Ready to start your Montclair journey? Learn more about our College Access and Enrollment Programs.

Accepted students: Make it official by submitting your new student deposit and registering to attend Accepted Student Day.

Sheridan Van Biert works as a registered dietitian for Gourmet Dining Services at Sam’s Place, the same dining hall where she grabbed meals between classes as a ����vlog student.

Van Biert did her dietetic internship with Gourmet Dining Services, Montclair’s award-winning dining service provider, while studying Food and Nutrition Science in the College for Community Health,��resulting in her campus career. Her preceptors during her internship are now her colleagues.

“Montclair’s undergraduate and graduate nutrition program helped me prepare for my current role by applying what I learned in the classroom into real-life practice,” says Van Biert ’22, ’24 MA. “From situational group lesson plans and cooking classes as a student to everything in between, it came naturally when I started using these skills for teaching kitchens that we, as dietitians, host for students, as well as presentations we tailor for our athletes.”

The Path to Success:

• Degrees: BS (’22) & MA (’24) in Nutrition and Food Science.
• Program Perk: Combined BS/MS track for faster career entry.
• Real-World Experience: 1,000+ hours of dietetic internship.
• Current Role: Campus RD for Gourmet Dining.

Student Connection

“Being a part of Montclair for so many years I feel is a big advantage when it comes to relating and connecting with the campus community,” Van Biert says. “It’s a valuable aspect to have when providing outpatient counseling to students or chatting with them in the dining halls and around campus.”

Gourmet’s Director of Dining and Wellness Jennifer Bostedo, RDN, Van Biert’s supervisor, echoes those benefits, noting that Montclair’s Food and Nutrition Science program well prepared her for the position. “Hiring a Montclair grad gives us the benefit of a rigorously, well-trained professional who has an intimate knowledge of the campus culture. It allows us to tailor food and beverage offerings to meet the needs of today’s students better.”

Montclair’s Nutrition Program continues to contribute to Van Biert’s career success. “Having built a strong sense of adaptability has been invaluable in my current role, as each workday varies significantly and involves juggling multiple diverse responsibilities.”

I understand the students’ perspective, as well as the food service perspective. I always like to think back to what I was excited about coming into the dining hall. It’s kind of a full circle moment.” ~ Sheridan Van Biert

Paying It Forward

Today, Van Biert helps guide Montclair student dietetic interns, collaborates with her former professors on nutrition research and student wellness initiatives and ensures nutritious, delicious meals for the Montclair community. “Now she and the other dietitians on campus continue the cycle as we precept future dietitians who started just like Sheridan did, right here at Montclair,” says Bostedo.

I love the connections I’ve made at Montclair, the people I’ve met, the campus, the community.”

for a complete look at Sheridan Van Biert’s day and her attention to details as a food service professional and nutrition counselor.

Are You Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Want to turn your passion for wellness into a career? Explore our Nutrition & Food Science Programs. See yourself at Montclair, Schedule a Campus Tour.

“Carpe Diem” is presented by the Office of Alumni Engagement and Development and ����vlog Galleries. On view February 3 through May 3, 2026, in the George Segal Gallery, the exhibition brings together the work of 12 accomplished alumni artists whose practices span more than eight decades – from 1943 to 2024. The visual arts exhibition features a wide range of media, including photography, poetry, portrait quilts, mixed media and video installations.

Among the artists are ’97, whose photography and video work examining mobility and the Black American experience has been exhibited at the Tate Britain and the Studio Museum in Harlem, and Márta Kucsora (2005–06), an internationally recognized painter known for monumental, process-driven abstraction.

Curated by Art and Design Professor Sally Morgan Lehman, founder of New York City’s Morgan Lehman Gallery, “Carpe Diem” highlights the depth of artistic inquiry fostered at ����vlog. The exhibition features nationally and internationally recognized artists alongside emerging voices, underscoring Montclair’s role as a launching ground for creative expression.

“ ‘Carpe Diem’ reflects what we know to be true about Montclair alumni: creativity does not end at graduation,” says Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters. “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.”

By celebrating these artists’ achievements, ����vlog reaffirms its commitment to fostering the next generation of visual artists and sustaining a vibrant future for the arts.

Featured Artists

’13

’05

’97

’10

’12

(1943)

(2005–06)

’11

’80

’09

��’78

’24

Programs and Events

All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

Monday, February 9, 5:20 p.m.

Art Forum with “Carpe Diem” Curator Sally Morgan Lehman

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.

is required.

Opening Reception

Tuesday, February 3, 5 – 7 p.m.

Celebrate ����vlog alumni at the opening of the exhibition “Carpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts.” Montclair President Jonathan GS Koppell and Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters will make remarks at 6 pm. is required.

A Cross-Generational Conversation with Alumni Artists

Monday, March 2, 6 – 7 p.m.

This multi-generational panel celebrates the distinguished women alumni of Montclair. Featuring exhibiting artists Nancy Bergman Pantirer ’80, Tiffany Perez ’09, and Maria Valdivia ’24 in conversation about their careers and creative practices, moderated by curator Sally Morgan Lehman. is required.

Visitor Information

George Segal Gallery, ����vlog

Dates: February 3 – May 3, 2026

George Segal Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 4 p.m. Or by appointment.

The Galleries’ free digital guide offers behind-the-scenes insights from artists and curators. Created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is available on the web or via the app and can be accessed for both onsite and offsite visits.

����vlog State University Galleries

����vlog Galleries brings together ideas, perspectives, and dialogue to foster curiosity and shared understanding through art. Through diverse and inclusive exhibitions and programs, the Galleries connect the campus experience with local and global communities.

Follow and join the conversation: @montclairstategalleries | #MontclairStateGalleries

Exhibition Support and Contact

����vlog Galleries

Media Contact: galleries@montclair.edu, 973-655-3382

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Learn more about our programs in the Department of Art and Design in the College of the Arts.

During her first year, Yator’s algebra professor noticed her intellect and recommended her for a tutoring position. It was an opportunity she had earned, but one she quietly turned down.

“I thought I was too shy,” she admits. “I didn’t think I could do it.”

Four years later, that same student is graduating as a campus leader and mentor, deeply involved in student life and passionate about giving back to the community that helped her grow. Getting there, however, took time, support, and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone.

Lifted by the Bloomfield Community

From the very beginning, Yator found support through Bloomfield’s and Programs.

“I’m super grateful for TRIO and EOF,” she says. “They’ve been there for me since the beginning of my college career.”

Choosing to live on campus helped her immerse herself in college life, but it also made college more expensive than expected. Even after scholarships, financial aid, and grants, there was still a financial gap. That’s where EOF stepped in – helping cover remaining costs and providing mentorship along the way.

“EOF and TRIO always made sure my bill was at zero,” Yator says. “That support meant everything. It allowed me to focus on school instead of constantly worrying.”

The Power of Mentorship

As Yator progressed in her Biology major, she leaned on peer mentors who became both guides and role models. Watching them succeed and support others sparked a realization.

It reminded her of the tutoring position she had declined as a freshman. “Seeing other people doing the thing I was most afraid of made me think, maybe I can do this too,” she says.

Quietly, she began hoping she’d get another chance. She knew tutors had to be recommended and approved by a professor – but this time, she felt more prepared.

A Second Chance to Say Yes

In 2024, a second chance came when another mentor recommended her for a position and this time, Yator accepted – even though the nerves were still there.

“But I had this realization: the students coming to me for help were doing the same thing I do with my mentors.”

That shift changed everything. “I used to hate asking for help. That was my toxic trait,” she says with a laugh. “Once I understood that asking questions is part of learning, it broke me out of my shell.”

Growing — and Giving Back — as a Campus Leader

Yator’s confidence continued to grow, and so did her involvement on campus. In addition to serving as a Biology Tutor, she became a Peer Coach and Lab Assistant, worked as a Social Media Intern for , and earned her Mental Health First Aid USA Certification.

She also found a leadership home in Team Infinite, a student organization focused on helping students – especially commuters – feel comfortable getting involved on campus. Yator served as Vice President for two years before becoming President during her senior year.

Under her leadership, Team Infinite emphasized accessibility, flexibility, and inclusion. In 2024, the club was recognized as Club of the Year.

Looking Forward

Yator will graduate with a degree in Biology and plans to continue her education in healthcare. Whether she becomes a pharmacist or a doctor, her goal is clear.

“After college, I want to continue my career and education in healthcare and science to share my knowledge,” she says.

At graduation, her parents and sister will be there to cheer her on – with extended family in the Philippines celebrating from across the world.

Advice for New Students

Yator’s advice for incoming students is simple, but powerful: “Be friends with people, and don’t gatekeep resources. If you know something that can help someone else, share it.”

She practiced what she preaches – even recommending friends for TRIO and EOF. “Community makes such a difference,” she says. “No one should feel like they have to figure everything out alone.”

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Story by Jayda Brown. Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters.

Ready to Start Your College Journey?

Prospective Students or Parents: Learn more about .

���dzܰ��Բ��������ٲ�:��Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2026.

A GED earner, Howard will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Family Science and Human Development during the College for Community Health portion of the ceremony. Her journey embodies the spirit of Montclair’s graduates and mission: students who broaden access to opportunity and uplift others along the way.

A Mother’s Dream Becomes a National Brand

Howard became a single mother at 16. Raised in Harlem in the foster care system, she wanted a different future for her young son, Cory Nieves so the two moved to Englewood, New Jersey, navigating daily life by bus. When 5-year-old Cory wished for a car to help them get around, he came up with an idea – selling hot chocolate and then cookies.

began at home. What followed was extraordinary. The mother-and-son business gained national attention, appearing in local, regional and national media, including and appearances on and the reality TV show . At its height, the company, which resulted in Howard’s Cookie moniker, reportedly surpassed $1 million in sales.

And then it all crumbled.

Loss, Homelessness and Starting Again

The COVID-19 pandemic halted sales. The business unraveled. Howard and her son lost their home and eventually moved into a shelter.

“I made it to the top and fell back down,” Howard says. “That’s a part of being an entrepreneur; it’s part of being human. I just pray that with the grace of God things will get better.”

Despite the ups and downs, Howard refused to give up – on herself or on education.

Returning to School Against the Odds

While still operating and working odd jobs, Howard, 37, enrolled at Montclair as a non-traditional student, navigating financial instability, a documented learning disability and the daily realities of survival. There were moments when continuing felt impossible, particularly when her car – the 2015 Ford Escape gifted to her on Ellen – broke down and she again faced eviction and homelessness.

“These were times when everything felt dark, and I honestly didn’t see a way out,” she says. “But by God’s grace, I was able to keep my apartment. I held on to the little bit of light I had left, and somehow, it shined right through.”

Melissa Pecora, Howard’s EOF counselor and academic advisor, watched that perseverance firsthand. “Cookie has overcome countless challenges with remarkable resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles she’s faced, she continues to rise above them and has shown that challenges can become opportunities for future success,” she says. “I have watched her excel academically while achieving significant personal milestones.”

“Cookie exemplifies a unique balance of grit, creativity and unrelenting drive. She is an inspiration to all scholars, particularly those adult learners who may be reluctant to enroll in college.” ~ Daniel Jean, Associate�� Provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs

Three Buses, No Internet, No Excuses

Unable to afford the car repairs or an internet connection, she left home three hours early, taking three buses to campus to make her 9 a.m. class. Using the internet on campus, Howard routinely stayed late into the evening, juggling class assignments and her internship and leadership of the Adult Student Advocacy Program (ASAP).

From her warmth and humor, few would know her struggles, as her light also illuminated others.

“I’ve had students come to the office asking for her or mentioning how much she helped them,” says Meghan Hearns, director of the Disability Resource Center, where Howard is a constant presence.

Advocacy as a Calling

Howard’s impact at Montclair extends far beyond the classroom. She became a mentor and presenter for students connected to the Disability Resource Center, spoke at the Disability Awareness Month flag-raising ceremony, and earned the prestigious Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.

Her most lasting contribution, however, is the Adult Student Advocacy Program – a support network she founded to help non-traditional students navigate school while balancing work, family and life challenges.

“Adult students have a lot of stuff that’s going on in our lives,” Howard says. “We sometimes feel like no one cares, but we have to open our mouths and say, ‘Hey, I need help.’ People want to help you.”

A Tribe That Wouldn’t Let Her Quit

Despite the hardship, Howard persisted with the help of the people around her.

“It took a tribe of people to get involved and say, ‘We believe in you,’” she says. “That gave me the confidence to continue.”

Support came from people on and off campus. Howard credits and is grateful for the many who helped her, including Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Margaree Coleman-Carter, whom she credits for making her internship possible, Office of Student Belonging Assistant Dean Jonnine DeLoatch, and a host of�� professors, advisors and even University Police – some of whom, she says, bought her meals, pitched in for car repairs or other needs. She also credits her church family at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack, some of whom will be at Commencement, for helping her get to the graduation stage.

“They just didn’t give up on me,” Howard says. “I kept holding on, and I’m happy I did.”

Academic Advisor Natalia Pizarro-Valencia credits Howard’s “hard work, perseverance and commitment to learning” to accomplish her goal. “It’s been a truly humbling experience to support Cookie throughout her academic journey. Witnessing her effort, growth and dedication has been both inspiring and rewarding.”

Looking Ahead, Giving Back

Howard’s plans to continue her post-graduate studies. She’s considering attending Drew University, where she’s been accepted. Her goals include community activism, philanthropy and humanitarian work – “pastoral work without the collar,” as she puts it.

“I want to work with single mothers and at-risk kids,” she says. “That’s why I’m going for my Master of Divinity.”

As she crosses the stage January 13, Howard’s journey affirms that with resilience – and the right support – students at ����vlog can transform adversity into achievement.

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters.

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective students: Learn more about Montclair’s Family Science and Human Development or explore other College for Community Health programs.

Journalists: Contact Montclair’s Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic

��

“I was going to go into the Navy,” she says. “But circumstances changed, and I decided I wasn’t ready to leave home. I wanted to be around my family.”��

She started looking at local schools, including — then still Bloomfield College. But walking into orientation, her heart was still with the Navy.

��“I was kind of discouraged,” she admits. “I went in like, I don’t want to talk to anyone. I’m just in it for the school. I’m not here to make friends.”

Everything changed when a student ambassador – known at Bloomfield as a – noticed her sitting alone and invited her to join a table.

That one moment of connection was all it took. “Ever since that day, Bloomfield became home to me.”

“They Gave Me Advice My Parents Couldn’t Give Me.”

As a first-generation college student and the daughter of Dominican immigrants, Brito had to figure out a lot on her own. “Filling out my FAFSA? I couldn’t lean on my parents for that. They didn’t know how any of this worked.”

That’s where Bloomfield’s and programs stepped in. “EOF really helped me a lot. My counselor was very supportive,” she says. “They gave me advice my parents couldn’t give me – academic, financial, and emotional.”

She also found support in unexpected places. “Even the people in the mailroom and the dining hall – they made a huge difference. They always noticed if I was there, and asked how I was doing. When I was a pescatarian, they’d make sure meat never touched my plate. And when I started eating meat again, they all noticed!”

Cheer, Sisterhood, and Showing Up for Others

Brito joined the cheer team as a freshman and eventually became its president. “My coaches really do run a strict program,” she says with a laugh. “But Cheer helped me hold myself accountable. It made me a better public speaker, helped me handle criticism, and made me less afraid of life in general.”

That confidence laid the foundation for her next big leap. “I don’t think I ever would have joined Sigma Gamma Rho if I hadn’t done cheer,” she says. “Being on the team taught me how to show up, how to be seen, and how to lead.”

In Fall 2024, Brito crossed into ., drawn by its mission and community service. “One of their main partnerships is with St. Jude’s, and my family has been donating to St. Jude’s since I was in high school. I took that as a sign.”

Now, she mentors younger girls through the sorority’s affiliate programs. “We go to high schools, do tabling events, even slumber parties and etiquette dinners. I never had that kind of guidance growing up, so I love being part of it now.”

After Graduation: Generational Wealth and Giving Back

Graduating with a degree in accounting and a minor in Africana Studies, Brito plans to open her own business and a nonprofit for financial literacy.

“I want to help minorities, emancipated minors, and small businesses really start building generational wealth,” she says.��

Eventually, she hopes to become both a financial advisor and a college professor.

Advice to Her 18-Year-Old Self

“If I could go back, I’d tell myself: go to the events. You’re not just getting free stuff – you’re building relationships and knowledge.”

And if your friends don’t want to go? “Go by yourself. Don’t let anyone hold you back. The party will always be there. Take advantage of every opportunity. Bloomfield’s always doing something. Just show up.”

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Story by Jayda Brown. Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters

Ready to Start Your College Journey?

Prospective Students or Parents: Learn more about .

���dzܰ��Բ��������ٲ�:��Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2026.

“I’m extremely proud to say that my working experiences have allowed me to pay for my bachelor’s degree program all on my own,” says Abrom, who will be participating in Winter 2026 Commencement Tuesday at Prudential Center in Newark. A student in Montclair’s College for Community Health, Abrom’s degree concentration was in Applied Nutrition and Wellness with a�� minor in Sports Nutrition.

Balancing work and academics, she adds, taught her lessons that will shape her future. “I now have a better commitment to financial planning, proper time management and a passion for working and what I do.”

Her father, Gregory Abrom, says, “We are extremely proud of Allison and all she has accomplished. She can now start her life without the burden of debt. Allison learned she can set a goal and accomplish it no matter what stands in the way.”

Determination from Day One

Abrom enrolled at Montclair in fall 2019 knowing her path might look different. She and her parents thought it was possible for her to self-fund her education without incurring student debt. “My parents and I view college and higher education as a privilege,” she says, adding that “working to pay for my education fully will set me up for financial freedom and success.”

At times, Abrom took only as many classes as she could afford. She was determined to do it on her own – and she’s not afraid to apply herself.

“I’m a really hard worker,” she says proudly. “I genuinely like to work, and so does pretty much everybody in my family.” Abrom worked more than full-time as a head food server at a country club while working toward her bachelor’s degree, saving as much money as she could along the way.

That work ethic became the foundation of her college experience. Associate Professor of Nutrition and Food Studies Doreen Liou says that showed in her school projects. She describes Abrom as “a proactive student, projecting a positive attitude and zeal in learning.”

Sacrifices That Paid Off

To stay enrolled at Montclair, Abrom often worked 40 to 50 hours a week at the country club until the demand became unsustainable. Although it paid well, she quit when expectations began to conflict with her education.

“They were expecting me to put the work before school, so I was like, I can’t be in that environment anymore,” she says.

She found a desk job closer to home at a golf simulator – one that allowed her to study during slower periods.

Social sacrifices followed as well, as tuition and textbooks took priority. “I had to say no to certain social outings, which allowed me to put more time into work,” she says. “I felt like I was kind of distancing myself from friends, but now my friends are so proud of me, so it doesn’t matter.”

It definitely was hard, especially being young in your 20s, to be more responsible with money but in the end, it was worth it.” Allison Abrom ’26, BS Nutrition and Food Science

Learning By Doing

Last summer, Abrom completed her required nutrition internship at the Meadowlands YMCA, where she assisted with the SNAP-Ed food pantry program, developed nutritious recipes using pantry ingredients and wrote nutrition-focused articles. She also created healthy recipes for YMCA members.

“I was granted a working environment that prompted creativity and allowed me to fully trust in my own knowledge and education,” she says.

The experience reinforced her commitment to community-based nutrition and wellness – work that aligns directly with Montclair’s public-service mission.

Looking Ahead – and Giving Back

Abrom will be cheered on by her father, mother, Laura, and brother, Drew, at Commencement on January 13. Her long-term goals include careers in corporate wellness, sports counseling or community nutrition, as well as teaching as an adjunct professor.

“I am incredibly thankful for my time in my undergraduate program at ����vlog,” she says, “and I am proud of the person it has helped me become both in a professional and personal way.”

Research from the Pew Research Center shows that college graduates with student loan debt are more likely to question. Abrom’s answer is emphatically clear. In fact, her immediate post-Commencement plans: to pursue a master’s degree and a certificate in Nutrition and Exercise Science at ����vlog.

She’ll be paying her own way, of course.

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters.

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective students: Learn more about Montclair’s Nutrition and Food Science programs.

Journalists: Contact Montclair’s Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic

The fun-filled afternoon had it all, including a street fair, a live music showcase from award-winning campus radio station WMSC, tailgating and a matchup against Wilkes University at Sprague Field.

The day even featured a taping of PBS program “Think Tank with Steve Adubato,” with Emmy Award winning broadcaster Steve Adubato ‘80 engaging in conversation with President Jonathan Koppell. They covered topics ranging from the importance of bold leadership to the state of American media to the role of Universities in fostering a civically engaged populace. The conversation was produced to air by a student production team from Montclair’s College of Communication and Media.

Emmy Award winning broadcaster Steve Adubato, PhD and ����vlog President Jonathan Koppell in discussion for a Taping of “Think Tank with Steve Adubato.”

Want More Homecoming?

Photos by Mike Peters and John J. LaRosa

In recognition of this extraordinary support, the program will be renamed the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program. With an emphasis on creativity, purposeful leadership development, meaningful community involvement, and interdisciplinary learning, the enhanced honors program aims to provide hands-on experiences that prepare students to become leaders, innovators and change-makers.

A New Era for Honors at Montclair

Reflecting on the significance of the gift, Montclair President Jonathan Koppell said:

“John Martinson’s generous philanthropic investment could not come at a more critical moment. By accelerating the growth and evolution of the honors program at Montclair, a university committed to accessibility and inclusivity, this gift underscores that opportunities to achieve at the highest level must be available to bright, passionate, ambitious students of all backgrounds.

“Achieving that goal is the only way for us to thrive as a state and nation. The John Martinson Honors EDGE Program emphasizes hands-on interdisciplinary learning that cultivates students’ leadership and creativity, thus preparing them to take on the biggest challenges in business and civic life.”

From left: Jeff Strickland, executive director of the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, John Martinson, University President Jonathan Koppell, and Montclair honors student Jacob Roby, gather at ����vlog in recognition of Martinson’s transformative gift. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Expanding Access and Inclusion

The gift, Koppell added, “is the latest in an unbelievable series of investments in our shared future.”��

John Martinson, chairman of Martinson Ventures, a technology venture capital firm based in Newtown, Pennsylvania, has donated millions to strengthen honors programs at leading universities nationwide, including Purdue, Georgia Tech, Northeastern, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the University of Pittsburgh. Montclair is the tenth institution to join this growing network of Martinson-supported honors programs.

Through this collaborative network, Montclair students and faculty will connect with peers at these institutions, sharing best practices to accelerate success and build a national honors community.

“This investment reflects my deep belief in Montclair’s mission, its accomplished and innovative faculty, strong university leadership, and my confidence that its students will become the next generation of leaders and innovators,” Martinson said. “Their creativity, energy and potential to improve the world inspire my philanthropy.”

Martinson added, “I am excited to help double the size of the Montclair program and expand opportunities for experiential and immersive learning, graduate school preparation, undergraduate research and leadership development.”

What Sets Montclair Apart

The John Martinson Honors EDGE Program (Engage, Discover, Grow, Experience) will feature a curriculum designed to foster imaginative thinking and problem-solving, with creativity embedded as a central pillar.��

Students will be challenged to expand their minds, brainstorm and loosen the boundaries of their imaginations,” applying creative thinking to real-world problems and day-to-day settings. “They’ll come away with the most salient and indelible experiences in college.” — Provost Junius J. Gonzales.

This investment will make it possible for the University to recruit and retain more top-tier students to its honors program, including incoming transfers and freshmen as well as current students.��

Short-term, high-impact travel experiences are emphasized, making transformative opportunities accessible to students who may not be able to commit to a full-semester program.

The mission is to provide opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access to such experiences, allowing them to “take leaps into places and situations they’ve never been,” says Jeff Strickland, executive director of the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program. Admissions will take a holistic approach, considering leadership, creativity and community engagement alongside academic achievement.

Program Enhancements

• Creative and Leadership Workshops: Expanded offerings, including the introduction of an Honors Leadership Certificate and interdisciplinary research clusters.
• Distinguished Visiting Faculty: Bringing in experts to enrich the curriculum and mentor students.
• Experiential Learning: More international and domestic travel, paid internships, mentorships, research opportunities and study-abroad programs.��
• Every honors student will receive a $5,000 “Creative Learning” stipend to support these pursuits.
• Community Engagement: Courses like “Community Matters” connect students with local and global issues, ensuring learning goes beyond the classroom.
• National Advisors: External advisors from Yale, Rice and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville bring national perspectives and best practices to Montclair.

Jacob Roby, a senior double majoring in Policy Studies and Political Science, has earned prestigious fellowships and internships — exemplifying the caliber of students the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program is designed to support and elevate. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

High-Impact Student Opportunities

Senior Jacob Roby, a double major in Policy Studies and Political Science with minors in Chinese and Global Security and Diplomacy, exemplifies the exceptional caliber of Montclair’s honors program that Martinson’s investment will elevate to even greater heights.

Roby credits Honors EDGE for enabling him to secure prestigious fellowships and internships — including roles as a Research Fellow at the Wilson Center and a Student Fellow at the USDA.��

“����vlog, especially the honors program, is really what I would call an American Dream university,” Roby says. “It’s still one of those places left in our country where if you work really hard you can achieve a lot, have great experiences and find people who will help you succeed.”��

Sara Flores, a sophomore majoring in Linguistics and a first-generation college student, credits the honors program for fostering both academic and civic engagement. As an aspiring ESL teacher, Flores has already presented at a regional honors conference in Pittsburgh and participated in a leadership retreat in Arizona — opportunities she says broadened her perspective on education and community.��

The Honors Program has given me hands-on experiences and helped me rethink how I want to teach and learn. It’s not just about academics — it’s about building a community where students feel like they’re part of something bigger.” — Sara Flores

Flores’ commitment to service is central to her honors experience. She is active in the Bonner Leader Program and volunteers tutoring adult ESL learners in Paterson and on campus.

Building Community and Alumni Connections

As Montclair prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its honors program and the establishment of the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, there will be a renewed emphasis on engaging and strengthening the alumni network to provide mentoring, job shadowing and career-focused networking for current students.��

With sustained success, Montclair envisions growing its program to 1,000 students within five years and positioning the University to evolve the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program into a stand-alone Honors College. The University welcomes investment from additional partners to advance the program and create more impact for students.��

“This extraordinary gift elevates the student experience at Montclair,” says Strickland. “It is transformational for honors and for the entire institution, enabling students to benefit from what we hope will become a nationally recognized program.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students: It’s not too late to apply! ����vlog is and deposits for fall 2025.
• Looking Ahead? The application for fall 2026 opens August 1. Plan your visit and in applying to become a Red Hawk!
• Interested in the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program? Learn more from the Executive Director.��

����vlog MBA students Katarina Rodriguez and Nova Pierre Louis believe that meaningful change doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with a single idea, a single story – a single domino.

That’s why they’re bringing to life on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Montclair Mezzanine, an event space on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.��

“It’s about the small things that lead to something bigger,” says Rodriguez. “Everything that happens in our lives, good or bad, can come from a small action.”

The TEDx Montclair event will bring together thought leaders, creatives and changemakers to explore how small actions can spark powerful, lasting change – in individuals, families and entire communities.

A Domino Starts It All

Rodriguez and Pierre Louis are applying what they’ve learned at Montclair’s Feliciano School of Business to elevate the voices and ideas. Their vision for The Domino Effect is grounded in lived experience and a shared commitment to making opportunity more accessible.

Both Rodriguez and Pierre Louis earned their bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration from Montclair in 2024 and are on track to complete their accelerated MBAs in August. They also balance full-time roles: Rodriguez serves as an assistant for Faculty-Led International Programs in Study Abroad and, starting in July, Pierre Louis will join Feliciano Global as a programs associate.

As the event approaches, TEDx Montclair speakers gather for a group photo during a rehearsal break. Back row, from left: Jade Walters, Chris W. Fitzpatrick, Gary J. Nix, Paige Swanstein. Front row, from left: Kathleen Culver, Nick Fuentes-Zuluaga and Anjali Badrinath. Not pictured: D’vorah Graeser. (Photo courtesy of Nev Trinajstic, Nev Photography)

Final Touches

Rooted in the belief that social mobility is a shared responsibility, TEDx Montclair invites audiences to consider new perspectives on progress – and who has the power to shape it, Rodriguez and Pierre Louis say. The event will feature that challenge the status quo and encourage action.

Two of the featured speakers have strong Montclair ties:

• ’04 will explore mentorship as a catalyst for transformation
• ’24 PhD will speak about empathy as a tool for collective change

The conference is volunteer-driven, with Montclair students leading efforts in merchandise, media, design and logistics.

“Planning TEDx is like running a business,” says Pierre Louis. “I’m using both what I’ve learned in class and what I’ve done in previous jobs.”

While TEDx Montclair is independently organized under license from TED, the values woven into it reflect ����vlog’s mission to broaden access and opportunity. “Although this is non-affiliated to the University itself, we cannot discredit the fact that this ideology of social mobility is something Montclair emphasizes,” says Rodriguez.

“In many ways, the University influenced us as people,” she adds. “It’s shed light on what this word – social mobility – really means. And it doesn’t always look a certain way.”

Attend TEDx Montclair

• Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 6 p.m.
• Montclair Mezzanine, 486 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
• Limited tickets and information available at

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students: It’s not too late to apply! ����vlog is and deposits for fall 2025.
• Looking Ahead? The application for fall 2026 opens August 1. Plan your visit and in applying to become a Red Hawk!
• Interested in Business? Learn more about the Feliciano School of Business and our MBA options.