Cameron has danced around the world, but never in a venue as large as Prudential Center in Newark, where 4,251 students will receive their diplomas over two ceremonies.

“I’m not going to be able to have a dress rehearsal, so I’m trying to put myself in a place of calm,” Cameron says.

For him, though, this moment is as much about what comes next as what happens on stage. Drawing on those years as a performer, his MFA work at Montclair has focused on how that experience can translate into teaching – using everyday gestures to make dance more accessible and to expand what “counts” as dance.

Expanding what counts as dance

Much of his graduate research has explored everyday actions as choreographic material, starting with familiar movement and building layered performance out of it.��

“I’ve spent much of my life hearing people say they can’t dance, that they have two left feet, or that dance is only for the trained,” he says. “As an artist, I’ve become increasingly committed to challenging those beliefs and to expanding how dance is understood, created and experienced.”

His culminating project, Again, But Different, built an entire performance from familiar movement. Dance Professor Elizabeth McPherson, MFA Dance coordinator, says Cameron “approached every single assignment with insight and depth of thinking, often bringing in personal examples from his own teaching practice.” His thesis, she notes, used everyday gestures – often in humorous ways – “to show just how meaningful they can be when structured for performance.”

From stage to classroom

For Cameron, turning ordinary actions into choreography is another way to invite people in, and �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s low‑residency MFA in Dance gave him the structure to pursue that work. The two‑year program features asynchronous online study and summers spent inside the Montclair dance studios.��

“We were sweating and moving and doing all the creative practices that we could physically,” mixed with academics in dance technology and media, anatomy and movement analysis.

Montclair also let him step into the role he’d been working toward by giving him classroom experience teaching Dance Appreciation to undergraduates.��

I’m in such a happy place now. I’ve found that, at an older age, I can still be on stage, but that’s not my main focus. My main focus is to be an educator, to enjoy the benefits of being a dance professor.”

From Nutcracker kid to Commencement speaker

The roots of that commitment go back to his childhood in Lynn, Massachusetts. His parents, Paul and Claire Brewer, got him into lessons after he began dancing around the house, mimicking The Nutcracker’s Rat King. “My parents worked hard and made sacrifices so I could have opportunities to dance. My dad even sanded the studio floors at my dance school and took on extra work to help make my training possible,” he says.

“When I say I’d missed my moment, I tried one year of college at SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Dance right out of high school,” Cameron says. “Fourteen thousand dollars for out‑of‑state tuition was just too much for my family. I also wasn’t very focused. I just wanted to dance professionally.”

At 20, he left for Florida to take a job at Busch Gardens in Tampa. “I ended up staying with that company for almost 12 years, working on cruise ships, dancing around the world, and being a production corporate dancer,” he says.

From performer to pedagogue

After moving back to Boston, teaching was always in the back of his mind, but he refused to do it halfway. “I knew that when I was going to teach, I wanted to do it correctly, and I knew I needed an education to do that,” he says. “That’s not hyperbole.”

That chance came when his husband, Kell Cameron, a business school professor, got a job at the University of South Florida and Jason enrolled at Hillsborough College, a nearby community college, giving him affordable access to general education classes and dance coursework.��

“Once I got this academic bug, I couldn’t stop,” he says. He transferred to the University of Tampa on scholarship, drawn to its focus on pedagogy. From there, his sights turned north.

“Montclair was what I’d had my mind set on for quite a while,” he says. “Their reputation in our little dance world is phenomenal.”

When he thinks about how far he’s come, his mind goes back to those early living‑room Nutcracker performances before he ever set foot in a studio. From there to world dance tours and now earning a Master of Fine Arts to become a teacher, Cameron says, “Dance is just a part of my being.”

“I’m just not kicking my face and doing triple pirouettes and all that kind of jazz much on stage anymore.”

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.

Afriyie-Addo’s walk across the stage at 2026 Commencement next week makes him the first graduate of the Cali Pathways project, which launched in 2021 and helps talented young musicians access the guidance, training and resources they need to pursue music in college and beyond.

��“I really appreciate the Pathways program because I wouldn’t be in college without that entry into Montclair,” he says.

He studied music for two years before switching his major to business and sees parallels between the two.����

“There are similarities between music and business, particularly in terms of community, leadership and freedom,” he says. “The best music comes from people sharing a common emotion and playing the music together – and the best businesses come from people sharing a common goal together.”

A late start and a sharp shift

Afriyie-Addo’s path to the stage was anything but traditional. While many musicians begin their training in early childhood, Afriyie-Addo didn’t discover his passion for music until his junior year of high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. While doing some spring cleaning, his mother pulled a keyboard from the closet and Afriyie-Addo decided to teach himself to play by ear.

To support his newfound passion and talent, his mother found him a piano teacher. Afriyie-Addo recalls hearing a fellow student play what he mistakenly thought was an original piece but turned out to be one of Beethoven’s piano sonatas in E flat major.

“I was astonished. It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever heard,” he says. That’s the moment he was hooked on classical piano and decided, “wow, I want to sound like that.” He practiced at every opportunity.

Inspired by his choir and piano teachers and bolstered by a scholarship, he began a rapid ascent into the world of performance and composition.

During his time at the Cali School, he also discovered and fell in love with jazz and studied under Adjunct Instructor David DeMotta, who describes Afriyie-Addo as “an inspired student who consistently pushed himself to master the art of improvisation.”

“It was wonderful to watch him develop from his first introduction to jazz piano into a self-motivated and serious student of the art form,” DeMotta says. “Isaac has the type of deeply curious and professionalized approach to learning and achievement that will allow him to find continued success within and beyond jazz piano.”

The composition of commerce

Even after switching majors, Afriyie-Addo stayed involved with the Cali School. His leadership skills were put to the test when he took charge of organizing – and performing in, of course – the Hues Concert at the Cali School’s Leshowitz Recital Hall earlier this year. Even when faced with a snowstorm delay, Afriyie-Addo utilized his networking and marketing acumen to ensure the event was a success, showcasing the business skills he honed in the classroom.

He also wrote original compositions for dancers and others. That’s when he fell in love with and pivoted to jazz. “Jazz is a lot like composition in real time, you’re composing in the moment, and that felt thrilling.” The bigger pivot, however, came when he switched his focus to business partly because he had an interest and could see the commonalities in both, as well as “the influence of my family wanting the best for me financially,” he says.��

The Hues Concert experience fueled an interest in event coordinating; he hopes to continue to fuse his business and music acumen. “I want to create a venue or business that allows artists to be able to perform and put themselves out there,” he says.

A future in fusion

While school kept him busy, he also found time for other interests, volunteering at a hospital and shadowing an executive at a retail store to learn data analytics.

Wherever Afriyie-Addo ends up when he enters the professional world, he knows music will remain a lifelong passion.

“I can’t see myself without it. I’m someone who has a lot of interests, and I can balance doing multiple things at once. Whether it’s performing, creating or building spaces that allow other people to connect, that’s something that really is something that I strive for. One of the best ways to bring people together and comfort others is through the universal language of music.”

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.

The two sophomores appear in “The Elementary Spacetime Show,” a show about a teenager who attempts suicide and ultimately finds herself in a cosmic Vaudevillian game show. The imaginative new musical by César Alvarez, with a book by Alvarez and Emily Orling, features more than two dozen Montclair student performers, stage managers and musicians. Performed at �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Alexander Kasser Theatre, students debuted a special concert presentation at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium on April 26.

Kavuma, who plays a giant mosquito and belts out a showstopping solo, says: “I’m very excited to say I made my Lincoln Center debut at 20 years old.”

For Smith, her role marks her debut production. “It’s an amazing thing. I get to tell people and put on my resume that I performed at Lincoln Center in New York City.”

Ryan Kasprzak, head of Musical Theatre at Montclair State, explained that the creative team behind “The Elementary Spacetime Show” was seeking a company of actors that they felt could sustain the musical in a full production. “We’re grateful that, once they got to work with our students, they felt this is a company of actors who are capable of carrying this piece.”

Despite the show’s heavy subject matter, “there is a surprising amount of levity, which helps the audience access the deeper questions about humanity and what it means to exist,” Kasprzak says.

Montclair students, faculty, and staff benefit from exceptional cultural engagement at Lincoln Center, located just across the Hudson River from campus. The iconic venue has showcased: an opera created by Professor Scott Richards of the Cali School of Music. Additionally, Montclair’s Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Assistant Professor Oscar Perez, performs annually at the renowned Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Most recently, Music History Assistant Professor Leah Batstone presented a pre-performance talk on Verdi’s La Traviata at the Metropolitan Opera, an event attended by Cali School of Music Director Shea Scruggs, along with various faculty members and students.

About the Collaboration

The production came about because of a professional relationship between Alvarez and Theatre and Dance Professor Kathleen Kelley. Alvarez and Orling have been working on the musical for many years. “It has always been part of the plan to fully realize it with students,” Alvarez says. “‘The Elementary Spacetime Show’ is meant to be a space of transformation for young people, and the brilliant young artists at Montclair are the perfect people to bring it to life.”

The production includes students from first-years to seniors. According to Dante Green, a New York-based director who has collaborated with Alvarez and Orling for a decade, the students brought an essential authenticity to the storytelling.

“The students are incredibly talented and very mature and nuanced with their performances,” Green says. “The age of the Montclair students aligns perfectly with the characters, making it a very authentic casting and learning experience.”

Green also suggests that if the show continues development, there exists “a strong opportunity to continue collaborating with the students after this production is over.”

Why �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Musical Theatre Program Stands Out

Only 12 miles from New York, �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Musical Theatre program offers students the best of both worlds: Access and opportunities to audition for productions while maintaining a mid-size campus life and small class sizes.

“We are uniquely situated geographically, in the sense that students get a four-year career launch,” Kasprzak says. “They’re going to spend time in New York City, they’re going to go to auditions, see a bunch of different shows, build these creative relationships, and that’s a huge advantage.”

That proximity and the valuable industry connections and experiences attracted both Longview, Texas native Kavuna and Jacksonville, Florida native Smith. “It’s very reassuring to know that our professors are actively working. They’re in the industry. Everyday,” Smith says.

�ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Musical Theatre program has seen an 86% increase in auditions for admission over the last two years, Kasprzak says, noting that this year, 1,600 students auditioned for 20 spots.

“It has become extremely competitive to get into the program, so we’re really taking the top 5% of applicants,” Kasprzak says. “So, while the freshmen maybe don’t have any expectations, I know how gifted they are and how talented and how unique.”

Vibrant Theater Scene in the Garden State

�ѴDzԳٳ���������’s program also offers myriad local and regional opportunities, says Head of Theatre Studies Jessica Brater, who directed a student production, a collaboration between Montclair and , at the in Montclair. “The Quilt Keepers,” a play written by Montclair alumni, Dania Ramos, BFA Acting ’98, weaves a tale of Montclair’s 4th ward.

“Although we’re lucky to be so close and connected to the NYC theater community, there is an active and exciting professional theater world right here in New Jersey,” she says. “Many of those theaters have employed our students both before and after graduation because of the relationships we have built with them.”

The Vanguard Theater’s Producing Artistic Director Janeece Freeman Clark is also an adjunct professor at Montclair. “I know firsthand the caliber of talent, curiosity and heart these students bring. They have been collaborators in every sense, and their various roles of responsibility mirror the reality of professional theater in a way that a classroom alone simply can’t.”

How Theatre Students Engage with the Local Community

Building a show from the ground up, based on an historic neighborhood for a local theater production, helps fulfill the University’s larger role of benefitting local communities, Brater says. “Part of the University’s mission is to bring the resources of the University to benefit communities beyond the campus gates. This works both ways – faculty and students benefit from what we learn from communities, and it helps us in our work as a university to prepare well-rounded citizens,” Brater says.

As a bonus, she adds: “It demonstrates for both students and community members that the arts can be a powerful tool for activism, education and collective memory.”

Advice for Future Theatre Studies Students

Montclair students in “The Quilt Keepers,” which was two years in the making from development to production, have valuable advice for prospective theater students.

• Elijah N. Maldonado, a senior Theatre Studies major, values how the major encourages students “as artists and theater makers to branch out and try new things.” He urges others to seek faculty support for guidance.
• Maxwell Hollis, a sophomore who has explored both acting and lighting design, emphasizes that “professors are willing to work with you one-on-one” and advises students to never be afraid to ask for help to get the most out of the program.
• Senior Kaitlyn Valentin, who gained skills in management and design, suggests students “try everything once” and volunteer for student-run shows. She believes that “a theater person can”t get a job if you’re not multifaceted.”

Join the Next Generation of Storytellers

Are you ready to take your craft from the classroom to the local, area or world stage? Explore our BFA in Musical Theatre, BA in Theatre Studies or many other programs in the College of the Arts. Apply today.

“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 �ѴDzԳٳ���������’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.

“I decided to come to Montclair because it’s close to the city, and my career goals are focused on working there while I’m still young,” says Haskell, a Social Media and Public Relations major with a Business �����Դǰ�.��

“Compared to other schools, Montclair is much more affordable and I know I’ll be able to pay off debt and make use of the connections I formed.”

Emma Haskell prepares to board the train to New York from the ����vlog Station, located directly across from her dorm. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Emma Haskell rides the train into New York City en route to her entertainment public relations internship. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

At Montclair, affordability and opportunity go hand in hand. With tuition lower than many comparable institutions and a location just 12 miles from New York City, the University offers students a powerful combination of accessible education, real-world experience and long-term value.

�ѴDzԳٳ���������’s national recognition highlights its strong outcomes for graduates. According to the WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges rankings – which emphasize how well institutions prepare students for financial success – Montclair graduates receive an average salary boost of $34,013 above what they could expect from attending another college. The typical graduate recoups the cost of their education in just one year and seven months, placing Montclair among the fastest for payback period among all U.S. public universities.

As Chantelle Wright, assistant vice provost for Experiential Education and Career Connections, explains, �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s rankings tell a deeper story.

“We were particularly excited because for us, it means that when people talk about the University being mission-driven, we actually see that trickle down,” she says.

As an Admissions Ambassador, Emma Haskell guides prospective students through campus, helping them envision their Montclair journey. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

What Students Say ����vlog’s Value

Haskell gives campus tours to high school students, who most often ask about campus life and academics. She wishes more would ask about rankings and financial considerations to better prepare for the long run.

Not enough students ask about cost and value, but it’s a good question. It’s important to know what you’re signing up for.” – Emma Haskell

For students like Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major, those questions about value made all the difference.

“I’m from Maryland, so not too far away,” Mayfield says. “I considered several schools, but Montclair had the best program for the best price, and I was really impressed by the arts here.”

Through her work at the campus radio station WMSC 90.3 FM – where she co-hosts and co-created the program More Animation – her role as a student worker in Calcia Hall, and her active participation in the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, Mayfield has discovered both creativity and opportunity.

Mayfield’s academic load reflects her passion through both digital and traditional illustration, and her classes allow her to apply her interests in different ways. For example, in “Products and Zines,” students are preparing their own art and custom products to sell at the Society of Illustrators’ MoCCA Arts Festival in the spring.

“I’m really happy to be taking such varied classes because it allows me to explore different ways to apply both my skills and major,” she says.

In class, Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major from Maryland, hones her animation skills as she prepares for a future in visual development for film and television. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

Hands-On Learning That Drives Success

Experiential learning stands at the heart of the Montclair experience.

“It means being able to experience your future career,” says Wright. “It’s about taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it to your aspirations.”

For Jose Carlos Aguilar, a double major in Political Science and Child Advocacy and Policy, that philosophy has shaped his time at Montclair. Through internships, policy research, fellowships and campus leadership roles, he has turned academics into action – tackling real issues in government, child welfare and advocacy.

“I know for sure I want to commit to public service,” Aguilar says.

Inside the Montclair Edge

Students can access:

• Internships and co-ops,��micro-interships, campus jobs and community partnerships that apply classroom learning to real-world contexts
• A national network of more than 7,000 approved employers – including global companies and local organizations
• Career guidance and mentorship from faculty, advisors and alumni invested in student success
• Individualized support through interview training and resume development, job fairs and employer connections

“Students need to practice and experience a ‘day in the life’ of the profession they aspire to,” Wright adds. “That’s what experiential learning is – testing out your career goal.”

In his first semester, Jhonny Moncada, a Fashion Design and Merchandising major, is already taking advantage of opportunities for hands-on experience.

Freshman Jhonny Moncada is making the most of �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s resources and opportunities. Majoring in Fashion Design and Merchandising, he’s applied for a mentorship program—an opportunity he learned about from his academic adviser in the College of the Arts.

“Montclair has a very supportive environment that wants to see you succeed and advocates for you, that genuinely invites me to invest more of myself,” Moncada says.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Begin Your Montclair Journey?

Explore our nationally ranked programs, visit campus, , or.

Rooted in the visionary art book “Black Metal”—co-authored by Ari Melenciano, Jordan Caldwell, Jeremy Kamal and Kordae Jatafa Henry—this exhibition expands the text’s radical ideas into immersive, participatory installations. The book, developed in collaboration with MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative, NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, and supported by the Ford Foundation, introduced “Black Metal” as both speculative future and spiritual pedagogy.

About the Exhibition

“The Age of Black Metal” transports audiences into a far-future world where the principles of “Black Metal” have reshaped society. Visitors will encounter interactive installations, speculative artifacts and artistic works that reinterpret the book’s four chapters:

• “Celestial Florilegia” by Ari Melenciano introduces a cosmic ritual practice, revealing botanical consciousness and quantum intuition.
• “Companion 180, Vol. 1” by Jeremy Kamal offers a shamanic guide linking voyager, spacesuit, body and spirit.
• “Dark Voyage” by Kordae Jatafa Henry presents cinematic portraits of interstellar life through graphic storytelling.
• “Training Grounds” by Jordan Caldwell provides metaphysical exercises for shedding, integrating�� and grounding the self.

In addition to immersive installations, the exhibition features The Orbit—a dynamic installation of contemporary works and speculative artifacts by artists influenced by “Black Metal.” Visitors will be invited to craft personal koans, engage in metaphysical exercises and reflect on the expansive futures Black culture can imagine when free of limits.

Programs and Events

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

Opening Reception: Tuesday, September 23, 5–7 p.m., George Segal Gallery and Alexander Kasser Theater Lobby. Remarks at 6 p.m. by Dean Gurskis and Ari Melenciano.

Art Forum: Monday, September 22, 5:20 p.m., George Segal Gallery. Ari Melenciano will discuss the vision behind “The Age of Black Metal.”

Panel Discussion: Wednesday, October 15, 12 p.m., Segal Gallery. This interdisciplinary panel explores ideas of collective liberation through the context of “Black Metal.”

“Black Metal” Film Screening and Discussion: Wednesday, November 5, 12 p.m., George Segal Gallery. A special screening of the film adaptation of “Black Metal,” followed by a conversation with Ari Melenciano.

Visitor Information

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

Kasser Theater Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday, 12 – 6 p.m.

Additional Saturday hours and appointments available.

digital guide offers behind-the-scenes insights from artists and curators, available on site or remotely.

����vlog State University Galleries

����vlog Galleries fosters dialogue, curiosity, and shared understanding through art. Presenting diverse and inclusive exhibitions, the Galleries connect the University with local and global communities. Learn more at montclair.edu/galleries.

Follow @montclairstategalleries and use #MontclairStateGalleries to join the conversation.

Exhibition Support and Contact

This exhibition is made possible, in part, by the McMullen Family Foundation, the Dolph Gallery and Museum Studies Fund, �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s College of the Arts and generous private contributions.

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

Archer was one of those 31 students. She remembers the moment she learned about the gift from her former professor, Cris Hassold. She assumed it would be something small – maybe enough for a dinner or a keepsake. But the $100,000 she received changed her life. “I literally opened my first savings account with it.”

Still, Archer adds:

The true inheritance isn’t about money – it was about the way Cris taught me to look at the world. The real gift was the way she encouraged me to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and approach art and history with openness and curiosity. It’s something I try to pass on to my students here at Montclair.”

Now the incoming chair of the Department of Art and Design, Archer reflects on how much of her path has been shaped by Hassold’s influence.

“I didn’t start with a clear plan. I was 18, unsure, and not convinced college was for me,” she says. “But meeting Cris changed everything.”

Archer joined Montclair in 2018 to teach . She was drawn to the University because so many of its students reminded her of herself – driven, curious and navigating the financial and personal challenges that can make higher education feel out of reach.

“I come from a family with a lot of heart and a lot of love – but not a lot of financial means,” she says. At her father’s urging, she applied to New College in Sarasota – and got in with a full scholarship.��

“Studying art helped me see value that wasn’t economic. I learned to see cultural value – and to understand that culture has the power to shape identity and meaning,” she says.

It’s a lesson she now shares with her Montclair students.

“If I can do anything for my students, it’s to help them recognize the value of culture – the cultures they come from, the ones they maintain and embody.”

She adds, “I love those moments when a student sees something in class and says, ‘Wait! This is what I grew up with — I didn’t know it was valuable.’ And I get to say, ‘It is, but this is because you and your community make it meaningful. It’s valuable because you’re valuable.’ That’s what Cris did for me. And that’s what I try to do for them.”

Over the years, Archer has received emails from former students about works of art they recently saw and recognized from her class. “In those moments, I feel their world expanding. It gives me chills. That’s the dream – not teaching students what to think, but how to think.”

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Nicole Archer, incoming chair of the Department of Art and Design, says her path was shaped by her mentor’s influence.

Archer is currently completing research for a new book on the role of textiles in shaping cultures of violence. She’s also curating a 2026 exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, using the American flag to explore themes of political participation, empowerment and community.

One of her most treasured possessions is a photograph from her college graduation in 1999. “Cris was camera shy,” Archer says. “She only let us take a photo with her on graduation day. That picture has followed me everywhere – London, California. It’s always been with me.”

When she looks at it now, she sees more than a moment.

“I see the beginning of everything – grad school, teaching, publishing, mentoring. Every time I help a student take that next step, it feels like I’m honoring Cris’s legacy.”

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students and Parents: Learn about Montclair admissions and the College of the Arts. ��Plan your visit��and take your first step in��applying to become a Red Hawk!
• Journalists: Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview.

When Emmanuel Ozias arrived at ����vlog as a first-generation student from East Orange, New Jersey, he brought with him a powerful mindset: stay focused, stay consistent and chase something bigger than yourself.

That mindset became his brand.

What began with a few blank T-shirts quickly evolved into Lock1n, a successful global sports apparel business. Today, Ozias ships merchandise worldwide, partners with college athletes, and designs custom uniforms for high school teams across New Jersey – all while completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial and Product Design.

Dorm Room Hustle to Global Sales

As a freshman, Ozias set an ambitious goal: to start a business and work for himself by the time he graduated.

“I had to learn about marketing, I had to learn about design, I had to learn about the sales channels and distribution in China,” he explains. “I educated myself on how to run a business, especially a clothing brand.”

It all started with a name. “ means singular focus at the task at hand,” Ozias says. “I’ve always been goal-oriented. I wanted something that reflected who I am.”

Armed with a winning concept, Ozias got to work – sketching designs and reaching out to manufacturers overseas.

“I was talking to almost 100 manufacturers a day. I was learning how to negotiate, learning about materials and fabrics.” He took the leap and ordered his first sample. “That’s when I knew – OK, I’m all in.”

He taught himself how to design a website, market his products, and build an audience – all without paid advertising.

“I used , which was a new platform at the time. I was able to use the algorithm to reach a lot of customers. In the first two years, I brought in about 200,000 people. I had orders from Dubai, Alaska, Australia, and I shipped out almost 2,000 orders.”

Giving Back Through Design and Mentorship

Emmanuel Ozias on campus at ����vlog. “I’ve had incredible mentors here – faculty who believed in me and pushed me to think bigger,” he says. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Ozias’ brand success is matched by his commitment to giving back. He returned to his alma mater, East Orange STEM Academy, to design custom football uniforms – honoring the program that shaped him.

Now, he’s designing uniforms for multiple school districts, including Irvington and Jersey City, and learning the ins and outs of becoming an educational vendor.

Ozias credits ����vlog for helping him thrive – thanks in large part to strong mentorship and the Cooperman College Scholars Scholarship, which supports first-generation students from Essex County.

“The Cooperman Scholarship helped take a huge burden off my shoulders. It allowed me to focus on my work, both in the classroom and in my business,” he says.

His mentors say he stood out from the beginning.

“As a sophomore, he served on multiple panels for high school conferences, where he shared his college experiences and gave students tools for success,” says Rahjaun Gordon, senior director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Success Programs.

“He was a student leader and participant in BarbershopEDU, a group that inspires male students by offering a safe space for mentorship, engagement and community building,” Gordon adds. “Throughout all of his endeavors, he represents EOF to the highest standard.”

Ozias was honored with the MEGA Impact Scholar Award from �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Male Enrollment and Graduation Alliance for his commitment to mentoring students and athletes in his hometown.

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Ozias plans to expand Lock1n and step into a creative director role – combining his passion for design, fashion and athletics.

“I’ve seen full teams and individuals outfitted in his brand,” says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs. “Emmanuel’s drive, poise and creativity are unmatched. I fully expect to see his brand continue to grow globally – and we’re proud to have played a small part in his journey.”

Ozias adds: “At Montclair, I learned how to take an idea and bring it to life. I’m passionate about pushing boundaries – and I’m staying locked in. Always.”

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students and Parents: Learn more about Montclair admissions, our College of the Arts, the Education Opportunity Fund and College Access and Success Programs.
• Journalists: Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.

Growing up in Union, New Jersey, Alyssa Muñiz dreamed of a life onstage – and she made it happen.

From touring internationally with Norwegian Cruise Lines to starring in an Off-Broadway show and even performing at legendary New York City venues like 54 Below, Birdland and the Blue Note, Muñiz built an impressive career in the performing arts.

But after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Muñiz found herself asking a big question: Was there something more?

“I love music, and I love singing,” Muñiz says, “but I just felt like something was missing.”

That’s when she stumbled upon music therapy – a field where she could use her talents not just to entertain, but to heal.

At 32, Muñiz will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy along with fellow College of the Arts graduates.

Choosing ����vlog for Music Therapy

Muñiz found a free music therapy course online and found her calling. So, when it came time to formally study music therapy, Muñiz knew exactly where she wanted to go.

“I always wanted to go to Montclair,” she says. “It’s a beautiful campus, and the music therapy program is incredible. All our professors are literally in the textbooks we read – the profession is blooming right now.”

Muñiz was accepted to both ����vlog and Berklee College of Music, but ultimately chose Montclair for its congenial community, hands-on learning and proximity to New York City’s endless opportunities.

“I found it to be really welcoming,” she says. “The professors are so approachable and down-to-earth.”

She also found a welcoming culture and opportunities for growth. “What I found was a real community – people I could lean on. Montclair did a great job of helping me stretch, expand and find my voice again.”

Associate Professor of Music in Music Therapy Michael Viega says: “Alyssa has always brought her full life experience to her training as a music therapist. As a musician she is exceptional, able to play in many styles with fluidity and competence. She has been a mentor to many, with her inquisitive but grounded insight.”

From Touring the World to Making a Difference at Home

Today, Muñiz is completing her music therapy internship at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, where she works with a wide range of populations, including kindergarten to fifth-grade students with ADHD, disabilities or trauma, adults with disabilities and seniors with Alzheimer’s.

“Music is this amazing thing,” she reflects. “When my grandma had Alzheimer’s, we used music to help change her mood, even help her eat. Now, every day, I see how music therapy impacts people’s lives.”

Her journey has come full circle. Looking back, Muñiz realizes that even her earlier performing roles – in Pip’s Island and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! – had elements of music therapy built in through its messages of emotional learning and connection.

“I’m doing what I love,” she says. “It’s so rewarding.”

Viega says he can’t wait to see where Muñiz’s career takes her. “She is going to be a wonderful music therapist filled with care, empathy and love for health and humanity.”

What’s Next for Muñiz

After graduating, Muñiz plans to become board-certified and work as a music therapist or start her own private practice specializing in music therapy for Alzheimer’s patients, their caregivers and even performers struggling with confidence.

“I’m so confident in what I’m doing now,” she says. “Music therapy is powerful, and I’m ready to take it wherever it’s needed – whether that means finding a job or creating my own opportunities.”

And when she walks across the stage, it will symbolize much more than earning a degree. She knows her family and boyfriend, Montclair alumnus Wesley DeSouza ’16, will celebrate her achievement – and so will she. During her academic career, Muñiz has supported herself through commercial advertising work, performances and even bartending, all in addition to her internship.

“I’m really proud of myself,” she says. “I did this all on my own. When I throw my cap in the air, I’m going to cry like a baby because it’s been 15 years of hustling – and now, I can finally breathe.”

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.��

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

• Interested in Studying Music Therapy at Montclair? If you’re a music student who wants world-class training and the opportunity to make a real impact, the Music Therapy program at the John J. Cali School of Music could be for you.
• Prospective Students or Parents: Learn more about College of the Arts programs or apply to ����vlog.
• Journalists:��Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.

The quartet members are part of the Cali Collective Ensemble, an immersive two-year program where graduate students earn an Artist’s Diploma Certificate while developing real-world performance experience. The Ensemble consists of seven students, including the Trillium String Quartet. �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Graduate Quartet Residency is among fewer than 15 such programs at prominent music schools in the country.

“Any string quartet like ours is looking at about five different programs, and Montclair is one of them, and that’s how we found this,” says violinist Judith Kim, a Seattle native.

Trillium is made up of violinists Kim and Altier, violist Sydney Link of Cincinnati, and cellist Amelia Smerz of Chicago. All now living in the New York City area, they decided to pursue the immersive opportunity Montclair offers.

“The aim is to prepare string quartets for professional careers through intensive study and performances,” says Cali School Director Anthony Mazzocchi, a GRAMMY®-nominated educator.

What Sets �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Graduate Quartet Residency Apart?

One quartet is selected every two years for intensive study and performance opportunities. Program highlights include:

• Dedicated quartet studio and weekly private lessons
• Full tuition, including $7,000 annual stipend
• Regular coaching with faculty and quartet in residence
• Artist’s Diploma Certificate – A post-master’s credential centered on real-world experience
• Outreach-Focused Curriculum – Students may perform in prisons, shelters, and veterans’ facilities through the Music for All Seasons partnership
• Access to Cali Immersive Residency – Opportunities to perform with world-renowned artists, such as 19-time GRAMMY®-winning banjoist Béla Fleck or the two-time GRAMMY®-winning Attacca Quartet, gaining insight from guest professionals

“There are not that many programs where you can just be a quartet and that’s your focus,” says Smerz. “We got to play with Béla Fleck, who is a great musician. Those kinds of experiences are cool, and they have stretched us and given us a lot of opportunities that we wouldn’t have otherwise.”

A Performance Partnership with Music for All Seasons

Through a unique partnership with (MFAS) — a nonprofit connecting professional musicians with underserved audiences – the students perform in nontraditional settings, from juvenile detention centers to shelters and veterans communities. The partnership is in keeping with �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s commitment to academic excellence and as a public-serving institution.

“We’re bringing the music to the people,” says Altier. “We really love when we get to bring music to places where people may not get it as often. We always learn that people find it very touching, and seeing those smiles is a big part of what fulfills us.”

Performances like the one at Valley Brook Village allow students to connect one-on-one with their audience. “This is super personal,” says violist Link. “We could speak to each one of our audience members if we wanted to.”

MFAS Executive Director Rena Fruchter says MFAS has a relationship with Valley Brook Village, where the organization has also provided veterans with therapeutic songwriting workshops. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for the veterans to experience the students who were part of the partnership,” she says.

A Legacy of Connection

The partnership with Music for All Seasons has deep roots. Mazzocchi first performed with MFAS while in a trombone quartet at the Manhattan School of Music. Actor Dudley Moore was a major supporter of the nonprofit at the time, and Mazzocchi’s quartet played at a birthday party for him, as well as his funeral. His MFAS experience was formative, he says.

“I learned to communicate with so many different humans in various settings,” Mazzochi says. “It set me up in profound ways as a musician, educator and leader.”

So, when MFAS approached Montclair about a partnership, it was a no-brainer. “I wanted our students to have the same experiences I did at their age,” Mazzochi says.

Fruchter agrees that the program goes far beyond technical performance training.

“Most students in a performing arts program work primarily on their musical skills. What makes this program different is that it expands the students’ horizons,” she says. “This is a mentorship program, and these appearances are part of their educational curriculum.”

MFAS pairs students with mentors, audiences and opportunities that broaden their understanding of music’s role in society.

Diane Michaels, a harpist who has performed on Broadway, in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and with Tony Bennett at Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City, mentors the quartet. She offers advice and feedback on the musical program and engages with the audience. “Trillium comes to the collaboration possessing a host of skills beautifully suited to fulfilling the MFAS mission, and it has been a pleasure mentoring them.”

Looking to the Future

The Trillium String Quartet plans to stay together long-term. Next year, they’ll teach at a chamber music program in Vermont. “We want to be a quartet for the rest of our lives,” says Smerz, “performing and traveling and playing in as many different places for as many different people as we possibly can.”

At Valley Brook, the impact of the quartet’s performance was clear. One veteran pretend-directed slower classical pieces, some tapped hands and feet to livelier jazz tunes, such as “Take the A Train” and several sang along to “Hallelujah” and “Amazing Grace.”

“It was wonderful,” says Lacy. “My favorite part was ‘Amazing Grace,’ which is why I requested it the second time.”

Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.

Interested in Studying Music at Montclair?

If you’re a music student who wants world-class training and the opportunity to make a real impact, graduate programs at the John J. Cali School of Music could be for you.

Are you a…

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about the Cali Collective Ensemble, Graduate Quartet Residency or the Cali Immersive Residency or apply to ����vlog.

Journalist?

Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.