{"id":216331,"date":"2025-11-26T15:14:22","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T20:14:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/alumni\/?p=216331"},"modified":"2025-11-26T15:26:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T20:26:56","slug":"alumni-gather-at-the-new-jersey-education-association-njea-convention-to-connect-with-the-college-for-education-and-engaged-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/alumni\/2025\/11\/26\/alumni-gather-at-the-new-jersey-education-association-njea-convention-to-connect-with-the-college-for-education-and-engaged-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Alumni Gather at the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention to Connect with the College for Education and Engaged Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University welcomed Red Hawks to an Alumni Reception as part of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention on November 6, 2025. The group gathered at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for an evening of professional networking, a heartfelt reunion and updates from their alma mater, the <\/span>College for Education and Engaged Learning<\/a><\/strong> at Montclair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were thrilled to return to Atlantic City for the NJEA Convention and to welcome our incredible alumni educators. The gathering offered a joyful opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, reconnect with one another and honor the dedication that continues to shape our schools and communities. It was a wonderful reminder of the connections we\u2019ve built \u2014 and the even stronger ones still ahead,\u201d said Jeanne Marano, associate vice president for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the Atlantic City Convention Center, the Montclair table was buzzing with energy. Alumni stopped by to celebrate how far they\u2019ve come since graduation and learn about opportunities to reconnect with their alma mater through graduate programs, professional development opportunities and more. Guests also learned about alumni benefits and engagement activities like upcoming events, affinity groups and the digital platform MONTCLAIRconnect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There were plenty of fun giveaways, lots of laughter and meaningful moments as familiar faces returned to say hello. Most of all, our team loved telling everyone, \u201cWe\u2019re so happy to see you!\u201d It was a warm, spirited reminder of the strength of our community and the lasting impact of our shared roots.<\/span><\/p>\n

Briana Curtis, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, connects with an alumnus on the convention floor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Dean Vincent C. Alfonso and Lauren Conforti of the College for Education and Engaged Learning pose with Rocky the Red Hawk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Attending the NJEA Convention with a table on the floor and interacting with hundreds of participants was exhilarating! But even more exhilarating was meeting and talking with more than 100 alumni at our reception!\u201d said Dean Alfonso. \u201cLook for more next year as the College continues to move onward and upward.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Montclair\u2019s alumni reception hosted Red Hawks for an evening that strengthened bonds and sparked new connections. Guests who lived in the area or traveled to Atlantic City for the convention caught up with fellow alumni and learned about what’s new and exciting at Montclair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gwendolyn Anthony-Garnett ’79 proudly shared a photo of herself and her roommate in a campus residence hall wearing Montclair gear.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alumni heard updates from the College and about ways to stay connected to the alumni network. Guests shared memories and reconnected with peers who walked similar paths \u2014 creating an atmosphere rich with camaraderie and shared Red Hawk pride. The school\u2019s vision incorporates community partnerships to provide students with a locally-rooted experience that emphasizes a commitment to service.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dean Alfonso shared information about the newly created <\/span>CEEL Center Consortium<\/span><\/a>, comprising six centers:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n