Press Releases – Press Room /newscenter Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:45:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Spring Gala Showcases Montclair’s Ambitious Vision for the Future /newscenter/2026/04/30/spring-gala-showcases-montclairs-ambitious-vision-for-the-future/ /newscenter/2026/04/30/spring-gala-showcases-montclairs-ambitious-vision-for-the-future/#respond Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:30:50 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227741 Celebrate Montclair: A Spring Gala shined a spotlight on all that Montclair has achieved – and turned our attention to the University’s ambitious vision of the future.

Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters welcomed the glittering crowd of nearly 300 guests that included Steve Adubato ’80 and Evie Colbert, and shared a video illustrating the impact of contributions to the University as a lead-up to presentation of the evening’s honorees.

Kent Sluyter, chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented the first of the event’s two awards to Rose C. Cali ’80, a devoted alumna and lifelong champion of Montclair whose leadership, philanthropy and service have strengthened the University and enriched the community for decades. He noted the many ways that Ms. Cali has contributed to Montclair, including as a Trustee, as a Foundation Board member, and as champion of the John J. Cali School of Music. Through her philanthropy, including an endowed scholarship she established with her late husband, John, Ms. Cali has opened doors for generations of talented music students.

Faculty Emeritus Rich Peterson presented the second award to Ori Eisen ’97, an innovator and global leader in cybersecurity whose career protecting people online, and whose commitment to giving back, exemplifies the impact of a Montclair education. His curiosity, and his dedication to uncovering the facts, contributed to his success as the fraud czar at American Express and later as a provider of fraud detection software to financial institutions. Today, he is known around the world as “Dr. Fraud.”

When President Koppell took the podium, he highlighted the enormous impact that a public-serving institution like Montclair, one that is devoted to accessibility and excellence, can have in students’ lives, and in the community.

“We promote the public good in the communities we serve,” he said. “Universities, and public universities in particular, are anchors: rooted in our communities, shaped by them and committed to their long-term wellbeing. We make real change through community partnerships, research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.”

After sharing the achievements of some of the University’s most promising students and most accomplished faculty members, Dr. Koppell pointed to ѴDzԳٳ’s selection as one of the first institutions designated by the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, making Montclair one of only four institutions to be recognized as a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution and as a Carnegie-classified community engaged as well as research institution. “It is a significant achievement, and an enormous responsibility, to be a national leader in both scholarly purposes and public engagement,” he noted.

Dr. Koppell’s remarks hit a particularly high note with the announcement of the Carpe Futurum Fund, a new initiative that will invest in scholarships, research and collaboration, and community partnerships that will position Montclair as the standard-bearer of public higher education. “The Carpe Futurum Fund will allow us to build on our vision, share our story and continue delivering both access and excellence,” he said, adding that the expanded access for students, enhanced academic programs and strengthened community partnership created by the Fund will benefit Montclair and its students for generations to come.

Dr. Koppell was in the process of appreciating the range of disciplines taught at Montclair, as demonstrated by the evening’s honorees – a professor dedicated to fighting cybercrime and a philanthropist who is deeply invested in nurturing new generations of musical artists – when a dozen or so of ѴDzԳٳ’s talented performing art students launched into a surprise performance. By the time they completed their rendition of “You Can’t Stop the Beat” and “Another Openin’ Show,” the audience was awed, inspired and ready for a truly gala evening.

In closing, Dr. Koppell thanked everyone in the room for their contributions to the past, present and future of Montclair. He also invited the guests to take a moment to speak with the students in attendance. As he put it, “in them, you will see the impact of everything we do, and everything we value, at Montclair.”

Celebrate Montclair: Spring Gala Photo Gallery

See additional photos in our and view our .


Photos by John J. LaRosa and Ian Peters for ǿ޴ý University

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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to Receive Honorary Degree from ǿ޴ý University /newscenter/2026/04/30/new-jersey-governor-mikie-sherrill-to-receive-honorary-degree-from-montclair-state-university/ /newscenter/2026/04/30/new-jersey-governor-mikie-sherrill-to-receive-honorary-degree-from-montclair-state-university/#respond Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:23:43 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227791 New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill will receive an honorary degree from ǿ޴ý University at its annual Commencement Exercises on Tuesday, May 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Sherrill, who has devoted her career to serving others as a Navy helicopter pilot, former federal prosecutor and Congresswoman before becoming New Jersey’s 57th Governor, will give the Commencement address as part of the morning ceremony.

“Governor Sherrill embodies the values at the core of ǿ޴ý University,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “Her lifelong commitment to public service, her pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive society and her record of transparent, fact-driven policymaking align closely with our mission. She has been part of the Red Hawk community for years as our neighbor and Congressional representative, and I am honored to have her address our graduates during her first Commencement as Governor.”

Governor Sherrill’s time in office – representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District before becoming Governor in January – has been defined by efforts to better the lives of Garden State residents, families and our many diverse communities. As Governor, she has focused on making New Jersey affordable by freezing utility rate hikes and promoting a more transparent and accountable state government.

After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1994 – the first class of women eligible for combat roles on ships and aircraft – Governor Sherrill spent 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, where she served as a Sea King Helicopter pilot and led missions throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Following her time in the Navy, she graduated from law school and worked in private practice before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. As an Outreach and Re-entry Coordinator, she established programs to develop trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve and helped people leaving prison to gain employment, housing and education to restart their lives. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, she prosecuted federal cases to keep the state’s communities safe and worked to take illegal guns off the streets of New Jersey.

ǿ޴ý University’s Commencement Exercises will be held on both May 11 and May 12 at the Prudential Center. For more information, visit ѴDzԳٳ’s commencement website.

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Get Into Montclair Early: How the Early Bird Program Helps High Schoolers Start Senior Year Stress-Free /newscenter/2026/04/15/get-into-montclair-early-how-the-early-bird-program-helps-high-schoolers-start-senior-year-stress-free/ /newscenter/2026/04/15/get-into-montclair-early-how-the-early-bird-program-helps-high-schoolers-start-senior-year-stress-free/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:12:41 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227711 When Dana Brzezinski opened an email the summer before her senior year of high school, she got the news every student waits for: she was in. Through ǿ޴ý University’s Early Bird Junior Admission Program – which invites high-achieving juniors to (for free) and receive an admission and scholarship decision before senior year – Brzezinski learned months ahead of her classmates that she had a spot at the university she already loved.

​​That early decision changed everything. Brzezinski hadn’t expected an answer so quickly. “Then I got the email and I was like, ‘Oh, I got into college.’” In that moment, she says, the whole process suddenly felt real and changed the tone of her final year at Howell High School.

“It was a little more relaxing,” she says. While she did go ahead and apply to other colleges, “It definitely made the application process more manageable and a lot less stressful.” Because the program is non‑binding, Brzezinski could keep exploring options while holding a secure offer at Montclair.

Dana Brzezinski stands on a grassy quad at ǿ޴ý University, talking with two friends in the foreground while other students sit and gather in small groups across the lawn.

Dana Brzezinski talks with friends on the ǿ޴ý University quad on a spring afternoon. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

What Sealed the Deal?

By the time she applied, Brzezinski had already fallen for the campus. “I liked the community, and all of the buildings are beautiful,” she says. “You could tell that the staff, the professors, when you saw them walking around, you could tell that they like their jobs.” She also noticed something different about the students: “You see all the students outside together, talking instead of everyone just looking down at their phones. I feel like it’s just different here.”

Now an aspiring elementary school teacher and first‑year Educational Foundations major, Brzezinski is already getting involved in campus life. She has joined the Future Educators Club and is eyeing the gardening club and other activities. “Overall, my freshman year is pretty good,” she says. “I can already tell that the elementary education program is a great fit for me.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

High school juniors who want the same head start can learn more at Early Bird Admissions Program. Submit the online by June 15 to be considered. Look out for admission decisions and preliminary scholarship offers in July. Use early offers to talk with your family about finances and plan your next steps.

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Distinguished Alumni to be Honored at Celebrate Montclair Gala /newscenter/2026/04/08/distinguished-alumni-to-be-honored-at-celebrate-montclair-gala/ /newscenter/2026/04/08/distinguished-alumni-to-be-honored-at-celebrate-montclair-gala/#respond Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:02:46 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227682 ǿ޴ý University alumni Rose Cali ’80 and Ori Eisen ’97 will be honored for their distinguished careers and commitment to serving the public good on Thursday, April 16 at the inaugural Celebrate Montclair gala, an event recognizing the excellence and impact of the University’s mission.

“Rose and Ori exemplify the very best of ǿ޴ý University,” said Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “Rose exemplifies the spirit of community and generosity that we seek to cultivate. Ori has had a remarkable career launched by his years at Montclair. In different ways, each has transformed lives and communities while remaining closely connected to the values and mission that define Montclair.”

Headshot of Rose Cali

Rose C. Cali ’80

A proud alumna of ǿ޴ý University, Rose has served the University in many capacities, including as a Trustee beginning in 1991, and as a member of the ǿ޴ý University Foundation Board and the John J. Cali School of Music Advisory Board. She is also the founder and former President and CEO of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center.

Her loyalty and love for the University live on through an endowed gift for music student scholarships that Rose and her late husband, John, established. Through the John J. Cali School of Music, the Cali family’s generous support has transformed the University’s music program, strengthening its growth and excellence and impacting hundreds of students through scholarships.

Rose has also dedicated herself to countless causes in New Jersey, including the Montclair Public Library, Montclair Film Festival, Liberty Science Center and Jazz House Kids, among others.

“I love to attend events and concerts at the University and especially enjoy attending performances by the amazingly talented students from the Cali School,” says Cali.

 

Headshot of Ori Eisen

Ori Eisen ’97

Dedicating his life to fighting online crime, Ori Eisen’s distinguished career has seen him serve in prominent roles at American Express and found both companies and charities – all while supporting his alma mater.

After serving as the Worldwide Fraud Director for American Express, Eisen founded 41st Parameter – the leading online fraud prevention and detection solution for financial institutions and e-commerce. After 41st Parameter was acquired by Experian in 2013, he founded Trusona, the company he still operates today.

Also a dedicated philanthropist, he has founded the charity, Ball to All, a charity that donates free soccer balls around the world to children who have never had one, and founded Original Films, partnering with the world’s most creative storytellers to tell stories that need to be told. He also volunteers with Thorn, the digital defenders of children.

Ori and Mirit Eisen, through their generous philanthropy, established the Eisen Mental Health Fund at ǿ޴ý University. The fund is currently supporting a pilot project that improves student mental well-being utilizing the evidence-based Penn Resilience Program.

“We wanted to support the students of ǿ޴ý University with a groundbreaking program for mental well-being. It is hard enough to get accepted into higher education, and it is harder to stay a student with all of life’s challenges. Giving students the tools to cope with the stress and create more work/life balance is a dream come true.”

Proceeds from the Gala will establish the President’s Carpe Futurum Fund, which will fund University priorities to help Montclair seize the day and best serve the future. Through the Carpe Futurum Fund, the University will broaden access to rigorous education and exceptional learning opportunities by providing scholarship support, advance research and form partnerships that enhance prosperity, democracy and wellbeing in the communities it serves.

The funds will also count towards ѴDzԳٳ’s ONE DAY for Montclair campaign totals, helping the University create opportunities, elevate achievements and celebrate its students.

“The Carpe Futurum Fund is designed to ensure Montclair continues to expand opportunity, invest in innovation and deepen our impact in the communities we serve. By supporting our students, our research and our partnerships, this fund will help us build a future that is more inclusive and responsive to the challenges of our time,” says Koppell.

Celebrate Montclair is open to the public and will be held in the University’s Conference Center, located on the seventh floor of University Hall. Visit the Celebrate Montclair website for more information.

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2026 College Rankings: ѴDzԳٳ’s Graduate Programs Ranked Among Nation’s Best /newscenter/2026/04/07/2026-college-rankings-montclairs-graduate-programs-ranked-among-nations-best/ /newscenter/2026/04/07/2026-college-rankings-montclairs-graduate-programs-ranked-among-nations-best/#respond Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:55:14 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227677 U.S. News & World Report has released its , and ǿ޴ý University programs are once again ranked among the best in the nation.

The Montclair programs that participate in the annual survey include Education, Public Health, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, Clinical Psychology, Business specializations including Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing and Supply Chain Management; Fine Arts and the University’s Part-Time MBA program.

Highlights from the 2026 Best Graduate Programs Rankings:

ѴDzԳٳ’s Graduate Offerings

Montclair offers 116 graduate and eight doctoral programs across a range of disciplines in its 13 colleges and schools.

“We are very proud of this recognition of the exceptional quality of ǿ޴ý University’s graduate programs,” says Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Fatma Mili. “It affirms our mission to provide excellent education and make it accessible to students in our communities and beyond. These programs have been specifically designed to meet the needs of the region’s workforce and to allow professionals to upgrade their skills in ways that fit their lives and careers. These rankings show why Montclair continues to be a top-choice institution for students at all stages of their lives.”

Are You A…

Prospective Student? Make your deposit now or take the first step toward applying to become a Red Hawk.

Journalist? Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic.

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Disney Princesses Have Become More Left-Handed Over Time, New Montclair Study Finds /newscenter/2026/04/02/disney-princesses-have-become-more-left-handed-over-time-new-montclair-study-finds/ /newscenter/2026/04/02/disney-princesses-have-become-more-left-handed-over-time-new-montclair-study-finds/#respond Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:00:14 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227667 Disney princesses have become more left-handed over time, according to a new study by faculty and student researchers in ѴDzԳٳ’s Psychology department.

The change suggests a wider cultural acceptance of the “sinister” hand preference, and offers representation for lefty fans of the beloved animated films.

The findings, “Princess hands: Handedness of protagonists versus antagonists in Disney’s ‘Princess’ animated movies,” were recently published in the academic journal .

Main findings

  • Before about 1992, princesses were more right-handed than villains. Over time, princesses got more left-handed, while villains’ handedness stayed the same.
  • In general, the characters were less strongly handed than in real life — most would be considered ambidextrous by the researchers’ definitions.
  • Tiana (“The Princess and the Frog”) and Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”), both princesses, are the most left-handed; Villains Jafar (“Aladdin”), Dr. Facilier (“The Princess and the Frog”) and Namaari (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) were also left-handed.
  • Mor’Du (“Brave”) and Maleficent (“Sleeping Beauty”) — both villains — were identified strongly right-handed.

More about the study

The research team, which included two undergraduate students at Montclair, examined hand use of princesses and villains in 13 official Disney Princess movies. They counted how many times each princess or villain performed various activities with one hand or the other, using three different handedness questionnaires including the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI).

“Our goal was to see if villains were more left-handed than princesses because culturally, evil is associated with the left-handed, and whether any left-evil associations had changed over time, given changes in culture,” says Ruth Propper, lead researcher and professor of Psychology.

Each Disney princess and villain was assigned a handedness score (-100 being perfectly lefty and +100 perfectly righty) and the results show that over time, princesses have become less right-handed, especially after about 1992, while villains have remained stable in their handedness.

Overall, the characters were much less right-handed than the human population.

What the researchers say

Prior to 1992, Propper explains, princesses were more right-handed than villains, while after 1992 princesses became more left-handed than villains.

So, what changed?

“We suspect that there are many factors at play here.” Propper says. “One possibility is that around the early 1990s the ‘Nine Old Men,’ the animators responsible for most Disney movies from the 1930s to the 1990s, retired.

“It’s possible that the new animators who were hired had less bias against left-handedness, as cultural views about lefties had changed. Certainly there are likely pragmatic reasons as well, and we don’t know the actual handedness of the animators, which could also have been a factor.”

Why it matters

The research and methodology were inspired by existing research Propper encountered analyzing early 1900s documentary footage to estimate rates of left-handedness at that time. Propper and her research team took the innovative approach a step further, utilizing Disney princess films that offer clear distinctions between protagonists and antagonists and allow for meaningful comparisons across character types.

Additionally, “because the characters are animated, handedness is a deliberate choice made by animators, which may reflect cultural assumptions or biases, rather than simply the natural handedness of an actor,” Propper says. Since the Disney princess films span roughly 80 years, this also gave researchers an opportunity to examine potential cultural shifts over time.

Propper says this study demonstrates that research does not always need to be complex or highly technical. And, it speaks to representation.

“Left-handed individuals have often been described as lacking a clear cultural identity and may feel overlooked or negatively stereotyped,” says Propper. “Seeing left-handed traits reflected in familiar and beloved figures, such as Disney princesses, can contribute to a sense of inclusion and reduce feelings of isolation.”

The findings also suggest a societal shift over the last 80 years: left-handedness appears to be more accepted today than in the past, and is no longer associated with the same negative or stigmatized beliefs as it once was.

“These films are culturally iconic, widely recognized, and meaningful to many audiences, which makes them a relevant context for this type of analysis,” Propper says.

For media inquiries

Contact the Media Relations team to schedule an interview with the researcher about this topic. See more Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.

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ǿ޴ý University Earns National Recognition for Nonpartisan Civic Engagement Efforts /newscenter/2026/03/24/montclair-state-university-earns-national-recognition-for-nonpartisan-civic-engagement-efforts/ /newscenter/2026/03/24/montclair-state-university-earns-national-recognition-for-nonpartisan-civic-engagement-efforts/#respond Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:23 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227611 ǿ޴ý University has been awarded the Highly Established Action Plan Seal for the 2026 election cycle by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, recognizing the University’s exemplary commitment to promoting civic engagement among its students.

This distinction is awarded to institutions that develop and implement robust, data-informed action plans designed to increase civic learning, political engagement and student voter participation. ǿ޴ý University’s plan earned 31.5 out of 36 possible points on the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Guide (SADG) Rubric, placing it among the top-performing campuses nationwide.

Montclair is one of 129 colleges and universities across the country to receive this prestigious recognition for the 2026 election cycle, underscoring its leadership in fostering a culture of civic responsibility and student participation in democracy.

Since joining the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge in 2016, ǿ޴ý University has consistently developed and refined action plans aimed at institutionalizing civic engagement efforts. These plans emphasize inclusive, equitable and sustained strategies that extend beyond election cycles and are embedded across academic and co-curricular experiences.

ǿ޴ý University’s Office of Civic and Voter Engagement developed the action plan submitted to the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The plan highlights the University’s ongoing work to expand civic learning, increase student voter participation and strengthen nonpartisan engagement across campus. Through voter registration drives, educational programming and campus-wide initiatives, the office works to ensure students have the knowledge, resources and opportunities to participate fully in the democratic process while advancing the University’s broader goals for civic participation.

For more information about the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge and the Highly Established Action Plan Seal, visit .

 

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Montclair History Professor and ‘Good Morning America’ Producer Honored with Trailblazer Awards /newscenter/2026/03/18/montclair-history-professor-and-good-morning-america-producer-honored-with-trailblazer-awards/ /newscenter/2026/03/18/montclair-history-professor-and-good-morning-america-producer-honored-with-trailblazer-awards/#respond Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:55:50 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227585 ǿ޴ý University History Professor Leslie Wilson, associate dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was honored with a Trailblazer Award at the 2026 Male Enrollment and Graduation Alliance (MEGA) Symposium, recognizing a career spent helping students understand not only history but their own power to shape it.

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 ѴDzԳٳ’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.

From left, Rahjaun Gordon, Tommy Foster, Leslie Wilson and Daniel Jean stand together; Foster and Wilson are holding their Trailblazer awards.

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 ѴDzԳٳ’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.

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An Exhibition Celebrating Notable Montclair Alumni Artists and Their Creative Impact /newscenter/2026/01/27/an-exhibition-celebrating-notable-montclair-alumni-artists-and-their-creative-impact/ /newscenter/2026/01/27/an-exhibition-celebrating-notable-montclair-alumni-artists-and-their-creative-impact/#respond Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:53:31 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227462 ǿ޴ý University celebrates the creative achievements of its alumni with “Carpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts,” a dynamic group exhibition featuring internationally celebrated artists alongside emerging creators. Among the most prominent artists are ’05, renowned for her vibrant quilted portraits that reframe narratives of Black identity;  ’78, the late, groundbreaking conceptual artist whose work reshaped contemporary performance and installation art; and (1943), the iconic poet of the Beat Generation whose legacy continues to influence American culture.

“Carpe Diem” is presented by the Office of Alumni Engagement and Development and ǿ޴ý University 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 ǿ޴ý University. 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, ǿ޴ý University 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 ǿ޴ý University 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, ǿ޴ý University

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.

About ǿ޴ý University Galleries

ǿ޴ý University 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

ǿ޴ý University 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.

 

 

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/newscenter/2026/01/27/an-exhibition-celebrating-notable-montclair-alumni-artists-and-their-creative-impact/feed/ 0 /newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/01/Metaphorically-1-300x288.jpg
2026 College Rankings: U.S. News & World Report Ranks Montclair Among Best Online Programs /newscenter/2026/01/27/2026-college-rankings-u-s-news-world-report-ranks-montclair-among-best-online-programs/ /newscenter/2026/01/27/2026-college-rankings-u-s-news-world-report-ranks-montclair-among-best-online-programs/#respond Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:19:18 +0000 /newscenter/?p=227455 ǿ޴ý University has been recognized in multiple categories of the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, led by a Top 5 national placement for its online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.

ѴDzԳٳ’s online Master’s in Educational Leadership improved to No. 5 (tie), up nine spots from No. 14 in the 2025 rankings.

For the first time, Montclair also earned a ranking in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs category at No. 56 (tie), reflecting the University’s growing portfolio of online undergraduate degree completion options which now includes Business Administration, Economics, Family Science and Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing RN to BSN and Psychology.

ѴDzԳٳ’s online graduate business offerings were also recognized, with the University’s Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (non-MBA) ranked No. 53 (tie) nationally, an eight-spot increase from No. 61 in 2025. The ranking highlights the strength of ѴDzԳٳ’s online Master of Science programs in Business Analytics, Digital Marketing Analytics, and Human Resource Analytics.

Additional 2026 ranked programs include:

“ǿ޴ý makes everything around learning as simple as possible, from applying, to navigating coursework, to getting student support when questions come up,” says Marc Austin, vice provost and managing director, Montclair Unbound. “These U.S. News rankings reflect the work behind the scenes to deliver a high-quality online experience that’s engaging, well-supported and designed for student success. Students should be able to focus on the hard work of study; we streamline the rest.”

U.S. News & World Report program rankings are based on scores from five categories – student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and opinions of academic experts across 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

Are you a:

Prospective Student: Explore ǿ޴ý’s full range of programs, from fully online undergraduate degrees to online and low-residency master’s and doctoral offerings as well as career-advancing certificates and certifications.

Media Member: Contact the Media Relations team for further details or to schedule an interview.

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