June 2009
News & Notes

Montclair State Graduates Largest Class
Commencement exercises took place at the Izod Center at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, Fri., May 22. Speaking and receiving honorary degrees at the ceremony were:

• The Honorable Cory A. Booker, mayor of the City of Newark, who received a Doctor of Laws
• John J. Cali, founder of Cali Futures, Chairman Emeritus, Mack-Cali Realty Company, who received a Doctor of Letters

During her Commencment remarks President Cole reminded our graduates that "Public higher education and institutions such as Montclair State University are the critical enablers of American democracy. There cannot be a free society or a just society or a prosperous society where that society does not provide for the education of its people. The role of a responsible and contributing citizen in a democracy is a difficult and complex one, and it takes preparation and education. You have had the privilege of that education – a privilege denied to many in this world – and you, and your families, and we in this University, have worked hard to make that privilege possible for you. And now, you must let nothing stand between you and your future, for we will be expecting to find each and every one of you in the years to come in all those places where well-educated and dedicated people are working toward the progress of society and the well being of people."

President Cole also reminded Commencement participants of the need to continue to inform state legislators about the importance of public higher education to the state, and urged everyone to join the NJ College Promise Action Network to aid in this cause.

To view more about Commencement 2009 click here.

Class of 1959 Celebrates Golden Anniversary
Members of the Class of 1959 celebrated their 50th anniversary last month. They began their celebration with a cocktail reception on May 21 in the University Hall Conference Center. The next day, members of the Class of 1959 were honored at the Commencement ceremony. The reunion class (pictured above) led the procession wearing academic caps and gowns and the "official" golden anniversary sash. Following Commencement, the Class of 1959 gathered to reminisce at a luncheon in their honor.

MSUAA Holds Membership Appreciation Brunch & Annual Meeting
The Montclair State Alumni Association Membership Appreciation Brunch and Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, May 30 in the University Hall Conference Center. MSUAA members, scholarship recipients, their families and professsors were in attendance. The event began with welcome remarks from MSUAA President James Wassel and University President Susan A. Cole. As part of the Alumni Association's commitment to supporting the University, Wassel presented Cole with a check for $50,000, representing the first of eight installments toward the Association's $400,000 pledge.

Scholarships for the 2009/2010 academic year were awarded to more than 30 undergraduate and graduate students (pictured above). The Legacy Scholarship was awarded to incoming first-year student, Andrea Felano. Andrea is the granddaughter of Florence Conforti Felano '53 and Victor Felano '53 '72 M.A. and the great niece of Lucia Conforti '49. Graduating from Butler High School this month, she will begin her studies at MSU in the fall.

Also, recognized were retiring members of the Executive Board: Patricia Ackershoek '59 '71 M.A., Joseph DiMichele '91 '93 M.A., Florence Felano '53, Margaret Hait '70 '76 M.A., Philip Kiernan '95, Vivian Lalumia '86, Mary Santorella '89, Maria Schantz '60 M.A., and Elaine Yaccarino '88 '92 M.A. Wassel thanked these members for their years of service and dedication to their alma mater.

Inductions of new members to the Executive Board, who will begin their terms in the fall, also were held. Inductees were: Secretary, Barry Bernstein '00 and members at large: Arlene Crescenzi Allen '64, Evan Childs '98, Patrick McGuinness '72, Robert Renshaw '96 and Michele Wilk '75.

Lastly, as a result of the recent assessment of alumni services and programs by an independent consulting firm, the MSUAA Board made a committment to begin implementing the process for the establishment of a new organization whose mission will be to enhance the bond between the University and its alumni and offer even more opportunies and benefits to students and alumni. One of the immediate changes involve the revision of bylaws regarding membership structure. As of July 1 all persons who have earned their degree from Montclair State University are considered members of the MSUAA and the Montclair State University alumni community. The pay-for-membership program was dissolved by virtue of formal vote at the meeting.

Carpe Diem Luncheon Honors Alumni and Friends
Members of the Carpe Diem Society, a group of Montclair State alumni and friends, joined University administrators and students on May 7 for the second annual Carpe Diem Society luncheon on campus. Honoring those who have made a commitment to Montclair State through their estate plans, the luncheon featured a presentation by Dr. Joseph Moore ’59 M.A. and a slideshow of historical images showcasing the University’s rich history. A string trio of students from the John J. Cali School of Music performed several selections and graduating senior Vaughn McEnough, Jr. ’09 shared his perspective on student life at Montclair State.

For more information about the University’s Planned Giving program, please visit www.montclair.edu/plannedgiving or contact Judy Linder ’83 at 973-655-5454.