When the members of the Class of 1962 and earlier classes returned to campus for the annual 50th and 50-plus reunion celebration in May, they brought decades of memories with them.

In 1962, average annual income was $5,550 and a brand-new house cost $12,000. The year the class of 1962 graduated, the US was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth and Marilyn Monroe died. And in the ensuing years, they experienced decades of change: the Civil Rights Movement; the Feminist Movement; numerous wars from Vietnam to Iraq; the global economic collapse; and the first African American president.

To commemorate their milestone reunion, Montclair State alumni traveled from as far as California, Arizona and Texas. The Class of 1962 participated in the University’s 2012 Commencement exercises where 4,262 degrees were conferred. Those not participating in Commencement attended a gathering on campus in the President’s Dining Room overlooking the New York City skyline.

Later in the day, the graduates of all classes attended a luncheon in their honor in the University Hall Conference Center. The festivities gave alumni the opportunity to visit with former classmates, renew old friendships, reminisce and tour the campus to experience the exciting changes that have taken place at Montclair State since their days as students.

Dorothy Bognar ’62 felt that the opportunity to participate in the Commencement exercises was the highlight of her experience: “The Class of 1962 was fortunate for the opportunity to participate in this expertly organized event. The graduation ceremony with the recognition and admiring attention bestowed upon us, as well as the ability to reconnect and share camaraderie with former classmates was truly a treasured, memorable experience for me.”

Ralph Rizzolo ’62 was thrilled to attend, noting, “Everything was professionally done. My wife and I felt most comfortable. The staff was outstanding. Congrats on a job well done. We look forward to attending again as a member of the 50-plus reunion group.”

Alumni Relations expressed gratitude to the Reunion Committee members for all their hard work and dedication in making this such a memorable event: Joseph Attanasio ’62, Andy Durborow ’62, Ken Tekel ’62, Ester Godoy Wierhelig ’62 and Joan B. Whitehead ’62.

If you have not had the chance to do so already, there is still time to join your fellow classmates who, together, have contributed more than $6,000 to the Class of 1962's gift in support of the Second Century Scholarship Fund. To contribute, contact Deb Corasio at 973-655-4207.

Calling all members of the Class of 1963!

Planning is already underway for the Class of 1963 50^th Reunion Celebration! Mark your calendar to join your classmates on May 23 and 24, 2013. Visit montclair.edu/1963Reunion for a tentative schedule of events. Check back often for updates. We will keep you posted as specific information becomes available. If you would like to join the planning committee and help reach out to your classmates, contact Deb Corasio at 973-655-4207.

Calling all members of 50-plus Classes!

Celebrate the anniversary of your graduation from Montclair State by returning to campus. The 50-plus Reunion Celebration will take place on May 24, 2013. All alumni who graduated prior to 1963 are welcome to attend. In addition, we will celebrate the following milestone years: Class of 1958, 55th reunion; Class of 1953, 60th reunion; Class of 1948, 65th reunion and the Class of 1943, 70th reunion. Visit montclair.edu/50+Reunion for more information on the celebration.