 |
Theresa
Concepcion
Major: English with a minor in Pre-law Columnist, The Montclarion Executive Board Member, Latin American Student Organization Member, Honors Program Member, Golden Key Honor Society Studied abroad in Nice, France Greatest Accomplishment: Taking a legal research class brought out my love and talent for the law. I have discovered my path in life. Through focus, dedication and a great deal of encouragement, I have been accepted to several law schools, including Cornell University School of Law and Fordham University School of Law. Being faced with another overwhelming but welcome decision as reward for my efforts is my greatest achievement. "The most appealing aspects about Montclair State University are its outstanding faculty and the diversity of people and organizations. I have been lucky enough to benefit from the support, encouragement and mentorship of professors whose presence in my life made all the difference in my success at Montclair. It is largely because of the caring faculty at this university that I have been able to reach my potential." "The lessons I've learned at MSU go far beyond any textbook knowledge I have obtained. Our university has banded together in times of tragedy and triumph. Because of the professors, students and organizations that have enriched my life, I leave Montclair State carrying the lessons I've learned, such as facing and overcoming adversity, remaining steadfast, determined and motivated in the pursuit of my goals, and appreciating and attempting to understand our fellow men and women." |
 |
Melissa Strauss
Major: Physical Education and Health Education Member, TALON (Teaching Athletes Leadership Opportunity Now) Member, Varsity Volleyball Assistant, Dean's Office in Education and Human Services Assistant, Athletics Office Member, Intramural Waterpolo Greatest Accomplishment: Organizing the first Student Athlete Formal. "What I love most about MSU is that there is so much diversity. I am now more open to diversity and other cultures. You can make friends wherever you look." "I will miss my college days but I know I will be able to conquer any challenges I may face in the future. I have grown and become more mature and independent. I will take with me all the skills I have learned that will prepare me for the real world, and I will always remember the close friends I have made." |
 |
Jillian M. Salvatore
Major: Physical Education with a concentration in Adult Fitness Fitness Instructor/Office Assistant, Campus Recreation Executive Member, RecBoard Director, Recreation and Athletics, Student Government Association Greatest Accomplishment: Being involved in campus activities. With more involvement came more responsibility and a lot more fun. Now I help organize events on campus that provide an entertaining atmosphere for the students, faculty and staff. These events help make MSU one of the best colleges to attend in New Jersey. "I grew up in a small town with all the same type of people. Now I know people from all over the world. I have learned about their traditions and customs, I have tried their foods and listened to their languages. They have become a huge part of my life." "When I leave MSU I will take with me the friendships I have made and the experiences that have helped me become who I am today. There are so many valuable life lessons I have learned, such as that teamwork is more effective than trying to take it all on yourself; that when you put hard work into something, you are going to get a great result; and that college is more than just books, parking spaces and classes…it is a time to discover who you are and what you are capable of becoming." |
Bret Contreras, 21, worked hard to earn a spot in this
year's commencement ceremony when he will receive a degree in marketing
and management. He hopes the next spot he earns will be on the Professional
Bowling Association (PBA) Tour. Contreras finished 12th out of 145 in
his first professional regional event in March and is making his way
to the national tour--an impressive start for a professional bowler
who got into the sport because he wanted to spend more time with a friend.
"One of my best friends couldn't sleep over our house because he
had bowling Saturday mornings," he recalled. "So we joined
the league so we could have sleepovers on Friday nights. Ever since
then I've embraced the sport. I like everything about it." When
Contreras was a child learning to bowl at the now-extinct 88 Lanes in
Point Pleasant, the manager would announce on the intercom that the
future PBA member was on lane 17. According to Tony Norcia, Contreras's
coach since junior high, he became so good that everyone won a free
game if Contreras missed a spare.
 |
Later this month Cricket Denton will march down the aisle at
Continental Airlines Arena to receive a master's degree in counseling.
In June she'll strut down the runway to compete for the title
of Miss New Jersey. |
Click here to read about the three graduating seniors who received the first President's Carpe Diem Award.