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Your Connection to Montclair State

Posted in: Alumni News and Events

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Life after Montclair State means being part of a powerful network of over 110,000 alumni. Graduates from various majors and programs have come together to form a range of affinity groups – groups with a shared common bond or mutual interest. Gatherings held for Attorney Alumni, Alumni Campus Employees, the SGA and more, allow alumni to connect with one another and current students as they build and strengthen their Montclair State University alumni network.

SGA Alumni

Recently, SGA Alumni gathered on campus for their first official alumni gathering. Alumni had the opportunity to attend a portion of a current SGA meeting, followed by a reception. At the event, alumni heard from Dr. Karen Pennington, Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life. Current SGA members had the opportunity to network with alumni and hear their stories. 

Matthew Lerman, current SGA President, along with Jewel Boyd, Director of Alumni Relations for the SGA, spoke to how important it is for current students such as themselves to have this opportunity, and note that they hope to host these gatherings annually. All alumni in attendance, including graduates from 1968 through 2014, shared stories of their favorite memories and valuable experiences at Montclair State.

The gathering was a partnership between the SGA and Alumni Relations. Last fall, current SGA members reached out to SGA Alumni to raise funds for the Emergency Scholarship Fund and the Red Hawk Pantry. In addition to raising nearly six hundred dollars, students also chatted with former SGA alumni about their experiences, and the idea for this gathering was conceptualized based on their conversation.

Attorney Alumni Network

In 2010, Dr. Marilyn Tayler and Professor Avram Segall of the Political Science and Law Department launched the Attorney Alumni Network. Since its inception, the group has grown to include more than 250 alumni who represent a wide spectrum of law careers from those sitting on or retired from the bench to recent Montclair State graduates who are currently enrolled in law school.
Each year, the group comes together to network with each other and learn about engagement opportunities, including mentoring with current students, speaking in a class and sponsoring a student in the Pre-Law Internship Program. Save the date for the 7th Annual Attorney Alumni Network gathering on November 9.

Alumni Campus Employees

As graduates of Montclair State and members of the campus community, Alumni Campus Employees draw upon their firsthand knowledge to build strong connections. More than 500 faculty and staff earned either their graduate or undergraduate degrees from Montclair State.

Alumni Campus Employees use their experiences to create strong connections with current students, and understand the importance of being active alumni. Over the past academic year, they have volunteered at Homecoming 2016 where they were able to interact with students and fellow alumni throughout the day.

The Office of Alumni Relations hosts appreciation luncheons, barbeques and roundtable discussions that allow Alumni Campus Employees the opportunity to offer feedback about events and activities, philanthropy and other initiatives.
Those interested in getting involved with the Alumni Campus Employee committee and/or volunteering at events should contact Deb Corasio at 973-655-4207 or corasiod@montclair.edu. Be sure to save the date for the Fifth Annual Alumni Campus Employee Appreciation BBQ!

Admissions Alumni Recruitment Team

The offices of Undergraduate Admissions and Alumni Relations work with a volunteer team comprising alumni of all graduation years who help to recruit the next generation of Red Hawks.
As members of the Alumni Admissions Recruitment Team (ART) these volunteers attend college fairs at high schools, admissions open houses and Accepted Students Days. Through these volunteer opportunities they remember their own Montclair State journeys and share their firsthand experiences with prospective students and their families.
Giving back to the University through volunteer opportunities is just one way that alumni can help to make a difference. To get involved with the Alumni Admissions Recruitment Team contact Stacy Albanese at 973-655-5465 or albaneses@montclair.edu. To volunteer at an upcoming event or college fair, visit the event page.
No matter what the affiliation, Montclair State alumni are invited to stay connected with the University in a number of meaningful ways. From volunteer and networking opportunities to participating in class/affinity reunions there’s something for everyone. We invite you to visit our new online community platform and visit the affinity pages to learn more. To get involved, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 973-655-4141 or alumni@mail.montclair.edu.